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[Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/ransomware/ "Ransomware") [Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/ransomware/) # Threat Assessment: DearCry Ransomware ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 5 min read Related Products [![Advanced Threat Prevention icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced Threat Prevention](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-threat-prevention/ "Advanced Threat Prevention")[![Advanced WildFire icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced WildFire](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-wildfire/ "Advanced WildFire")[![Cortex XDR icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cortex_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Cortex 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Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-category.svg) Categories: * [High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) * [Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/ransomware/) * [Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-tags-grey.svg) Tags: * [Angry Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/angry-scorpius/) * [DearCry](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dearcry/) * [Microsoft Exchange Server](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/microsoft-exchange-server/) * [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/dearcry-ransomware/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=7052973960 "Click here to download") * [![Print 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While [patches have been released by Microsoft](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/exchange-team-blog/march-2021-exchange-server-security-updates-for-older-cumulative/ba-p/2192020), adversaries are still attacking vulnerable versions of Microsoft Exchange Servers with malicious tools, malware and data exfiltration. Further, [Microsoft has confirmed](https://twitter.com/MsftSecIntel/status/1370236539427459076) the existence of a ransomware variant leveraging these vulnerabilities, which has been dubbed "DearCry." It is reasonable to suspect that the ransomware authors were paying homage to an unrelated yet infamous ransomware family, "WannaCry," which was used as a payload within an orchestrated attack campaign[leveraging known Microsoft vulnerabilities to infect victims en masse.](https://www.elastic.co/blog/wcrywanacry-ransomware-technical-analysis) Due to the surge of this malicious activity, we've created this threat assessment for overall threat awareness. Full visualization of the techniques observed and their relevant Courses of Action (CoA) can be viewed in the [Unit 42 ATOM Viewer](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atoms/). **If you think you may have been impacted, please email [crypsis-investigations@paloaltonetworks.com](mailto:crypsis-investigations@paloaltonetworks.com) or call (855) 875-4631 to get in touch with the Crypsis Incident Response team**. ## DearCry Ransomware Overview DearCry is a new ransomware variant that has been observed exploiting Microsoft Exchange Servers' [ProxyLogon vulnerabilities](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/microsoft-exchange-server-attack-timeline/) for initial access. Early reports of the appearance of DearCry ransom notes in tandem with associated Microsoft Exchange Server compromises via ProxyLogon vulnerabilities began to surface on March 9, 2021, and victims in the U.S., Canada and Australia are suspected, according to [security researcher Michael Gillespie](https://twitter.com/demonslay335/status/1370125343571509250). When executed, DearCry ransomware uses AES-256 and RSA-2048 to encrypt victim files, while also modifying file headers to include the string 'DEARCRY!' (see Figure 1). ![When executed, DearCry ransomware uses AES-256 and RSA-2048 to encrypt victime files, while also modifying file headers to include the string "DearCry!" as shown here.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/word-image-57.png) Figure 1. DearCry file header. As with a majority of ransomware variants, DearCry deploys a ransom note to the victim's desktop. However, instead of demanding a fixed ransom amount and including a Bitcoin wallet address, DearCry's note includes two email addresses that the victim is asked to contact, as well as a request for a provided hash to be sent (see Figure 2). ![DearCry ransom note: "Your file has been encrypted! If you want to decrypt, please contact us." What follows are two email addresses and a request for a provided hash.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/word-image-58.png) Figure 2. DearCry ransom note. During its execution, DearCry also runs a service named "msupdate" that is not native to the Windows operating system. This service is later removed when the ransomware finishes its encryption process. Furthermore, all logical drives on the Windows operating system, except for CD-ROM drives, are enumerated on the victim's system so that the ransomware can begin to encrypt files using an RSA public key. As of March 2021, DearCry ransomware has been seen targeting files with the following file extensions: .TIF, .TIFF, .PDF, .XLS, .XLSX, .XLTM, .PS, .PPS, .PPT, .PPTX, .DOC, .DOCX, .LOG, .MSG, .RTF, .TEX, .TXT, .CAD, .WPS, .EML, .INI, .CSS, .HTM, .HTML, .XHTML, .JS, .JSP, .PHP, .KEYCHAIN, .PEM, .SQL, .APK, .APP, .BAT, .CGI, .ASPX, .CER, .CFM, .C, .CPP, .GO, .CONFIG, .PL, .PY, .DWG, .XML, .JPG, .BMP, .PNG, .EXE, .DLL, .CAD, .AVI, .H, .CSV, .DAT, .ISO, .PST, .PGD, .7Z, .RAR, .ZIP, .ZIPX, .TAR, .PDB, .BIN, .DB, .MDB, .MDF, .BAK, .LOG, .EDB, .STM, .DBF, .ORA, .GPG, .EDB, .MFS At the time of this writing, all attributed samples leverage the .CRYPT extension for infected files. ![DearCry encrypted files leverage the .CRYPT extension, as shown in this screenshot.