DoppelPaymer is a successor of BitPaymer ransomware, and is part of the Dridex malware family. It’s currently being distributed in various forms, including phishing or spam emails with attached documents that are embedded with malicious code — either JavaScript or VBScript. On execution, this code downloads DoppelPaymer’s first-stage loader on the victim’s machine. The attackers then use the PowerShell Empire toolkit to run a brute-force attack on Active Directory. The Mimikatz module is used to dump passwords from the system memory.

Pysa takes an approach commonly referred to as “big game hunting,” meaning that the ransomware group targets high-value assets in organizations that are particularly sensitive to data loss or system downtime. The idea is that victims — which may include healthcare providers, government agencies, and managed service providers — are more likely to quickly pay the ransom, regardless of its cost.

Conti ransomware shuts down backup services and unlocks files with Windows Restart Manager before encryption.

The first examples of the Shlayer malware family were discovered in February 2018. Since then, it has become the most popular macOS first-stage trojan-downloader. Shlayer remotely installs other malicious or potentially unwanted applications such as Cimpli, Bnodlero, Geonei, and Pirrit adware for macOS X desktops and laptops, mostly targeting US-based users. Once installed, the adware collects the victim’s personal data and tracks browsing activities that can be used to target additional ads. This newest version of the trojan leverages a Python script for stealthier execution of the malicious payload and employs data encryption for communications with its external command and control (C&C) server. The Python script and crypto library are delivered inside of the trojan’s DMG installer.