Severity
High
Analysis Summary
Phobos Ransomware is based on the Dharma (aka CrySIS) malware that first appeared at the beginning of 2019. It spreads into several systems via compromised Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections. This malware does not use any UAC bypass methods. Unlike other cybercrime gangs that go after big hunts, Phobos creators go after smaller firms that don’t have sufficient funding to pay massive ransoms. This ransomware usually targets healthcare providers, with victims in the United States, Seychelles, Portugal, Brazil, Indonesia, Germany, Romania, and Japan. Its perpetrators demand a little ransom payment, which appeals to victims and enhances the chances of payment. The average Phobos ransom payment in July 2022 was $36,932
Phobos encrypts data & files and keeps them locked until a ransom is paid. All encrypted files are renamed with the “.phobos” extension, as well as the victim’s unique ID and email address.
Impact
- File Encryption
- Data Exfiltration
Indicators of Compromise
MD5
- 4f1025c0661cc0fa578a52466fa65b71
SHA-256
- b188674706de2125e487aadc14769e5e4c20f311a1abfd098441c4a8bc41ed27
SHA-1
- 591d9da3673498a3cf184637c0b83e62fa7e1e8c
Remediation
- Block all threat indicators at your respective controls.
- Search for IOCs in your environment.
- Maintain cyber hygiene by updating your anti-virus software and implementing patch management lifecycle.
- Maintain Offline Backups – In a ransomware attack, the adversary will often delete or encrypt backups if they have access to them. That’s why it’s important to keep offline (preferably off-site), encrypted backups of data and test them regularly.
- Emails from unknown senders should always be treated with caution.
- Never trust or open ” links and attachments received from unknown sources/senders.