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/word-image-59.png) Figure 3. DearCry encrypted files. ## Courses of Action This section documents the relevant tactics, techniques and procedures ( TTPs) used by DearCry and maps them directly to Palo Alto Networks product(s) and service(s). It also further instructs customers how to ensure their devices are configured correctly. |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Product / Service** | **Course of Action** | | **Initial Access** || | **Exploit Public-Facing Application \[T1190\]** || | NGFW | Ensure application security policies exist when allowing traffic from an untrusted zone to a more trusted zone | | NGFW | Ensure 'Service setting of ANY' in a security policy allowing traffic does not exist | | NGFW | Ensure 'Security Policy' denying any/all traffic to/from IP addresses on Trusted Threat Intelligence Sources Exists | | Threat Prevention\*†\* | Ensure a Vulnerability Protection Profile is set to block attacks against critical and high vulnerabilities, and set to default on medium, low and informational vulnerabilities | | Threat Prevention\*†\* | Ensure a secure Vulnerability Protection Profile is applied to all security rules allowing traffic | | Threat Prevention\*†\* | Deploy Content Pack 8380, which detects the four Microsoft Exchange zero-day vulnerabilities | | WildFire\*†\* | Ensure that WildFire file size upload limits are maximized | | WildFire\*†\* | Ensure forwarding is enabled for all applications and file types in WildFire file blocking profiles | | WildFire\*†\* | Ensure a WildFire Analysis profile is enabled for all security policies | | WildFire\*†\* | Ensure forwarding of decrypted content to WildFire is enabled | | WildFire\*†\* | Ensure all WildFire session information settings are enabled | | WildFire\*†\* | Ensure alerts are enabled for malicious files detected by WildFire | | WildFire\*†\* | Ensure 'WildFire Update Schedule' is set to download and install updates every minute | | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Isolate Endpoint | | **Defense Evasion, Discovery, Impact** || | **Disable or Modify Tools \[T1562.001\], File and Directory Discovery \[T1083\], Data Encrypted for Impact \[T1486\], Service Stop \[T1489\]** || | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Exploit Protection | | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Malware Protection | | Cortex XDR | Look for the following BIOCs alerts to detect activity\*: Cortex XDR Agent - Behavioral Threat Detected Cortex XDR Analytics - Multiple Discovery Commands | | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Ransomware Manual | ^*Table 1. Courses of Action for DearCry.*^^*†These capabilities are part of the NGFW security subscriptions service.*^^*\* These analytic detectors will trigger automatically for Cortex XDR Pro customers.*^ ## Conclusion DearCry is a new ransomware leveraging ProxyLogon vulnerabilities from Microsoft Exchange Servers. Furthermore, it is a perfect example of how threat actors can impact the threat landscape by taking advantage of newly disclosed vulnerabilities to make a quick profit. We strongly advise immediately updating all Microsoft Exchange Servers to the latest available patched versions released by Microsoft. Palo Alto Networks customers are protected across our product ecosystem, with protections deployed in the following products and subscriptions: * [Next-Generation Firewall](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall) * Security subscriptions: [Threat Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/secure-the-network/subscriptions/threat-prevention) (Deploy Content Pack 8380 which detects the four zero-day vulnerabilities) and [URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/threat-detection-and-prevention/web-security). * [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr) * [Cortex XSOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/xsoar) * [WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/secure-the-network/wildfire) It is imperative for customers to employ [best practices](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/best-practices) in order to ensure Palo Alto Networks products are configured in a manner best suited for your protection. Indicators associated with this Threat Assessment are available on [GitHub](https://github.com/pan-unit42/iocs/blob/master/DearCry/DearCry.txt), have been published to the Unit 42 TAXII feed and are viewable via the ATOM Viewer. In addition to the above courses of action, AutoFocus customers can review additional activity by using the tag: [DearCry](https://autofocus.paloaltonetworks.com/#/tag/Unit42.DearCry). ## Additional Resources * [March 2021 Exchange Server Security Updates for older Cumulative Updates of Exchange Server](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/exchange-team-blog/march-2021-exchange-server-security-updates-for-older-cumulative/ba-p/2192020) * [WCry/WanaCry ransomware technical