Ransomware Breach Alert: Gentlemen’s Ransomware Precautions
Hi Readers! A newly discovered ransomware attack called the Gentlemen ransomware has emerged and is causing interruptions to numerous corporate networks across the globe. This is an alarming trend and serves to underline the need for companies to take proactive measures to strengthen their cybersecurity. There has been a consistent increase in the frequency and number of ransomware incidents affecting companies of all sizes.
Introduction: A New Ransomware Breach Raises Alarms
In the most recent article from Cyber Security reports, it was reported that the Gentlemen ransomware has been successfully penetrating networks around the world using complex and highly developed intrusion methods to gain access to a large number of networked computers, make their files unusable by encrypting them and demanding monetary payments to regain access to the files. From a Cyber Security perspective, especially through the lens of an IEMLabs CERT-IN certified laboratory, this is a clear indication of the gaping holes in corporate security postures and highlights the vital necessity for companies to bolster their Cyber Security defenses now, rather than later. Let’s take a closer look at this situation and see what we can learn from it.
An Overview of the Gentlemen Ransomware Attack
What Is Gentlemen Ransomware?
Gentlemen Ransomware is the latest strain of ransomware that targets businesses. It is designed to gain access to a company’s system, encrypt the company’s data, and cause disruption to the company’s daily operations. Similar to the way that opportunistic attacks are typically conducted, Gentlemen Ransomware was created specifically to attack enterprises and disrupt them financially through increased downtime.
Once the initial access has been gained, this Ransomware spreads quickly and will encrypt files, continue to move around the network, and demand payment typically using cryptocurrency.
How Does a Gentlemen Ransomware Attack Occur?
Entry Points to Gentlemen Ransomware
Recent investigations indicate that Gentlemen Ransomware uses many of the same common vulnerabilities as many other types of Ransomware attacks. The most common entry points are through:
Compromised user credentials
Unpatched software vulnerabilities
Malicious phishing emails with infected attachments
Publicly accessible Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services
All of the methods highlighted above illustrate that even the smallest of security errors can lead to a full-blown ransomware breach.
Post-Exploitation Tactics Used by Gentlemen Ransomware
Lateral Movement and Encryption
After attackers have accessed a system, they use several common methods to access all other systems within the network (lateral movement) and to encrypt as many files on the target systems as possible. These methods include:
Elevating their privileges to the highest level
Moving laterally through the network
Disabling any backup systems and security measures
Deploying their ransomware payload in a manner where they are as likely as possible to be unnoticed
This tactical method of operation is designed to create difficulty in detecting cybercriminals after gaining initial access and to maximize the expense associated with recovering from the incident.
