This threat report concerns malspam campaigns from March 10, 2016, distributing ransomware families Locky and TeslaCrypt. Malspam refers to malicious spam emails that deliver malware payloads via attachments or links. Locky and TeslaCrypt are ransomware variants that encrypt victims' files and demand payment for decryption keys. Locky was notable for its widespread distribution through email campaigns using Microsoft Office document attachments with malicious macros, while TeslaCrypt targeted gamers by encrypting game-related files. Both ransomware types encrypt user data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid, typically in cryptocurrency. The report indicates a low severity level and no known exploits in the wild beyond the malspam distribution vector. The technical details are minimal, with a threat level of 3 (on an unspecified scale) and no detailed analysis provided. No specific affected software versions or patches are listed, as the attack vector relies on social engineering and user interaction to open malicious attachments. Indicators of compromise are not provided in this summary. Overall, the threat represents a typical ransomware distribution campaign via email spam prevalent in 2016, leveraging user interaction and social engineering rather than software vulnerabilities.

For European organizations, the impact of Locky and TeslaCrypt ransomware campaigns can be significant. Successful infections lead to encryption of critical business data, causing operational disruption, potential data loss, and financial costs from ransom payments or recovery efforts. Sectors with high reliance on data availability, such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and public services, are particularly vulnerable. The indirect impacts include reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is affected, and increased cybersecurity insurance costs. Although the report dates from 2016, ransomware remains a persistent threat, and similar campaigns continue to affect organizations. European entities with insufficient email filtering, lack of user awareness training, or inadequate backup strategies are at higher risk. The low severity rating in the report likely reflects the threat context at the time, but the fundamental risks of ransomware remain relevant.

Mitigation should focus on preventing initial infection and minimizing impact if infected. Specific recommendations include: 1) Implement advanced email filtering solutions that detect and quarantine malspam, including scanning for malicious attachments and macros. 2) Enforce strict policies disabling macros by default in Microsoft Office applications and educate users on the risks of enabling macros from unknown sources. 3) Conduct regular user awareness training focused on phishing and malspam recognition. 4) Maintain robust, tested offline and offsite backups of critical data to enable recovery without paying ransom. 5) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to identify suspicious behaviors indicative of ransomware encryption activity. 6) Apply network segmentation to limit ransomware spread within the organization. 7) Monitor threat intelligence feeds for emerging ransomware variants and indicators of compromise. These measures go beyond generic advice by emphasizing macro policy enforcement, backup testing, and advanced detection capabilities tailored to ransomware delivered via malspam.