What exactly is RansomHouse?
RansomHouse is an illicit enterprise that operates within the Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model. In this arrangement, affiliates (without the need for technical expertise) leverage the infrastructure of the ransomware operator to extort money from victims.
Are they simply a run-of-the-mill ransomware syndicate?
Not quite. Numerous ransomware operations encrypt and exfiltrate data, demanding a ransom for decryption and a vow not to disseminate the stolen data on the darker corners of the web.
RansomHouse, however, tends to skip the encryption step when interacting with victims, opting instead to pilfer the data directly. They then threaten to leak this data unless a ransom in cryptocurrency is paid.
Encouraging news! Can we continue business as usual post-attack?
While your day-to-day operations may remain unaffected if your data is not locked by a ransomware faction,
RansomHouse claims to have acquired your data, a concern that should worry you, your customers, and business associates.
If they don’t encrypt your data, how can you be certain they indeed pilfered it?
Your skepticism towards RansomHouse’s threats might wane once they unveil details of the breach on their dark web leak site.
In an instance, RansomHouse shared links to “evidence packs” and a “full data dump” of a victim’s information. This allows anyone to acquire the stolen data without a password.
A missive from the gang reads: “Esteemed management of Cell C. We are confident that you do not wish for your confidential data to be disclosed or sold. We strongly suggest you reach out.”
Ouch. When did RansomHouse debut, and are they affiliated with other ransomware factions?
RansomHouse commenced operations towards the end of 2021 and has been associated with, or leveraged tools connected to, crews like White Rabbit and Mario ESXi.
Whom does RansomHouse target?
RansomHouse has honed in on entities within the education, government, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, targeting the likes of AMD, the University of Paris-Saclay, Bulgaria’s Supreme Administrative Court, and South African telecommunications provider Cell C.
Do these entities comply with the demands?
As is customary with ransomware incidents, some victims acquiesce to the demands, while others opt against it.
Regarding the Parisian university, it affirmed that it would not yield to any extortion “per its principles and governmental guidelines.”
Did RansomHouse retaliate to non-payment by exposing the stolen data?
Indeed, they did. The gang divulged one terabyte of data, including personal documents, on their dark web leak site.
How can we shield our company from RansomHouse?
The foremost advice is to adhere to the recommendations on safeguarding your organization from other ransomware threats. These guidelines encompass:
- Executing secure offsite backups.
- Deploying up-to-date security solutions and ensuring that your computers and network equipment are adequately configured and shielded with the most recent security patches against vulnerabilities.
- Utilizing complex, distinctive passwords to safeguard critical data and accounts, coupled with activating multi-factor authentication.
- Encrypting sensitive data wherever feasible.
- Minimizing the attack surface by deactivating unnecessary functionalities within your company.
- Educating and enlightening employees about the dangers and techniques employed by malefactors to launch cyber assaults and swipe data – for instance, heightening awareness about phishing schemes.
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