[![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/unit42-powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/)
* [Japanese](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ja/unit42-powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/)
* [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research")
* [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/ "Threat Research")
* [Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/ransomware/ "Ransomware")  
  [Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/ransomware/)

# PowerWare Ransomware Spoofing Locky Malware Family

![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 4 min read

* ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg)  
  By:
  
  * [Tyler Halfpop](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/tyler-halfpop/)
  * [Jacob Soo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/jacob-soo/)

* ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg)  
  Published:July 21, 2016

* ![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 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:
  
  * [Locky](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/locky/)
  * [PoshCoder](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/poshcoder/)
  * [PowerShell](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/powershell/)
  * [PowerWare](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/powerware/)

* [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=0e8fcd9e01 "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/unit42-powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=0e8fcd9e01 "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=PowerWare%20Ransomware%20Spoofing%20Locky%20Malware%20Family&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Funit42-powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family%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%2Funit42-powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family%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%2Funit42-powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family%2F&title=PowerWare%20Ransomware%20Spoofing%20Locky%20Malware%20Family "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%2Funit42-powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family%2F&text=PowerWare%20Ransomware%20Spoofing%20Locky%20Malware%20Family "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%2Funit42-powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family%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=PowerWare%20Ransomware%20Spoofing%20Locky%20Malware%20Family%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Funit42-powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family%2F "Share in Mastodon")
  Unit 42 has recently discovered a new variant of PowerWare, also known as PoshCoder, imitating the popular Locky ransomware family. [PoshCoder](https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/ransomware-now-uses-windows-powershell/) has been encrypting files with PowerShell since 2014, and the new variant named [PowerWare](https://www.carbonblack.com/2016/03/25/threat-alert-powerware-new-ransomware-written-in-powershell-targets-organizations-via-microsoft-word/) was reported in March 2016. The malware is responsible for encrypting files on a victim's machine and demanding a ransom via the Bitcoin cryptocurrency.

In addition to using the '.locky' filename extension on encrypted files, this PowerWare variant also uses the same ransom note as the Locky malware family. This is not the first time PowerWare has imitated other malware families, as earlier versions have been known to use the CryptoWall ransom note. Other instances of ransomware have also been known to borrow code from others, such as the [TeslaCrypt](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2015/10/latest-teslacrypt-ransomware-borrows-code-from-carberp-trojan/) ransomware family.

Unit 42 has written a Python script that will recursively seek out .locky files on a victim machine and restore them to their original state. The decrypter can be found [here](https://github.com/pan-unit42/public_tools/blob/master/powerware/powerware_decrypt.py).

### Analysis

Initial analysis of PowerWare showed that this sample is a .NET executable. After careful inspection of the malware using a .NET decompilation program named [dnSpy](https://github.com/0xd4d/dnSpy), we witnessed the word "PowerGUI" from Quest Software. This allowed us to immediately know that the malware was using the [PowerShell script editor](https://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/powergui/m/bits/20439049) that converts PowerShell scripts to Microsoft executable files.

[![PowerShell 1](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/PowerShell-1-500x302.png)](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/07/unit42-74powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/powershell-1/)

*Figure 1 PowerGUI referenced within the decompiled malware variant*

[![PowerShell 2](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/PowerShell-2-500x154.png)](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/07/unit42-74powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/powershell-2/)

*Figure 2 Decompiled Main() function*

Upon closer inspection of the .NET executable file, we discovered that it's using ScriptRunner.dll to unpack a PowerShell script, named fixed.ps1. This unpacked file is dropped to the following location:

*%USERPROFILE%\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\Quest Software\\PowerGUI\\51daca6d-6a9a-44c8-9717-f8cc5c68d10e\\fixed.ps1*

In reality, this .NET Microsoft Windows executable is only responsible for unpacking an embedded script and running it with PowerShell.exe. The script resides inside a ZIP file, named Scripts.zip. This file is located in the resources section of the file as shown in Figure 3.

[![Powershell 3](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Powershell-3.png)](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/07/unit42-74powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/powershell-3/)

*Figure 3 Scripts.zip embedded within the malware's resource section*

As the Scripts.zip file is embedded within the malware without any obfuscation, we can easily extract this ZIP file using dnSpy. This in turn allows us to obtain the compressed PowerShell script within.

