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Ransomware Threat Assessments: A Companion to the 2021 Unit 42 Ransomware Threat Report ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 30 min read * ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * [Unit 42](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/unit42/) * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:March 17, 2021 * ![Tags 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/) * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/malware/) * [Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/ransomware/) * [Trend Reports](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/trend-reports/) * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-tags-grey.svg) Tags: * [Defray777](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/defray777/) * [Dharma](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dharma/) * [DoppelPaymer](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/doppelpaymer/) * [GandCrab](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/gandcrab/) * [NetWalker](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/netwalker/) * [Phobos](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/phobos/) * [Ransomware threat report](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ransomware-threat-report/) * [REvil](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/revil/) * [Zeppelin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/zeppelin/) * [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ransomware-threat-assessments/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=64814e76fb "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/ransomware-threat-assessments/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=64814e76fb "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=Ransomware%20Threat%20Assessments:%20A%20Companion%20to%20the%202021%20Unit%2042%20Ransomware%20Threat%20Report&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fransomware-threat-assessments%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%2Fransomware-threat-assessments%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%2Fransomware-threat-assessments%2F&title=Ransomware%20Threat%20Assessments:%20A%20Companion%20to%20the%202021%20Unit%2042%20Ransomware%20Threat%20Report "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%2Fransomware-threat-assessments%2F&text=Ransomware%20Threat%20Assessments:%20A%20Companion%20to%20the%202021%20Unit%2042%20Ransomware%20Threat%20Report "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%2Fransomware-threat-assessments%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=Ransomware%20Threat%20Assessments:%20A%20Companion%20to%20the%202021%20Unit%2042%20Ransomware%20Threat%20Report%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fransomware-threat-assessments%2F "Share in Mastodon") ## *Threat Assessment: Phobos Ransomware* ### Executive Summary Phobos is a relatively basic and prolific ransomware family first publicly identified in [December 2018](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/688649/phobos-ransomware-id-idemailphobos-adame-help-support/). Because of its basic design and implementation, Phobos has been popular among threat actors. Phobos uses well-established infection vectors, such as hacked, sold, insecure or otherwise vulnerable Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections or malicious attachments in phishing emails. Phobos is very similar to another ransomware family, [Dharma](https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-analysis/2019/05/threat-spotlight-crysis-aka-dharma-ransomware-causing-a-crisis-for-businesses/), of which Phobos is considered a variant. In addition to the code similarities it shares with Dharma, Phobos is in part likely distributed by the same group of actors that distributed [Dharma](https://www.zdnet.com/article/new-phobos-ransomware-exploits-weak-security-to-hit-targets-around-the-world/). ### Phobos Ransomware Overview ![Conceptual image representing Phobos ransomware as part of the ransomware threat assessments companion to the 2021 Unit 42 Ransomware Threat Report.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ransomware-series-21-illustration_Phobos.png) While Phobos is relatively basic in its technical functionality, there are some notable functions that make Phobos interesting. While Phobos' abuse elevation techniques do not directly include a User Account Control (UAC) bypass, a UAC bypass confirmation does routinely pop up. Upon accepting the popup and when the encryption processes using an AES-256 key are completed, .HTA and .TXT ransom notes are displayed on the infected endpoint with a filename of info\[.\]txt. Phobos continues to run in the background, encoding new files the code is instructed to encrypt. ![Figure 1. Ransom page displayed after Phobos infects victims (source: Coveware).](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/word-image-79.png) Figure 1. Ransom page displayed after Phobos infects victims (source: Coveware). Phobos attempts to ransom all local and network shares connected to the infected host. Each infected file is encrypted with an individual key and the encrypted files have an extension of .acute. Phobos' persistence mechanisms include installing itself in %APPDATA%, adding registry keys to autostart to ensure the malware process is persistent after a reboot. One interesting part of its functionality is the different file encoding technique used for large files. Phobos will only encrypt specific portions of large files, which reduces the amount of time it takes to encrypt the large files. Phobos has served as the foundation for later variants, such as [Eking ransomware](https://www.fortinet.com/blog/threat-research/deep-analysis-the-eking-variant-of-phobos-ransomware), which was discovered in October 2020. Phobos is most often sold in underground ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) offerings. Phobos has historically targeted organizations of varying sizes, but in some isolated instances, Phobos has infected individuals. The total victim count of Phobos remains currently unknown. ![Figure 2. Phobos posting on a popular underground forum.