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[Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/malware/ "Malware") [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/malware/) # Threat Assessment: EKANS Ransomware ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 5 min read Related Products [![Advanced DNS Security icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced DNS Security](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-dns-security/ "Advanced DNS Security")[![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 URL Filtering icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced URL 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"Next-Generation Firewall") * ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * [Alex Hinchliffe](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/alex-hinchliffe/) * [Doel Santos](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/doel-santos/) * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:June 26, 2020 * ![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/) * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-tags-grey.svg) Tags: * [Ekans](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ekans/) * 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ransomware activity affecting multiple industries in the U.S and Europe. As a result, we've created this threat assessment report for the activities of this ransomware. Identified techniques and campaigns can be visualized using the[Unit 42 Playbook Viewer](https://pan-unit42.github.io/playbook_viewer/). EKANS, which was first observed in January 2020, has relatively basic ransomware behavior, as it primarily seeks to encrypt your files and display a ransom note when finished. Although EKANS is basic in terms of file encryption, it's worth mentioning that it does have some interesting functionalities that make it distinct from other ransomware strains. EKANS ransomware is written in Golang and includes a static "kill list" that will stop numerous antivirus and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) processes and services. After killing the processes, it then proceeds to delete shadow copies to disable any restoration capabilities. Like many ransomware malware families, EKANS attempts to also encrypt resources connected to the victim's machine via the network. After encrypting files, EKANS doesn't follow a uniform extension change like other active ransomware. Instead, EKANS modifies the extension with five random characters. This may be an attempt by the creators of the ransomware to evade instant detection by just looking at the file extensions. One way to identify an EKANS infection is by looking for the hexadecimal string of EKANS at the end of the file, which is added by the ransomware. EKANS' intrusion vector at the moment seems to be spearphishing, to compromise credentials. Having file-blocking policies in place, and securing any open Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) ports will help prevent the malware from entering the network. We encourage ICS asset owners to review their security posture against malware, such as EKANS, that aims to disrupt ICS operations. The EKANS operators have affected different industries including energy, architecture firms, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. Palo Alto Networks [Threat Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/secure-the-network/subscriptions/threat-prevention) platform with [WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/secure-the-network/wildfire), and [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr)detects activity associated with this ransomware. Customers can also review activity associated with this Threat Assessment using AutoFocus with the following tag: [EKANS](https://autofocus.paloaltonetworks.com/#/tag/Unit42.Ekans). ### **Impact Assessment** Several adversarial techniques were observed in this activity and the following measures are suggested within Palo Alto Networks' products and services to ensure mitigation of threats related with the EKANS ransomware, as well as other malware using the similar techniques: |----------------------|--------------------------------------|--------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Tactic | Technique (Mitre ATT\&CK ID) | Product / Service | Course of Action | | Initial Access | Spearphishing Attachment (T1193) | NGFW | Setup File Blocking | | Initial Access | Spearphishing Attachment (T1193) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure that antivirus profiles are set to block on all decoders except 'imap' and 'pop3' | | Initial Access | Spearphishing Attachment (T1193) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure a secure antivirus profile is applied to all relevant security policies | | Initial Access | Spearphishing Attachment (T1193) | WildFire | Ensure that WildFire file size upload limits are maximized | | Initial Access | Spearphishing Attachment (T1193) | WildFire | Ensure forwarding is enabled for all applications and file types in WildFire file blocking profiles | | Initial Access | Spearphishing Attachment (T1193) | WildFire | Ensure a WildFire Analysis profile is enabled for all security policies | | Initial Access | Spearphishing Attachment (T1193) | WildFire | Ensure forwarding of decrypted content to WildFire is enabled | | Initial Access | Spearphishing Attachment (T1193) | WildFire | Ensure all WildFire session information settings are enabled | | Initial Access | Spearphishing Attachment (T1193) | WildFire | Ensure alerts are enabled for malicious files detected by WildFire | | Initial Access | Spearphishing Attachment (T1193) | WildFire | Ensure 'WildFire Update Schedule' is set to download and install updates every minute | | Initial Access | Spearphishing Attachment (T1193) | Cortex XDR | Configure Malware Security Profile | | Initial Access | Spearphishing Attachment (T1193) | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Phishing Investigation - Generic V2 | | Initial Access | Spearphishing Attachment (T1193) | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR - Endpoint Malware Investigation | | Execution | Scheduled Task (T1053) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Exploit | | Execution | Scheduled Task (T1053) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Malware Protection | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | NGFW | Ensure that User-ID is only enabled for internal trusted interfaces | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | NGFW | Ensure that 'Include/Exclude Networks' is used if User-ID is enabled | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | NGFW | Ensure that the User-ID Agent has minimal permissions if User-ID is enabled | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | NGFW | Ensure that the User-ID service account does not have interactive logon rights | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | NGFW | Ensure remote access capabilities for the User-ID service account are forbidden. | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | NGFW | Ensure that security policies restrict User-ID Agent traffic from crossing into untrusted zones | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure that antivirus profiles are set to block on all decoders except 'imap' and 'pop3' | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure a secure antivirus profile is applied to all relevant security policies | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure an anti-spyware profile is configured to block on all spyware severity levels, categories, and threats | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure DNS sinkholing is configured on all anti-spyware profiles in use | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure passive DNS monitoring is set to enabled on all anti-spyware profiles in use | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure a secure anti-spyware profile is applied to all security policies permitting traffic to the Internet | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | DNS Security | Enable DNS Security in Anti-Spyware profile | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | URL Filtering | Ensure that PAN-DB URL Filtering is used | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | URL Filtering | Ensure that URL Filtering uses the action of "block" or "override" on the \ URL categories | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | URL Filtering | Ensure that access to every URL is logged | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | URL