The PowerShell script is very similar to other [PoshCoder](https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/ransomware-now-uses-windows-powershell/)/[PowerWare](https://www.carbonblack.com/2016/03/25/threat-alert-powerware-new-ransomware-written-in-powershell-targets-organizations-via-microsoft-word/) variants. This sample uses AES-128 encryption with a hard-coded key, which would allow victims to decrypt files without paying, as seen in Figure 4. It doesn't include a network beacon that tries to transmit randomly generated bytes for the key like some variants have been known to do.

[![Powershell 4](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Powershell-4-500x205.png)](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/07/unit42-74powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/powershell-4/)

*Figure 4 Encryption setup for PowerWare variant*

The PowerShell script automatically scans the victim's machine for files with the extensions listed below and then proceeds to encrypt them.

[![Powershell 5](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Powershell-5-500x498.png)](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/07/unit42-74powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/powershell-5/)

*Figure 5 List of file extensions encrypted by PowerWare*

PowerWare then appends the .locky extension to the files it encrypts like the infamous Locky malware. It also writes a HTML file with the name '\_HELP\_instructions.html', which is identical in wording to the Locky ransomware family. This ransom note is dropped into folders containing encrypted files.

[![Powershell 6](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Powershell-6-500x441.png)](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/07/unit42-74powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/powershell-6/)

*Figure 6 PowerShell code used to mimic the Locky malware family*

[![Powershell 7](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Powershell-7-500x268.png)](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/07/unit42-74powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/powershell-7/)

*Figure 7 PowerWare ransom note using same wording as Locky*

In the event users wish to pay the ransom, they may navigate to a provided website, such as the one below. The site provides instructions on how Bitcoin may be purchased, and once again we see references to the Locky ransomware family, which this variant is clearly mimicking.

[![Powershell 8](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Powershell-8-500x397.png)](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/07/unit42-74powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/powershell-8/)

*Figure 8 Decryption website*

### Decryption

As mentioned previously, since the malware uses a static key, decryption of victim's file is possible. The malware actually only encrypts the first 2048 bytes of the targeted files, as witnessed in Figure 9.

[![Powershell 9](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Powershell-9-500x396.png)](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/07/unit42-74powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/powershell-9/)

*Figure 9 Example of a file encrypted with the PowerWare variant*

The following screenshot shows an example of the script running on an infected Windows machine.

[![Powershell 10](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Powershell-10-500x461.png)](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/07/unit42-74powerware-ransomware-spoofing-locky-malware-family/powershell-10/)

*Figure 10 Decrypter script being executed*

It is our hope that this script will assist victims that have been affected by this variant of PowerWare.

### Conclusion

While this sample may appear to be new, it is in fact a variant of the previously discovered PowerWare malware family. Unlike other variants, this sample purports to be the Locky malware family.

Palo Alto Networks customers are protected from this threat in the following ways:

* All domains and IP addresses associated with this malware are correctly flagged as malicious.
* All samples encountered within this campaign are correctly identified as malicious by WildFire.
* An [AutoFocus tag](https://autofocus.paloaltonetworks.com/#/tag/Unit42.PowerWare) exists for the tracking and identification of this malware family.

### Indicators of Compromise

#### URLs

hxxp://bobbavice\[.\]top/RY.exe  
hxxp://p6y5jnjxpfiibsyx.tor2web\[.\]org  
hxxp://p6y5jnjxpfiibsyx.onion\[.\]to  
hxxp://p6y5jnjxpfiibsyx.onion\[.\]cab  
hxxp://p6y5jnjxpfiibsyx.onion\[.\]link

#### SHA256 Hashes

RY.exe -  
7f1023a3d523ab15fe3cceb7fde8038199510703a65dd03d78b9548eb2596b51

#### Dropped PowerShell

fixed.ps1  
cd7ca159f8e8dd057b0591abc2e773d5651a27718eb72e26623e64af859d2826  
%USERPROFILE%\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\Quest Software\\PowerGUI\\51daca6d-6a9a-44c8-9717-f8cc5c68d10e\\fixed.ps1

