The Locky ransomware is a type of malware that primarily spreads through email attachments. It typically arrives as a malicious file attached to phishing emails, which when opened by the recipient, executes the ransomware payload. Locky encrypts files on the infected system, rendering them inaccessible to the user, and demands a ransom payment in cryptocurrency to restore access. The ransomware uses strong encryption algorithms, making decryption without the attacker’s key infeasible. Although this specific report dates back to 2016 and is categorized as OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) with a low severity rating, Locky ransomware historically has been a significant threat due to its widespread distribution via spam campaigns and its ability to cause substantial disruption. The infection vector relies on social engineering to trick users into opening malicious attachments, often disguised as invoices, documents, or other seemingly legitimate files. Once executed, Locky can also attempt to spread laterally within a network, increasing its impact. The lack of known exploits in the wild for specific vulnerabilities suggests that the attack relies on user interaction rather than exploiting software flaws directly. The threat level and analysis scores provided indicate moderate concern but not an immediate critical threat at the time of reporting.

For European organizations, Locky ransomware poses a considerable risk primarily through the potential loss of data confidentiality and availability. Encrypted files can disrupt business operations, leading to downtime, loss of productivity, and potential financial losses from ransom payments or recovery efforts. Sensitive or regulated data encrypted by Locky could also lead to compliance issues under regulations such as GDPR, especially if backups or recovery mechanisms are inadequate. The reliance on email as the infection vector means organizations with large email traffic and insufficient email filtering or user awareness training are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, sectors with critical infrastructure or essential services could face amplified consequences if ransomware disrupts operational technology or critical business functions. Although the severity was rated low in this report, the historical impact of Locky ransomware campaigns in Europe has been significant, with many organizations experiencing operational and financial damage.

To mitigate the threat posed by Locky ransomware, European organizations should implement a multi-layered defense strategy. This includes deploying advanced email filtering solutions that can detect and quarantine suspicious attachments and links. User awareness training is critical to educate employees about phishing tactics and the risks of opening unsolicited attachments. Regular and tested backups should be maintained offline or in immutable storage to ensure data can be restored without paying ransom. Endpoint protection platforms with behavioral detection capabilities can help identify and block ransomware execution. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if an infection occurs. Additionally, organizations should enforce the principle of least privilege to reduce the impact of compromised accounts. Applying security patches promptly, although not directly related to Locky’s infection vector, helps reduce the overall attack surface. Incident response plans should be updated to include ransomware scenarios to enable quick containment and recovery.