Filtering | Ensure all HTTP Header Logging options are enabled | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | URL Filtering | Ensure secure URL filtering is enabled for all security policies allowing traffic to the Internet | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | WildFire | Ensure that WildFire file size upload limits are maximized | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | WildFire | Ensure forwarding is enabled for all applications and file types in WildFire file blocking profiles | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | WildFire | Ensure a WildFire Analysis profile is enabled for all security policies | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | WildFire | Ensure forwarding of decrypted content to WildFire is enabled | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | WildFire | Ensure all WildFire session information settings are enabled | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | WildFire | Ensure alerts are enabled for malicious files detected by WildFire | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | WildFire | Ensure 'WildFire Update Schedule' is set to download and install updates every minute | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Exploit | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Malware Protection | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Phishing Investigation - Generic V2 | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Cortex XDR - Isolate Endpoint | | Execution | User Execution (T1204) | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR - Block Account Generic | | Persistence | Bootkit (T1067) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Exploit | | Persistence | Bootkit (T1067) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Malware Protection | | Persistence | Scheduled Task (T1053) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Exploit | | Persistence | Scheduled Task (T1053) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Malware Protection | | Privilege Escalation | Scheduled Task (T1053) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Exploit | | Privilege Escalation | Scheduled Task (T1053) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Malware Protection | | Credential Access | Credential in Files (T1080) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Exploit | | Credential Access | Credential in Files (T1080) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Malware Protection | | Credential Access | Credential in Files (T1080) | Cortex XDR | Configure Restrictions Security Profile | | Discovery | File and Directory Discovery (T1083) | Cortex XDR | XDR monitors for behavioral events via BIOCs along a causality chain to identify discovery behaviors | | Discovery | Process Discovery (T1057) | Cortex XDR | XDR monitors for behavioral events via BIOCs along a causality chain to identify discovery behaviors | | Collection | Automated Collection (T1119) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Exploit | | Collection | Automated Collection (T1119) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Malware Protection | | Collection | Data from Local System (T1005) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Exploit | | Collection | Data from Local System (T1005) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Malware Protection | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | NGFW | Ensure application security policies exist when allowing traffic from an untrusted zone to a more trusted zone | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | NGFW | Ensure 'Service setting of ANY' in a security policy allowing traffic does not exist | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | NGFW | Ensure 'Security Policy' denying any/all traffic to/from IP addresses on Trusted Threat Intelligence Sources Exists | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure that antivirus profiles are set to block on all decoders except 'imap' and 'pop3' | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure a secure antivirus profile is applied to all relevant security policies | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure an anti-spyware profile is configured to block on all spyware severity levels, categories, and threats | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure DNS sinkholing is configured on all anti-spyware profiles in use | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure passive DNS monitoring is set to enabled on all anti-spyware profiles in use | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | Threat Prevention† | Ensure a secure anti-spyware profile is applied to all security policies permitting traffic to the Internet | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | DNS Security | Enable DNS Security in Anti-Spyware profile | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | URL Filtering | Ensure that PAN-DB URL Filtering is used | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | URL Filtering | Ensure that URL Filtering uses the action of "block" or "override" on the \ URL categories | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | URL Filtering | Ensure that access to every URL is logged | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | URL Filtering | Ensure all HTTP Header Logging options are enabled | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | URL Filtering | Ensure secure URL filtering is enabled for all security policies allowing traffic to the Internet | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Block IP | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Block URL | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Hunting C\&C Communication Playbook | | Command and Control | Custom Command and Control (T1094) | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - PAN-OS Query Logs for Indicators | | Impact | Data Encrypted for Impact (T1486) | Cortex XDR | Enable Anti-Malware Protection | | Impact | Data Encrypted for Impact (T1486) | Cortex XDR | Enable the "Anti-Ransomware" security module in your security profile | | Impact | Data Encrypted for Impact (T1486) | Cortex XSOAR | Deploy XSOAR Playbook - Ransomware Manual for incident response. | *Table 1. Courses of Action for EKANS ransomware*\*†These capabilities are part of the NGFW security subscriptions service\* ## **Conclusion** EKANS is a relatively new ransomware, and we still continue to investigate the threat, that's active targeting vulnerable enterprises for financial gain. Although we haven't seen EKANS leveraging compromised RDP, one of ransomware's top intrusion vectors are unsecured RDP ports. It's always good practice to close those ports if they are not needed, or secure them. We encourage having the proper protections and best practices in place to prevent EKANS into getting into, or executing within, your network. ICS asset owners should particularly be aware of this ransomware as it tries to kill ICS-related processes, so reviewing their security posture against this threat is recommended. *The suggested courses of action in this report are based on the information currently available to Palo Alto Networks and the capabilities within Palo Alto Networks' products and services.* **Additional Resources** * * [**EKANS Ransomware Analysis Updates**](https://insights.sei.cmu.edu/cert/2020/03/snake-ransomware-analysis-updates.html) * [**Matrix - Enterprise | MITRE ATT\&CK®**](https://attack.mitre.org/matrices/enterprise/) * [**Best Practices from Palo Alto Networks**](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/best-practices) * [**Script and the decoded strings from the EKANS/Snake ransomware**](https://github.com/sysopfb/open_mal_analysis_notes/blob/master/e5262db186c97bbe533f0a674b08ecdafa3798ea7bc17c705df526419c168b60.md) Back to top ### Tags * [Ekans](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ekans/ "Ekans") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Attackers Cryptojacking Docker Images to Mine for Monero](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/cryptojacking-docker-images-for-mining-monero/ "Attackers Cryptojacking Docker Images to Mine for Monero") ### Table of Contents * ### Related Articles ## Related Resources ![Pictorial representation of post-exploitation identity misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE. 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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") ![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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