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/word-image-80.png) Figure 2. Phobos posting on a popular underground forum. Phobos and Dharma share several actor and code similarities. Both families share the same ransom note post-infection. Additionally, initial correspondence from the victim to both actors is the same. These shared features, along with coding similarities that Dharma and Phobos have, suggest that this malware is being developed by the same actor. However, code differences, particularly in the file structure, define it as a variant. Specifically, Phobos has some notable differences, namely in adding in modular configuration support and providing functionality to manually encrypt folders of interest. The average ransom payment in 2020 for Phobos was $13,955. Palo Alto Networks observed attacks on victims in the finance, education, manufacturing, professional and legal services, insurance, high tech, construction and engineering, healthcare and energy sectors. Similar to Dharma, the threat actors focus on small to medium-sized businesses. Phobos victims were located in the U.S., Portugal, Brazil, Seychelles, Romania, Indonesia, Germany and Japan. More information on Phobos victimology 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 Phobos 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** | **Courses of Action** | | **Execution** || | **Windows Management Instrumentation \[T1047\]** || | 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. | | NGFW | Ensure that security policies restrict User-ID Agent traffic from crossing into untrusted zones | | 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 Prevent | Configure Restrictions Security Profile | | **Defense Evasion, Persistence** || | **Masquerading \[T1036\], Modify Registry \[T1112\], Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder \[T1547.001\]** || | 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 | | 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 Prevent | Configure Behavioral Threat Protection under the Malware Security Profile | | Cortex XDR Prevent | Enable Anti-Exploit Protection | | Cortex XDR Prevent | Enable Anti-Malware Protection | | **Lateral Movement** || | **Replication Through Removable Media \[T1091\]** || | Cortex XDR Prevent | Enable Device Control | | **Impact** || | **Inhibit System Recovery \[T1490\], Data Encrypted for Impact \[T1486\]** || | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Palo Alto Networks Endpoint Malware Investigation | | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Ransomware Manual for incident response. | ^*Table 1. Courses of Action for Phobos ransomware.*^^*†These capabilities are part of the NGFW security subscriptions service.*^ ### Conclusion Phobos is much like that of other ransomware families witnessed and analyzed by Unit 42. Capitalizing on the ease of use typical to RaaS, the actors distributing Phobos can often vary widely. Malware author and code-reuse similarities are common among Phobos ransomware families and represent an evolving threat ecosystem that thrives on sharing and common RaaS affiliate models enabling a ransomware actor to capitalize on minimal time investment. Palo Alto Networks detects and prevents Phobos in the following ways: * [WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/secure-the-network/wildfire): All known samples are identified as malware. * [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr) with: * Indicators for Phobos. * Anti-Ransomware Module to detect Phobos encryption behaviors. * Local Analysis detection to detect Phobos binaries. * [Next-Generation Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall): DNS Signatures detect the known command and control (C2) domains, which are also categorized as malware in [URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/threat-detection-and-prevention/web-security). * [AutoFocus](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/autofocus): Tracking related activity using the [Phobos](https://autofocus.paloaltonetworks.com/#/tag/Unit42.Phobos) tag. Additionally, Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) associated with Phobos are available on [GitHub](https://github.com/pan-unit42/iocs), and have been published to the Unit 42 TAXII [feed](https://github.com/pan-unit42/iocs/tree/master/stix2-reports/report_json). ### Additional Resources * [A deep dive into Phobos ransomware](https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-analysis/2019/07/a-deep-dive-into-phobos-ransomware/) * [Phobos Ransomware Recovery, Payment \& Decryption Statistics](https://www.coveware.com/phobos-ransomware-payment) ***Continue Reading: [Dharma](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ransomware-threat-assessments/6)*** ***[Back to Top](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ransomware-threat-assessments/)*** Back to top ### Tags * [Defray777](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/defray777/ "Defray777") * [Dharma](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dharma/ "Dharma") * [DoppelPaymer](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/doppelpaymer/ "DoppelPaymer") * [GandCrab](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/gandcrab/ "GandCrab") * [NetWalker](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/netwalker/ "NetWalker") * [Phobos](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/phobos/ "Phobos") * [Ransomware threat report](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ransomware-threat-report/ "ransomware threat report") * [REvil](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/revil/ "REvil") * [Zeppelin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/zeppelin/ "Zeppelin") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Highlights from the 2021 Unit 42 Ransomware Threat Report](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ransomware-threat-report-highlights/ "Highlights from the 2021 Unit 42 Ransomware Threat Report") ### Table of Contents * ### Related Articles * [Unit 42 Ransomware and Extortion Report Highlights: Multi-Extortion Tactics Continue to Rise](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/multi-extortion-rise-ransomware-report/ "article - table of contents") * [Ransom Cartel Ransomware: A Possible Connection With REvil](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ransom-cartel-ransomware/ "article - table of contents") * [Understanding REvil: REvil Threat Actors May Have Returned (Updated)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/revil-threat-actors/ "article - table of contents") ## Related Resources ![Pictorial representation of post-exploitation identity misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE. 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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. 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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. 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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. 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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") ![Pictorial representation of Token-jacking. A person types on a laptop with multiple digital interface elements projected, including an "AI" icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_1246251272-2-786x369.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 6, 2026 [#### Token Jacking: Cybercriminals Could Be Stealing Your AI Resources](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-token-jacking/) * [AI API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ai-api/ "AI API") * [AI gateway](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ai-gateway/ "AI gateway") * [API keys](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api-keys/ "API keys") [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-token-jacking/ "Token Jacking: Cybercriminals Could Be Stealing Your AI Resources") * ![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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