[![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) English * [English](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/egregor-ransomware-courses-of-action/) * [Japanese](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ja/egregor-ransomware-courses-of-action/) * [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") * [Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/ "Threat Actor Groups") * [Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/ransomware/ "Ransomware") [Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/ransomware/) # Threat Assessment: Egregor Ransomware ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 5 min read * ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * [Doel Santos](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/doel-santos/) * [Brittany Barbehenn](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/brittany-barbehenn/) * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:December 8, 2020 * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-category.svg) Categories: * [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: * [Egregor](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/egregor/) * [Prickly Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/prickly-scorpius/) * [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/egregor-ransomware-courses-of-action/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=edee969a51 "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/egregor-ransomware-courses-of-action/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=edee969a51 "Click here to print") Share![Down arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/down-arrow.svg) * ![Link Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-share-link.svg) * [![Link Email](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-sms.svg)](mailto:?subject=Threat%20Assessment:%20Egregor%20Ransomware&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fegregor-ransomware-courses-of-action%2F "Share in email") * [![Facebook Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-fb-share.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fegregor-ransomware-courses-of-action%2F "Share in Facebook") * [![LinkedIn Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-linkedin-share.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fegregor-ransomware-courses-of-action%2F&title=Threat%20Assessment:%20Egregor%20Ransomware "Share in LinkedIn") * [![Twitter Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-twitter-share.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fegregor-ransomware-courses-of-action%2F&text=Threat%20Assessment:%20Egregor%20Ransomware "Share in Twitter") * [![Reddit Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-reddit-share.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com//www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fegregor-ransomware-courses-of-action%2F&ts=markdown "Share in Reddit") * [![Mastodon Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-mastodon-share.svg)](https://mastodon.social/share?text=Threat%20Assessment:%20Egregor%20Ransomware%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fegregor-ransomware-courses-of-action%2F "Share in Mastodon") ## Executive Summary Since September 2020, Unit 42 researchers have observed Egregor ransomware affecting multiple industries globally, including those within the U.S, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America, following the decline in operations utilizing the Maze ransomware. Egregor operations mimic that of Maze operations, leading us to believe that although Maze operators [announced a shutdown](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/maze-ransomware-is-shutting-down-its-cybercrime-operation/) of the "Maze Team Project," the operators behind those activities have simply developed a new ransomware to move their objectives forward. Due to the surge in Egregor ransomware activity, we've created this general threat assessment for overall threat awareness. Full visualization of the techniques observed and their relevant courses of action can be viewed in the [Unit 42 ATOM Viewer.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atoms/egregor-ransomware/) ## Malware Overview Egregor is a variant of the Sekhmet ransomware family. It has been observed since at least September 2020, around the same time when Maze ransomware operators announced an intent to shut down their operations. Affiliates who utilized the Maze ransomware to conduct their activities now appear to have likely moved on to Egregor to avoid disrupting their operations. Maze ransomware leveraged malware such as Trickbot, and Egregor has followed suit, using commodity malware such as Qakbot, IcedID and Ursnif for [initial access](https://www.group-ib.com/blog/egregor). [Ryuk ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ryuk-ransomware/) also leveraged both Trickbot and BazaLoader in a similar fashion to gain initial access to a victim system. After initial infection, scripts are used to modify victim firewalls and enable Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Cobalt Strike is used to conduct network reconnaissance, move laterally across the network, exfiltrate data and prepare for execution. During our analysis, we observed a ZIP file containing a PowerShell script (Figure 1) that attempts to uninstall a McAfee endpoint agent. It then uses BITS to download the Egregor DLL from a malicious server and execute the payload using Rundll32. ![This PowerShell script attempts to uninstall a McAfee endpoint agent, then uses BITS to download the Egregor ransomware DLL from a malicious server and execute the payload using Rundll32.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/word-image-30.png) Figure 1.PowerShell script used to download Egregor ransomware. Egregor uses multiple anti-analysis and evasion techniques, such as disabling a system's antivirus software and heavily obfuscating the payload. Also, the payload can only be executed with a key using the expected command-line argument, in this case "-passegregor10". When run on the victim's system, Egregor changes the files' extensions to a random set of characters. When the encryption of files is complete, the ransomware creates the ransom note file "RECOVER-FILES.txt" in all folders that contain encrypted files. ![If no contact is made before the three-day deadline provided by the Egregor ransomware, the victim risks exposure of all exfiltrated data on the Egregor "Hall of Shame" pictured here.