[![Logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PANW_Parent.png)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/) [![Unit42 Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/unit42-logo-white.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/) Menu * [Tools](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tools/) * [ATOMs](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atoms/) * [Security Consulting](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42) * [About Us](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/about-unit-42/) * [**Under Attack?**](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/contact-unit42.html) * [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") * [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/ "Threat Research") * [Cybercrime](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/cybercrime/ "Cybercrime") [Cybercrime](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/cybercrime/) # Dridex is Back and Targeting the UK ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 2 min read * ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * [Brandon Levene](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/brandon-levene/) * [Rob Downs](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/rob-downs/) * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:October 1, 2015 * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-category.svg) Categories: * [Cybercrime](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/cybercrime/) * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/malware/) * [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-tags-grey.svg) Tags: * [Banking](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/banking/) * [BFSI](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bfsi/) * [Dridex](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dridex/) * [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/dridex-is-back-and-targeting-the-uk/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=4a1c13b7e7 "Click here to download") * [![Print Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-print.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/dridex-is-back-and-targeting-the-uk/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=4a1c13b7e7 "Click here to print") Share![Down arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/down-arrow.svg) * ![Link 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Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-mastodon-share.svg)](https://mastodon.social/share?text=Dridex%20is%20Back%20and%20Targeting%20the%20UK%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fdridex-is-back-and-targeting-the-uk%2F "Share in Mastodon") After Brian Krebs reported the [September arrests](https://krebsonsecurity.com/2015/09/arrests-tied-to-citadel-dridex-malware/) of alleged key figures in the cyber crime gang that developed and operated Dridex, Unit 42 observed a marked decrease in activity related to this banking Trojan -- at least until today. Dridex re-entered the threat landscape with a major e-mail phishing campaign. Leveraging the Palo Alto Networks AutoFocus platform, we identified samples associated with this resurgence. ### Malware True to form, the Dridex crew continues to utilize Microsoft Word Doc files with embedded macros, just as they did at the [start of 2015](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2015/01/dridex-banking-trojan-begins-2015-bang/). The Bartalex kit, a favorite for various cybercriminals, constructs these macros to deliver their malicious payload. When a user opens the malicious document, the macro code reaches out to a URL and downloads the Dridex executable. We identified the following associated Microsoft Word Doc files and URLs from today's campaign: **SHA256**: 2a12822134b4c3f1396212e04bc462fdf23082a55fdbc15e91722d07d54fd4b2 **Payload:** www.norlabs\[.\]de/123/1111.exe **SHA256**: c1e8fce5b72da6f2ce43920ca9e6574750f7e994c51f6084e90c115fe9d2b804 **Payload:** www.ifdcsanluis.edu\[.\]ar/123/1111.exe **SHA256**: 6cfcf501aeaa319b576af713fef10e227775e59e82224d1182d309be5dc80bd **Payload:** hobby-hangar\[.\]net/123/1111.exe **SHA256:** 761b17c4f926c403813b5c2c4c79f3d64c3b5d5a96e841e454fd5791e56f67db **Payload:** zahnrad-ruger\[.\]de/123/1111.exe **SHA256:** 436c99c88ea0a7312f3d60b127d0735e4698599b2f83b4df3a1dc67764235256 **Payload**: miastolomza\[.\]pl/123/1111.exe The 1111.exe payload for each of these DOC files corresponds to the following file: **SHA256:** a497de7f2488f093aa74562695a2ce705cbddbd2c4a357f5c785f23ea7450f43 As of today, only 17 out of the 56 VirusTotal Anti-Virus (AV) scanners recognize the Doc files associated with this resurgence as malicious, and only two recognize the associated [implant](https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/a497de7f2488f093aa74562695a2ce705cbddbd2c4a357f5c785f23ea7450f43/analysis/1443701636/). The Palo Alto Networks AutoFocus platform correctly identifies all components of this threat under the Unit 42 [Dridex](https://autofocus.paloaltonetworks.com/#/tag/Unit42.Dridex) tag. ### Targeting and Delivery Our analysis revealed that this return of Dridex is heavily targeted at the United Kingdom (UK). [![dridex map](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dridex-map-500x249.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dridex-map.png) AutoFocus map of today's Dridex targets Dynamoo's Blog (Conrad Longmore) posted [an example](https://blog.dynamoo.com/2015/10/malware-spam-please-print-chelsee-gee.html) of one of this latest series of Dridex phishing messages. The malicious Doc files that we identified all employ a similar order theme in their naming convention (e.g., "Order-SO00653333-1.doc"), requesting that the recipient print out the attachment. While this phishing lure is not particularly sophisticated, it remains surprisingly effective for fulfilling the malicious actor's objective. ### Conclusion Cybercriminals -- especially those that have established prosperity and longevity -- will continue to present threats to enterprises and home users alike, despite any setbacks as a result of arrests or other operational challenges. Even though key players in the Dridex crew may have been removed from the equation for the time being, the organization that