analysis](https://www.elastic.co/blog/wcrywanacry-ransomware-technical-analysis) * [Threat Assessment: Active Exploitation of Four Zero-Day Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/microsoft-exchange-server-vulnerabilities/) * [Remediation Steps for the Microsoft Exchange Server Vulnerabilities](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/remediation-steps-for-the-microsoft-exchange-server-vulnerabilities/) * [Microsoft Exchange Server Attack Timeline](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/microsoft-exchange-server-attack-timeline/) *Palo Alto Networks has shared our findings, including file samples and indicators of compromise, in this report with our fellow Cyber Threat Alliance members. CTA members use this intelligence to rapidly deploy protections to their customers and to systematically disrupt malicious cyber actors. For more information on the Cyber Threat Alliance, visit [www.cyberthreatalliance.org](https://www.cyberthreatalliance.org/).* Back to top ### Tags * [Angry Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/angry-scorpius/ "Angry Scorpius") * [DearCry](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dearcry/ "DearCry") * [Microsoft Exchange Server](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/microsoft-exchange-server/ "Microsoft Exchange Server") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Microsoft Exchange Server Attack Timeline](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/microsoft-exchange-server-attack-timeline/ "Microsoft Exchange Server Attack Timeline") ### Table of Contents * ### Related Articles * [Manic Menagerie 2.0: The Evolution of a Highly Motivated Threat Actor](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/manic-menagerie-targets-web-hosting-and-it/ "article - table of contents") * [Threat Brief: OWASSRF Vulnerability Exploitation](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-brief-owassrf/ "article - table of contents") * [Threat Brief: CVE-2022-41040 and CVE-2022-41082: Microsoft Exchange Server (ProxyNotShell)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/proxynotshell-cve-2022-41040-cve-2022-41082/ "article - table of contents") ## Related Ransomware Resources ![Pictorial representation of Iran cyber attacks. 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Digital representation of cybersecurity concept with a padlock superimposed over computer circuit boards, symbolizing data protection and encryption technologies.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/06_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) December 17, 2025 [#### From Linear to Complex: An Upgrade in RansomHouse Encryption](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ransomhouse-encryption-upgrade/) * [ESXi](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/esxi/ "ESXi") * [Jolly Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/jolly-scorpius/ "Jolly Scorpius") * [RansomHouse](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ransomhouse/ "RansomHouse") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ransomhouse-encryption-upgrade/ "From Linear to Complex: An Upgrade in RansomHouse Encryption") ![Pictorial representation of 01flip ransomware written in Rust. Digital artwork of a pixelated U.S. dollar bill disintegrating into small blocks against a blue data matrix background.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) December 10, 2025 [#### 01flip: Multi-Platform Ransomware Written in Rust](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/new-ransomware-01flip-written-in-rust/) * [Bitcoin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bitcoin/ "Bitcoin") * [CL-CRI-103](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-cri-103/ "CL-CRI-103") * [Cryptocurrency](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cryptocurrency/ "Cryptocurrency") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/new-ransomware-01flip-written-in-rust/ "01flip: Multi-Platform Ransomware Written in Rust") ![Pictorial representation of malicious LLMs. Close-up view of a digital wall displaying various glowing icons, representing a high-tech network interface.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AdobeStock_1270203474-786x440.jpeg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) November 25, 2025 [#### The Dual-Use Dilemma of AI: Malicious LLMs](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/dilemma-of-ai-malicious-llms/) * [Credential Harvesting](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/credential-harvesting/ "Credential Harvesting") * [Data exfiltration](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/data-exfiltration/ "data exfiltration") * [LLM](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/llm/ "LLM") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/dilemma-of-ai-malicious-llms/ "The Dual-Use Dilemma of AI: Malicious LLMs") ![Constellation image representing the constellation schema used by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 to track nation-state and cybercrime threat actor groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Generic-B-1920x900-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) August 1, 2025 [#### Threat Actor Groups Tracked by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 (Updated Aug. 1, 2025)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-actor-groups-tracked-by-palo-alto-networks-unit-42/) * [Academic Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/academic-serpens/ "Academic Serpens") * [Agent Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agent-serpens/ "Agent Serpens") * [Agonizing Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agonizing-serpens/ "Agonizing Serpens") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-actor-groups-tracked-by-palo-alto-networks-unit-42/ "Threat Actor Groups Tracked by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 (Updated Aug. 1, 2025)") ![Pictorial representation of Unit 42 threat attribution system. Illustration featuring a white triangle centered within an abstract cosmic background of purple and blue swirls and stars.