#### Written Files

\_HELP\_instructions.html  
.locky

Back to top

### Tags

* [Locky](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/locky/ "Locky")
* [PoshCoder](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/poshcoder/ "PoshCoder")
* [PowerShell](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/powershell/ "PowerShell")
* [PowerWare](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/powerware/ "PowerWare")  
  [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Technical Walkthrough: Office Test Persistence Method Used In Recent Sofacy Attacks](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-technical-walkthrough-office-test-persistence-method-used-in-recent-sofacy-attacks/ "Technical Walkthrough: Office Test Persistence Method Used In Recent Sofacy Attacks")

### Related Articles

* [Spring Ring: An Inside Look at Voice Phishing Campaigns in Microsoft Teams](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/spring-ring-voice-phishing-campaigns/ "article - table of contents")
* [Understanding Current Threats to Kubernetes Environments](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/modern-kubernetes-threats/ "article - table of contents")
* [Threat Brief: Widespread Impact of the Axios Supply Chain Attack](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/axios-supply-chain-attack/ "article - table of contents")

## Related Ransomware Resources

![Pictorial representation of Iran cyber attacks. Close-up of a person wearing glasses, with computer code reflected in the lenses.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/12_Security-Technology_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/) April 17, 2026 [#### Threat Brief: Escalation of Cyber Risk Related to Iran (Updated April 17)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/iranian-cyberattacks-2026/)

* [APK](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/apk/ "APK")

* [DDoS attacks](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ddos-attacks/ "DDoS attacks")

* [GenAI](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/genai/ "GenAI")  
  [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/iranian-cyberattacks-2026/ "Threat Brief: Escalation of Cyber Risk Related to Iran (Updated April 17)")  
  ![Pictorial representation of RaaS RansomHouse. Digital representation of cybersecurity concept with a padlock superimposed over computer circuit boards, symbolizing data protection and encryption technologies.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/06_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) December 17, 2025 [#### From Linear to Complex: An Upgrade in RansomHouse Encryption](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ransomhouse-encryption-upgrade/)

* [ESXi](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/esxi/ "ESXi")

* [Jolly Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/jolly-scorpius/ "Jolly Scorpius")

* [RansomHouse](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ransomhouse/ "RansomHouse")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ransomhouse-encryption-upgrade/ "From Linear to Complex: An Upgrade in RansomHouse Encryption")  
  ![Pictorial representation of 01flip ransomware written in Rust. Digital artwork of a pixelated U.S. dollar bill disintegrating into small blocks against a blue data matrix background.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) December 10, 2025 [#### 01flip: Multi-Platform Ransomware Written in Rust](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/new-ransomware-01flip-written-in-rust/)

* [Bitcoin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bitcoin/ "Bitcoin")

* [CL-CRI-103](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-cri-103/ "CL-CRI-103")

* [Cryptocurrency](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cryptocurrency/ "Cryptocurrency")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/new-ransomware-01flip-written-in-rust/ "01flip: Multi-Platform Ransomware Written in Rust")  
  ![Pictorial representation of malicious LLMs. Close-up view of a digital wall displaying various glowing icons, representing a high-tech network interface.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AdobeStock_1270203474-786x440.jpeg)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) November 25, 2025 [#### The Dual-Use Dilemma of AI: Malicious LLMs](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/dilemma-of-ai-malicious-llms/)

* [Credential Harvesting](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/credential-harvesting/ "Credential Harvesting")

* [Data exfiltration](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/data-exfiltration/ "data exfiltration")

* [LLM](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/llm/ "LLM")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/dilemma-of-ai-malicious-llms/ "The Dual-Use Dilemma of AI: Malicious LLMs")  
  ![Constellation image representing the constellation schema used by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 to track nation-state and cybercrime threat actor groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Generic-B-1920x900-1-786x368.png)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) August 1, 2025 [#### Threat Actor Groups Tracked by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 (Updated Aug. 1, 2025)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-actor-groups-tracked-by-palo-alto-networks-unit-42/)

* [Academic Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/academic-serpens/ "Academic Serpens")

* [Agent Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agent-serpens/ "Agent Serpens")

* [Agonizing Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agonizing-serpens/ "Agonizing Serpens")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-actor-groups-tracked-by-palo-alto-networks-unit-42/ "Threat Actor Groups Tracked by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 (Updated Aug. 1, 2025)")  
  ![Pictorial representation of Unit 42 threat attribution system. Illustration featuring a white triangle centered within an abstract cosmic background of purple and blue swirls and stars.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Generic-A-1920x900-1-786x368.png)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) July 31, 2025 [#### Introducing Unit 42's Attribution Framework](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-attribution-framework/)