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/word-image-31.png) Figure 2. Egregor's "Hall of Shame." The ransom note provides instructions with a three-day deadline to pay the ransom. If no contact is made within that timeframe, the victim risks exposure of all exfiltrated data on the Egregor "Hall of Shame" (Figure 2). Visible on the Hall of Shame is a visitor number and a progress percentage apparently referring to uploading data. We suspect that these numbers are used to aid the threat actors' ransom negotiations. More information on ransomware can be found in the [2021 Unit 42 Ransomware Threat Report](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-ransomware-threat-report). ## Courses of Action This section documents relevant tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) used with Egregor and maps them directly to Palo Alto Networks product(s) and service(s). It also further instructs customers on how to ensure their devices are configured correctly. |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Product / Service** | **Course of Action** | | **Initial Access, Execution, Privilege Escalation, Defense Evasion** || | The below courses of action mitigate the following techniques: Spearphishing Attachment \[[T1566.001](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/001/)\], Valid Accounts [\[T1078](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078)\], PowerShell \[[T1059.001](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001/)\], DLL Side-Loading \[[T1574.002](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/002/)\], Process Injection \[[T1055](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055)\], Obfuscated Files or Information \[[T1027](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027)\], Rundll32 \[[T1218.011](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/011/)\] || | NGFW | Set up File Blocking | | NGFW | Ensure that User-ID is only enabled for internal trusted interfaces | | NGFW | Ensure that 'Include/Exclude Networks' is used if User-ID is enabled | | NGFW | Ensure that the User-ID Agent has minimal permissions if User-ID is enabled | | NGFW | Ensure that the User-ID service account does not have interactive logon rights | | NGFW | Ensure remote access capabilities for the User-ID service account are forbidden | | Threat Prevention^†^ | Ensure that antivirus profiles are set to block on all decoders except 'imap' and 'pop3' | | Threat Prevention^†^ | Ensure a secure antivirus profile is applied to all relevant security policies | | Threat Prevention^†^ | Ensure that all zones have Zone Protection Profiles with all Reconnaissance Protection settings enabled, tuned and set to appropriate actions | | 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 XDR | Enable Anti-Exploit Protection | | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Malware Protection | | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Phishing Investigation - Generic V2 | | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Endpoint Malware Investigation | | **Discovery** || | The below courses of action mitigate the following techniques: Account Discovery \[[T1087](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1087)\], Domain Trust Discovery \[[T1482](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1482)\], File and Directory Discovery \[[T1083](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1083)\] || | 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 | | Cortex XDR | Configure Behavioral Threat Protection under the Malware Security Profile | | **Impact** || | The below courses of action mitigate the following techniques: Data Encrypted for Impact \[[T1486](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1486)**\]** || | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Ransomware Manual for incident response. | ^*Table 1. Courses of Action for Egregor ransomware.*^^*†These capabilities are part of the NGFW security subscriptions service.*^ ## Conclusion In the short period of its observed activities, Egregor ransomware has compromised industries globally, including those within the U.S, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. Organizations should be aware of and monitor the use of commodity malware, such as Qakbot, IcedID and Ursnif, that could end up delivering Egregor ransomware as a second-stage payload. Like Maze and other current variants, Egregor ransomware affiliates use double extortion. They host an extortion website called the "Hall of Shame" site to create additional pressure and shame their victims into paying the ransom. With the fall of Maze ransomware and the rise of Egregor, we suspect the group behind this ransomware will remain active in the following months and will continue their efforts to target high-profile organizations. Indicators associated with this Threat Assessment are available on [GitHub](https://github.com/pan-unit42/iocs/tree/master/Egregor), have been published to the Unit 42 TAXII feed and are viewable [via the ATOM Viewer](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atoms/egregor-ransomware). In addition to the above courses of action, AutoFocus customers can review additional activity by using the tag [Egregor](https://autofocus.paloaltonetworks.com/#/tag/Unit42.Egregor). 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/). ## Additional Resources * [The Locking Egrego](https://www.group-ib.com/blog/egregor)r, Group-IB * [MITRE ATT\&CK®](https://attack.mitre.org/), The MITRE Corporation * [Ryuk Threat Assessment](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ryuk-ransomware/), Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 * [Maze Threat Assessment](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-brief-maze-ransomware-activities/), Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 Back to top ### Tags * [Egregor](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/egregor/ "Egregor") * [Prickly Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/prickly-scorpius/ "Prickly Scorpius") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Exploitation of Windows RDP Vulnerability CVE-2019-0708 (BlueKeep): Get RCE with System Privilege Using Refresh Rect PDU and RDPDR Client Name Request PDU](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/cve-2019-0708-bluekeep/ "Exploitation of Windows RDP Vulnerability CVE-2019-0708 (BlueKeep): Get RCE with System Privilege Using Refresh Rect PDU and RDPDR Client Name Request PDU") ### Table of Contents * ### Related Articles ## 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. 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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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