A new ransomware strain resembling DragonForce but with unique traits has emerged, possibly connected to an entity called DEVMAN. The sample reuses DragonForce code but adds its own elements, including the .DEVMAN file extension. Attribution is unclear, as the ransom note is identical to DragonForce's. The malware operates offline, probes for SMB connections, and uses three encryption modes. It exhibits different behaviors on Windows 10 and 11, particularly in changing wallpapers. The ransomware encrypts its own ransom notes, likely due to a builder flaw. DEVMAN claims to have stopped using DragonForce months ago, suggesting this may be an experimental or outdated build.
A newly emerged ransomware group called Dire Wolf has been observed since May 2025, targeting multiple sectors globally with a focus on manufacturing and technology. The group employs double extortion tactics, encrypting files and threatening to publish stolen data. Analysis of a Dire Wolf ransomware sample revealed it was written in Golang and uses a combination of Curve25519 and ChaCha20 algorithms for encryption. The malware disables event logging, terminates specific processes and services, and deletes backups and recovery options. Victims are given personalized ransom notes with login details for negotiation. As of writing, 16 victims across 11 nations have been listed on the group's leak site, with the US and Thailand being the most affected.
This report analyzes the activities of two threat actor clusters: TA829 and UNK_GreenSec. TA829 conducts both espionage and cybercrime operations using tools like SingleCamper and DustyHammock. UNK_GreenSec deploys TransferLoader malware leading to ransomware infections. The actors share similarities in infrastructure, delivery tactics, and lure themes, raising questions about their relationship. Four hypotheses are presented regarding their potential connection, ranging from shared third-party services to being the same actor. The report highlights the increasing overlap between cybercrime and espionage activities, making attribution more challenging in the current threat landscape.
This report details a cyberattack where threat actors gained initial access through a password spray attack on an exposed RDP server. They used Mimikatz and Nirsoft for credential harvesting, and employed living-off-the-land techniques along with tools like Advanced IP Scanner for network discovery. The attackers utilized Rclone for data exfiltration via SFTP and deployed RansomHub ransomware across the network using SMB and remote services. The intrusion lasted six days, culminating in widespread encryption and ransom demands. Key phases included initial access, lateral movement, credential theft, data exfiltration, and ransomware deployment, demonstrating a sophisticated and multi-staged attack methodology.
Switzerland says government data stolen in ransomware attack
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/switzerland-says-government-data-stolen-in-ransomware-attack/
BERT Ransomware, active since March 2025, has expanded its operations to target both Windows and Linux environments. The group uses phishing for initial access and communicates via the dark web and Sessions for negotiations. Victims span multiple countries, primarily affecting service and manufacturing sectors. The Windows variant employs multiple file extensions and RSA encryption, while the Linux version shares code with Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware. A weaponized PowerShell script is used to disable security features before payload execution. The ransomware's infrastructure is linked to a Russian firm, suggesting potential ties to the region.
A ransomware attack pushed the German napkin firm Fasana into insolvency
Source: https://securityaffairs.com/179160/security/ransomware-attack-napkin-firm-fasana-insolvency.html
Ryuk ransomware’s initial access expert extradited to the U.S.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/ryuk-ransomwares-initial-access-expert-extradited-to-the-us/
Unusual toolset used in recent Fog Ransomware attack
Source: https://securityaffairs.com/178969/malware/unusual-toolset-used-in-recent-fog-ransomware-attack.html
This comprehensive analysis covers cyber threats targeting financial companies in Korea and globally. It examines malware and phishing cases, top 10 malware strains, and statistics on leaked Korean accounts. The report delves into major financial threats on the dark web, including credit card data breaches, database breaches, and ransomware attacks. A notable case involves the Arkana ransomware group's breach of a global online brokerage firm, In***, resulting in the theft of 50 GB of customer data, including KYC submissions and information of over 163,000 customers. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in trading platforms' identity verification and account protection systems, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures beyond regulatory compliance.