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Generic-A-1920x900-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) July 31, 2025 [#### Introducing Unit 42's Attribution Framework](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-attribution-framework/) * [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat") * [Bookworm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bookworm/ "Bookworm") * [Nomenclature](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/nomenclature/ "nomenclature") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-attribution-framework/ "Introducing Unit 42’s Attribution Framework") ![Pictorial representation of the ransomware landscape. Digital artwork of a disintegrating U.S. dollar bill with pixelated effects on a cyber-inspired background.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/05_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-report-white-1.svg)Trend Reports](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/trend-reports/) April 23, 2025 [#### Extortion and Ransomware Trends January-March 2025](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/2025-ransomware-extortion-trends/) * [BianLian](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bianlian/ "BianLian") * [Akira ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/akira-ransomware/ "Akira ransomware") * [Muddled Libra](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/muddled-libra/ "Muddled Libra") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/2025-ransomware-extortion-trends/ "Extortion and Ransomware Trends January-March 2025") ![A pictorial representation of Akira ransomware, distributed by Howling Scorpius. A person's hand typing on a keyboard with a digital screen displaying the word "password" highlighted in blue, set against a backdrop of various cybersecurity interface graphics.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/09_Cybercrime_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) December 2, 2024 [#### Threat Assessment: Howling Scorpius (Akira Ransomware)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-howling-scorpius-akira-ransomware/) * [Howling Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/howling-scorpius/ "Howling Scorpius") * [Leak site](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/leak-site/ "Leak site") * [Torrenting](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/torrenting/ "torrenting") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-howling-scorpius-akira-ransomware/ "Threat Assessment: Howling Scorpius (Akira Ransomware)") ![Pictorial representation of a threat like BlackSuit ransomware. An illustration of a modern workspace with a laptop displaying cybersecurity icons, surrounded by stacks of coins and a credit card, all depicted in a neon, digital art style.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) November 20, 2024 [#### Threat Assessment: Ignoble Scorpius, Distributors of BlackSuit Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-blacksuit-ransomware-ignoble-scorpius/) * [BlackSuit ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/blacksuit-ransomware/ "BlackSuit ransomware") * [Construction](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/construction/ "construction") * [Education](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/education/ "Education") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-blacksuit-ransomware-ignoble-scorpius/ "Threat Assessment: Ignoble Scorpius, Distributors of BlackSuit Ransomware") ![A representation of a threat group like Jumpy Pisces. Illustrative image featuring two fish and the Pisces constellation superimposed on a stylized, abstract background with flowing purple waves and a starry night sky.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Pisces-NK-A-1920x900-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) October 30, 2024 [#### Jumpy Pisces Engages in Play Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/north-korean-threat-group-play-ransomware/) * [North Korea](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/north-korea/ "North Korea") * [Jumpy Pisces](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/jumpy-pisces/ "Jumpy Pisces") * [Fiddling Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/fiddling-scorpius/ "Fiddling Scorpius") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/north-korean-threat-group-play-ransomware/ "Jumpy Pisces Engages in Play Ransomware") * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg) ![Enlarged Image]() ![Newsletter](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unit42-footer-subscribe-desktop.png) ![UNIT 42 Small Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/palo-alto-logo-small.svg) Get updates from Unit 42 ## Peace of mind comes from staying ahead of threats. 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