* [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat")

* [Bookworm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bookworm/ "Bookworm")

* [Nomenclature](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/nomenclature/ "nomenclature")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-attribution-framework/ "Introducing Unit 42’s Attribution Framework")  
  ![Pictorial representation of the ransomware landscape. Digital artwork of a disintegrating U.S. dollar bill with pixelated effects on a cyber-inspired background.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/05_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-report-white-1.svg)Trend Reports](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/trend-reports/) April 23, 2025 [#### Extortion and Ransomware Trends January-March 2025](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/2025-ransomware-extortion-trends/)

* [BianLian](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bianlian/ "BianLian")

* [Akira ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/akira-ransomware/ "Akira ransomware")

* [Muddled Libra](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/muddled-libra/ "Muddled Libra")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/2025-ransomware-extortion-trends/ "Extortion and Ransomware Trends January-March 2025")  
  ![A pictorial representation of Akira ransomware, distributed by Howling Scorpius. A person's hand typing on a keyboard with a digital screen displaying the word "password" highlighted in blue, set against a backdrop of various cybersecurity interface graphics.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/09_Cybercrime_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) December 2, 2024 [#### Threat Assessment: Howling Scorpius (Akira Ransomware)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-howling-scorpius-akira-ransomware/)

* [Howling Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/howling-scorpius/ "Howling Scorpius")

* [Leak site](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/leak-site/ "Leak site")

* [Torrenting](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/torrenting/ "torrenting")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-howling-scorpius-akira-ransomware/ "Threat Assessment: Howling Scorpius (Akira Ransomware)")  
  ![Pictorial representation of a threat like BlackSuit ransomware. An illustration of a modern workspace with a laptop displaying cybersecurity icons, surrounded by stacks of coins and a credit card, all depicted in a neon, digital art style.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) November 20, 2024 [#### Threat Assessment: Ignoble Scorpius, Distributors of BlackSuit Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-blacksuit-ransomware-ignoble-scorpius/)

* [BlackSuit ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/blacksuit-ransomware/ "BlackSuit ransomware")

* [Construction](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/construction/ "construction")

* [Education](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/education/ "Education")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-blacksuit-ransomware-ignoble-scorpius/ "Threat Assessment: Ignoble Scorpius, Distributors of BlackSuit Ransomware")  
  ![A representation of a threat group like Jumpy Pisces. Illustrative image featuring two fish and the Pisces constellation superimposed on a stylized, abstract background with flowing purple waves and a starry night sky.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Pisces-NK-A-1920x900-1-786x368.png)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) October 30, 2024 [#### Jumpy Pisces Engages in Play Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/north-korean-threat-group-play-ransomware/)

* [North Korea](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/north-korea/ "North Korea")

* [Jumpy Pisces](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/jumpy-pisces/ "Jumpy Pisces")

* [Fiddling Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/fiddling-scorpius/ "Fiddling Scorpius")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/north-korean-threat-group-play-ransomware/ "Jumpy Pisces Engages in Play Ransomware")

* ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg)

* ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg)  
  ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg) ![Enlarged Image]()  
  ![Newsletter](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unit42-footer-subscribe-desktop.png)  
  ![UNIT 42 Small Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/palo-alto-logo-small.svg) Get updates from Unit 42

## Peace of mind comes from staying ahead of threats. Subscribe today.

Your Email

Subscribe for email updates to all Unit 42 threat research.  
By submitting this form, you agree to our [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use "Terms of Use") and acknowledge our [Privacy Statement.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy "Privacy Statement")

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply.

