The threat described is a malspam campaign distributing the Locky ransomware via malicious .docm (macro-enabled Word document) attachments, first observed on May 26, 2016. Locky ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on infected systems and demands ransom payments for decryption keys. The infection vector in this case is email spam containing a Word document with embedded macros. When the user opens the document and enables macros, the malicious code executes, downloading and installing the Locky ransomware payload. Locky is known for its widespread distribution and rapid encryption of user files, targeting a broad range of file types to maximize damage. This campaign's technical details indicate a low severity threat level with no known exploits in the wild beyond the initial infection vector (malicious email). The threat level of 3 (on an unspecified scale) and lack of detailed technical indicators suggest limited sophistication in this particular campaign, but the ransomware itself is a significant risk due to its impact on data availability and potential financial loss. The absence of affected versions or patches indicates this is not a software vulnerability but a malware infection vector relying on social engineering and user interaction (macro enabling).

For European organizations, the impact of Locky ransomware distributed via malspam can be substantial. Successful infections lead to encryption of critical business data, causing operational disruption, potential data loss, and financial costs related to ransom payments and recovery efforts. Sectors with high reliance on data availability, such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and public services, are particularly vulnerable. The campaign's reliance on user interaction (enabling macros) means that organizations with insufficient user awareness training or weak email filtering are at higher risk. Additionally, the presence of Locky ransomware in Europe has historically led to widespread infections, causing reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny, especially under GDPR requirements for data protection and breach notification. While the threat level is marked low in this specific report, the overall ransomware threat landscape remains critical for European entities due to the potential for rapid spread and severe operational impact.

To mitigate this threat effectively, European organizations should implement targeted measures beyond generic advice: 1) Deploy advanced email filtering solutions that specifically detect and quarantine macro-enabled Office documents and known malspam signatures. 2) Enforce strict Group Policy settings to disable macros by default in Microsoft Office applications, allowing macros only from trusted, digitally signed sources. 3) Conduct regular, role-specific user awareness training emphasizing the risks of enabling macros and opening unsolicited email attachments. 4) Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of identifying ransomware behaviors early, such as rapid file encryption or suspicious process spawning. 5) Maintain robust, tested offline backups with versioning to enable recovery without paying ransom. 6) Monitor network traffic for indicators of compromise related to Locky command and control infrastructure, and block known malicious IPs and domains. 7) Apply network segmentation to limit ransomware spread within the organization. These measures, combined with incident response preparedness, will reduce the likelihood and impact of Locky infections.