Researchers at Forcepoint Security Labs are helping businesses fight back against a known malware actor with persistent monitoring and effective mitigation for the JavaScript-based ransomware, “NELocker”. Carl Leonard, Principal Security Analyst at Forcepoint commented below.
Carl Leonard, Principal Security Analyst at Forcepoint:
“A new JavaScript-based Nemucod ransomware, created by a known malicious actor, using legitimate command line utilities like 7Zip and PHP has refined its swift and stealthy approach to encrypting machines. This ransomware, dubbed NELocker by Forcepoint due to its Nemucod roots and its boilerplate style, can perform file encryption using any (“NE”) utility indiscriminately, benign or otherwise. NELocker has evolved from a generic Nemucod (malicious JavaScript downloader) that utilises malware from the Kovter and Miuref families, to include other components like PGDownloader, 7Zip and PHP command line utilities too.
The pace of this transformation highlights the ease and effectiveness of creating ransomware based on existing legitimate software which also has the added complication of being more difficult to detect. With the complexity of opportunistic ransomware attacks increasing, it’s never been more important for IT teams to not only protect their users with effective comprehensive filtering and decryption tools but to also educate users on the importance of remaining vigilant when opening e-mails, especially attachments and links that are contained within them.”
ISBuzz Team embodies the collaborative efforts of the dedicated staff at Information Security Buzz, converging a wide range of skills and viewpoints to present a unified, engaging voice in the information security realm. This entity isn't tied to a single individual; instead, it's a dynamic embodiment of a team diligently working behind the scenes to keep you updated and secure. When you read a post from ISBuzz Team, you're receiving the most relevant and actionable insights, curated and crafted by professionals tuned in to the pulse of the cybersecurity world. ISBuzz Team - your reliable compass in the fast-evolving landscape of information security
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.