Invalid captcha!
Subscribe ![Right Arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/right-arrow.svg) ![loader](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-loader.svg)  
{#footer} Products and Services

* [AI-Powered Network Security Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security)

* [Secure AI by Design](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-security)

* [Prisma AIRS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-security/prisma-airs)

* [AI Access Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/ai-access-security)

* [Cloud Delivered Security Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/security-subscriptions)

* [Advanced Threat Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-threat-prevention)

* [Advanced URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering)

* [Advanced WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-wildfire)

* [Advanced DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-dns-security)

* [Enterprise Data Loss Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention)

* [Enterprise IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/enterprise-device-security)

* [Medical IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/medical-device-security)

* [Industrial OT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/ot-security-solution)

* [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security)

* [Next-Generation Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall)

* [Hardware Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/hardware-firewall-innovations)

* [Software Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/software-firewalls)

* [Strata Cloud Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/strata-cloud-manager)

* [SD-WAN for NGFW](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/sd-wan-subscription)

* [PAN-OS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/pan-os)

* [Panorama](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/panorama)

* [Secure Access Service Edge](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase)

* [Prisma SASE](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase)

* [Application Acceleration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/app-acceleration)

* [Autonomous Digital Experience Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/adem)

* [Enterprise DLP](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention)

* [Prisma Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/access)

* [Prisma Browser](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/prisma-browser)

* [Prisma SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/sd-wan)

* [Remote Browser Isolation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/remote-browser-isolation)

* [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security)

* [AI-Driven Security Operations Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex)

* [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud)

* [Cortex Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud)

* [Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security)

* [Cloud Posture Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-posture-security)

* [Cloud Runtime Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/runtime-security)

* [Prisma Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/cloud)

* [AI-Driven SOC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex)

* [Cortex XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsiam)

* [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr)

* [Cortex XSOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsoar)

* [Cortex Xpanse](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse)

* [Unit 42 Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response)

* [Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam)

* [Next-Generation Identity Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira)

* [Privileged Access Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/privileged-access-management)

* [Identity and Access Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/identity-and-access-management)

* [Endpoint Privilege Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/endpoint-privilege-manager)

* [Identity Governance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/identity-governance)

* [Workforce Password Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/workforce-password-management)

* [Agentic Identities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/agentic)

* [Secrets Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/secrets-management)

* [Unified Secrets Governance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/unified-secrets-governance)

* [Application Credentials Delivery](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/application-credentials-delivery)

* [Vendor Privileged Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/vendor-privileged-access)

* [Threat Intel and Incident Response Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42)

* [Prepare for Emerging Risks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/frontier-ai-defense)

* [Strengthen Your Defenses](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/strengthen-your-defenses)

* [Build Your Security Strategy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/build-your-security-strategy)

* [Understand the Adversary](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/threat-intelligence)

* [Respond to a Cyber Attack](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond)  
  Company

* [About Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us)

* [Careers](https://jobs.paloaltonetworks.com/en/)

* [Contact Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/contact-sales)

* [Corporate Responsibility](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility)

* [Customers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/customers)

* [Investor Relations](https://investors.paloaltonetworks.com/)

* [Location](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/locations)

* [Newsroom](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/newsroom)  
  Popular Links

* [Blog](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/)

* [Communities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/communities)

* [Content Library](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources)

* [Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia)

* [Event Center](https://events.paloaltonetworks.com/)

* [Manage Email Preferences](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/preference-center)

* [Products A-Z](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/products-a-z)

* [Product Certifications](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center/certifications)

* [Report a Vulnerability](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/security-disclosure)

* [Sitemap](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sitemap)

* [Tech Docs](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/)

* [Unit 42](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/)

* [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://panwedd.exterro.net/portal/dsar.htm?target=panwedd)
  ![Palo Alto Networks Logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/pan-logo-dark.svg)

* [Privacy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy)

* [Trust Center](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center)

* [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use)

* [Documents](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal)

Copyright © 2026 Palo Alto Networks. All Rights Reserved

* [![Youtube](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/youtube-black.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/paloaltonetworks)
* [![Podcast](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/icons/podcast.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/threat-vector)
* [![Facebook](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/facebook-black.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/PaloAltoNetworks/)
* [![LinkedIn](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/linkedin-black.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/palo-alto-networks)
* [![Twitter](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/twitter-x-black.svg)](https://twitter.com/PaloAltoNtwks)
* EN  
  Select your language  
  ![Play](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-play-icon.svg) ![Pause](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-pause-icon1.svg) ![Minimize](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-minimize.svg) ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg)

### Default Heading

Read the article ![Right Arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/right-arrow.svg)  
Seekbar

![Play](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-play-icon.svg) ![Pause](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-pause-icon1.svg)  
![Volume](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-volume.svg)  
Volume
![Minimize](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-minimize.svg)