they leave behind could very well remain viable; alternatively, other criminal groups are always waiting in the wing to assume control of certain endeavors should a vacuum or opportunity present itself. The October 2015 resurgence of Dridex is an example of how these threats continue to adapt and evolve. ### Indicators |--------------|----------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Category** | **Type** | **Value** | | Delivery | SHA256 | 2a12822134b4c3f1396212e04bc462fdf23082a55fdbc15e91722d07d54fd4b2 | | Delivery | SHA256 | c1e8fce5b72da6f2ce43920ca9e6574750f7e994c51f6084e90c115fe9d2b804 | | Delivery | SHA256 | a6cfcf501aeaa319b576af713fef10e227775e59e82224d1182d309be5dc80bd | | Delivery | SHA256 | 761b17c4f926c403813b5c2c4c79f3d64c3b5d5a96e841e454fd5791e56f67db | | Delivery | SHA256 | 436c99c88ea0a7312f3d60b127d0735e4698599b2f83b4df3a1dc67764235256 | | Implant | SHA256 | a497de7f2488f093aa74562695a2ce705cbddbd2c4a357f5c785f23ea7450f43 | | Download | URL | www.norlabs\[.\]de/123/1111.exe | | Download | URL | www.ifdcsanluis.edu\[.\]ar/123/1111.exe | | Download | URL | hobby-hangar\[.\]net/123/1111.exe | | Download | URL | zahnrad-ruger\[.\]de/123/1111.exe | | Download | URL | miastolomza\[.\]pl/123/1111.exe | | C2 | IP | 136.243.237.218 | | C2 | IP | 66.171.247.166 | | C2 | IP | 88.151.246.80 | | C2 | IP | 195.251.250.37 | | C2 | IP | 82.118.24.167 | | C2 | IP | 92.51.129.33 | | C2 | IP | 198.61.187.234 | Back to top ### Tags * [Banking](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/banking/ "banking") * [BFSI](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bfsi/ "BFSI") * [Dridex](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dridex/ "Dridex") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Updated PClock Ransomware Still Comes Up Short](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/updated-pclock-ransomware-still-comes-up-short/ "Updated PClock Ransomware Still Comes Up Short") ### Related Articles * [Intruders in the Library: Exploring DLL Hijacking](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/dll-hijacking-techniques/ "article - table of contents") * [Banking Trojan Techniques: How Financially Motivated Malware Became Infrastructure](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/banking-trojan-techniques/ "article - table of contents") * [Weaponization of Excel Add-Ins Part 2: Dridex Infection Chain Case Studies](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/excel-add-ins-dridex-infection-chain/ "article - table of contents") ## Related Resources ![Pictorial representation of a magnifying glass illuminating a glowing orange circular digital circuit interface on a dark, high-tech background.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/04_Myth-Busting_Overview_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Insights-icon-white.svg)Insights](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/insights/) September 16, 2026 [#### Atomic macOS (AMOS) Stealer Activity](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atomic-macos-amos-stealer-activity/) * [MacOS](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/macos/ "macOS") * [Threat intelligence](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/threat-intelligence/ "threat intelligence") * [Unit 42](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/unit-42/ "Unit 42") [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/atomic-macos-amos-stealer-activity/ "Atomic macOS (AMOS) Stealer Activity") ![Pictorial representation of post-exploitation identity misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE. Close-up of a person wearing glasses, with computer code reflected in the lenses.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/12_Security-Technology_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/) September 10, 2026 [#### The Machine With Many Faces: Post-Exploitation Identity Misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kubernetes-spiffe-spire-identity-spoofing/) * [API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api/ "API") * [Cryptographic](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cryptographic/ "cryptographic") * [JSON](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/json/ "JSON") [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/kubernetes-spiffe-spire-identity-spoofing/ "The Machine With Many Faces: Post-Exploitation Identity Misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE") ![Pictorial representation of a pay-per-install threat group campaign prodiving infection service for spreading malware. A close-up of a computer circuit board with a central microchip is depicted. Red digital data streams in the form of glowing binary numbers and arrows appear to flow in and out of the chip, symbolizing data processing and transfer. The scene is illuminated with a futuristic blue and red glow.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/04_Malware_Category_1920x900-6-786x368.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/) September 9, 2026 [#### Untracked Nightmares: The Threats Hiding Behind Commodity Infrastructure](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ppi-network-malware-campaign-analysis/) * [ARKTunnel](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/arktunnel/ "ARKTunnel") * [C2](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/c2/ "C2") * [CL-CRI-1171](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-cri-1171/ "CL-CRI-1171") [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/ppi-network-malware-campaign-analysis/ "Untracked Nightmares: The Threats Hiding Behind Commodity Infrastructure") ![Pictorial representation of attackers using AI tools to target Latin American organizations. A vibrant cityscape with silhouettes of numerous people walking along a bustling street. The scene is illuminated by bright urban lights and digital-like particles, creating a dynamic and futuristic atmosphere.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AdobeStock_768915868-2-1-786x373.