Ransomware

DNS spoofing occurs when threat actors alter the legitimate DNS server records to redirect users to fraudulent websites instead of their intended destination.

A newly surfaced criminal AI service called MessiahGPT is being openly marketed... as a purpose-built offensive model that writes ransomware, phishing kits, stealers, crypters, and rootkits on demand...

USERNAME & PASSWORD COMPROMISE Attackers can use compromised usernames and passwords to log on to your workstation remotely, or gain acces to your agency’s network.

INFECTED USB DEVICES (USB Sticks, Thumbdrives, Smartphones, Etc) Ransomware can infect a computer when a user attaches an infected USB device. Attackers may leave thumbdrives in public places hoping you will insert them into your computer.

DRIVE-BY-DOWNLOAD Attackers will host ransomware on websites or through advertising networks. Just visiting a malicious site will enable malware or ransomware infection.

In addition, exploitation of vulnerabilities, phishing attacks, and attacks via malicious emails are primary attack vectors to infect victims with ransomware.

A service supply chain attack targets service providers, such as Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and uses their trusted access to deploy malware across multiple customer environments.

Since MSPs are entrusted with managing and operating client networks, attackers can use them as distribution points for malware like ransomware.

You can train your employees to avoid clicking on phishing that brings ransomware...

Finally, Google also announced improved detection of malicious attachments in order to keep out sneaky ransomware and malware pushes.

A well-known example is the 2021 ransomware attack involving Kaseya VSA... Attackers compromised MSPs using Kaseya VSA, and then spread ransomware to many of their downstream customers.

Attachments: Unexpected attachments in emails should be treated with suspicion. They often contain payloads like ransomware or other viruses.

USERNAME & PASSWORD COMPROMISE Attackers can use compromised usernames and passwords to log on to your workstation remotely, or gain acces to your agency’s network.

USERNAME & PASSWORD COMPROMISE Attackers can use compromised usernames and passwords to log on to your workstation remotely, or gain acces to your agency’s network.

A cybercriminal used Claude to develop, market, and distribute several variants of ransomware, each with advanced evasion capabilities, encryption, and anti-recovery mechanisms.

This artifact allows the identification of the execution of both benign and malicious software on a machine... it could be the key to identifying lost artifacts (e.g., ransomware that auto-deletes itself)...

USERNAME & PASSWORD COMPROMISE Attackers can use compromised usernames and passwords to log on to your workstation remotely, or gain acces to your agency’s network.

INFECTED USB DEVICES (USB Sticks, Thumbdrives, Smartphones, Etc) Ransomware can infect a computer when a user attaches an infected USB device. Attackers may leave thumbdrives in public places hoping you will insert them into your computer.

Most recently, a critical pre-authentication remote code execution vulnerability affecting Remote Support and Privileged Remote Access appliances (CVE-2026-1731) was exploited ... to deploy ransomware on vulnerable systems.

This DNS attack routes unsuspecting user traffic to the attacker’s server. This attack is typical among ransomware operators for facilitating communication with the Command and Control Center (C&C) and exfiltrating data from the target device.

A remote attacker could use this vulnerability to download additional malicious code, such as ransomware from another remote location, and execute it on a user’s host.

Then he successfully deployed ransomware, right under the program's nose.

A ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline’s business systems in 2021 led them to disconnect operational systems for five days and caused gas stations to run out of fuel in 13 states and Washington, DC, demonstrating the outsized effect of an attack on one critical energy company.

“Depending on the network configuration, it is also possible to inject and manipulate data. For example, an attacker might be able to inject ransomware or other malware into websites.”

A cybercriminal used Claude to develop, market, and distribute several variants of ransomware, each with advanced evasion capabilities, encryption, and anti-recovery mechanisms.

SOCIAL ENGINEERING Attackers use social engineering to trick you into disclosing confidential information or clicking a malicious link. They study your “digital footprint” (e.g. social media accounts) and create emails designed to exploit your trusted relationships.