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/) September 3, 2026 [#### Attackers Expose Ongoing AI Tool Use Targeting Organizations in Latin America](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-tool-use-targeting-latam-orgs/) * [Agentic AI](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agentic-ai/ "Agentic AI") * [ChatGPT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/chatgpt/ "ChatGPT") * [CL-CRI-1131](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-cri-1131/ "CL-CRI-1131") [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/ai-tool-use-targeting-latam-orgs/ "Attackers Expose Ongoing AI Tool Use Targeting Organizations in Latin America") ![Pictorial representation of vishing campaigns in Microsoft Teams. A digital image of a skull formed by blue binary code on a black background, with scattered ones and zeros and digital noise, symbolizes how stealthy prompt injection attacks can exploit AI logic to bypass security controls.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/01_Malware_Category_1920x900-5-786x368.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/) August 31, 2026 [#### Spring Ring: An Inside Look at Voice Phishing Campaigns in Microsoft Teams](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/spring-ring-voice-phishing-campaigns/) * [Cloaked Ursa](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cloaked-ursa/ "Cloaked Ursa") * [Entra ID](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/entra-id/ "Entra ID") * [Microsoft Teams](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/microsoft-teams/ "Microsoft Teams") [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/spring-ring-voice-phishing-campaigns/ "Spring Ring: An Inside Look at Voice Phishing Campaigns in Microsoft Teams") ![Pictorial representation of AI-enabled malware. A vibrant digital interface displaying various icons and graphs, resembling a futuristic network or data analysis dashboard. The scene is illuminated with glowing lights and patterns.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_1270203474-2-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 25, 2026 [#### The State of AI-Enabled Malware August 2026: From Brand Abuse to Agentic Execution](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-enabled-malware-analysis/) * [Backdoor](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/backdoor/ "backdoor") * [Bitcoin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bitcoin/ "Bitcoin") * [DLL hijacking](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dll-hijacking/ "DLL hijacking") [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/ai-enabled-malware-analysis/ "The State of AI-Enabled Malware August 2026: From Brand Abuse to Agentic Execution") ![Pictorial representation of identity abuse through trusted communication channels. Close-up view of a digital screen displaying a glitched and pixelated image of a skull-like shape.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/02_Malware_Category_1920x900-2-786x368.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/) August 20, 2026 [#### Identity Abuse Through Trusted Communication Channels](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/communication-channel-identity-risks/) * [Authentication](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/authentication/ "authentication") * [Identity theft](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/identity-theft/ "identity theft") * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/malware/ "malware") [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/communication-channel-identity-risks/ "Identity Abuse Through Trusted Communication Channels") ![Pictorial representation of Kimwolf botnet malware family. Digital screen with a warning sign reading "Malware." The background features lines of computer code and graphics, creating a sense of cybersecurity threat.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/07_Malware_Category_1920x900-3-786x368.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/) August 11, 2026 [#### Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/) * [Android APK](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/android-apk/ "Android APK") * [Ethereum](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ethereum/ "Ethereum") * [HTTP](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/http/ "HTTP") [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/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/ "Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet") ![Pictorial representatiom pf Aeternum's blockchain C2. A close-up of a computer circuit board with a central microchip is depicted. Red digital data streams in the form of glowing binary numbers and arrows appear to flow in and out of the chip. The scene is illuminated with a futuristic blue and red glow.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/04_Malware_Category_1920x900-4-786x368.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/) August 10, 2026 [#### The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum's Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/) * [Aeternum](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/aeternum/ "Aeternum") * [Infection chain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/infection-chain/ "infection chain") * [JSON](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/json/ "JSON") [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/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/ "The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum’s Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications") ![Pictorial representation of ChainDrop, a self-propagating npm worm. An artistic depiction of a digital workspace featuring an open laptop with a red virus on the screen.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/03_Malware_Category_1920x900-7-786x368.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/) August 6, 2026 [#### ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/) * [Blockchain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/blockchain/ "blockchain") * [ChainDrop](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/chaindrop/ "ChainDrop") * [Claude code](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/claude-code/ "Claude code") [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/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/ "ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm") * ![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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