360

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

The ransomware variant identified by the file extension .360 is a specific strain, often observed as a derivative or rebranding of known ransomware families, such as Dharma (also known as Phobos). While not as globally prominent as some of the larger ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operations, it has consistently targeted organizations and individuals, leaving behind a trail of encrypted data.

This guide provides a detailed technical breakdown and outlines effective remediation and recovery strategies for systems affected by the .360 ransomware.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: Files encrypted by this ransomware typically adopt the .360 extension appended to their original name.
  • Renaming Convention: The renaming pattern often follows a structure that includes a unique victim ID and/or an attacker’s email address, followed by the .360 extension. Common patterns include:
    • original_filename.[ID-string].360
    • original_filename.[EmailAddress].360
    • original_filename.[ID-string].[EmailAddress].360
      For example, a file named document.docx might become document.docx.id[C67D34B9-1234].360 or document.docx.id[C67D34B9-1234].[[email protected]].360.
      A ransom note is typically dropped in affected directories, commonly named ReadMe_360.txt or info.txt.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: Variants using the .360 extension have been observed in the wild since at least late 2021 and continue to be active. It often surfaces as part of the broader Dharma/Phobos lineage, which has been around since 2016-2017, with new extensions appearing as the threat actors evolve their campaigns.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

The .360 ransomware, consistent with its likely Dharma/Phobos heritage, primarily leverages common, yet effective, attack vectors:

  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploits: This is arguably the most common propagation mechanism. Attackers often use brute-force attacks against weak RDP credentials or exploit vulnerabilities in RDP services (e.g., BlueKeep CVE-2019-0708) to gain initial access to networks. Once inside, they move laterally and deploy the ransomware.
  • Phishing Campaigns: Malicious emails containing weaponized attachments (e.g., infected Office documents, ZIP archives with executables) or links to malicious websites are used to trick users into downloading and executing the ransomware.
  • Software Vulnerabilities: Exploitation of unpatched vulnerabilities in public-facing applications (e.g., VPN appliances, web servers, content management systems) can provide an entry point.
  • Supply Chain Attacks: Less common for this specific variant but possible; compromise of a trusted vendor’s software or update mechanism to distribute the malware.
  • Compromised Credentials: Purchase of stolen credentials on dark web forums to gain access to networks.
  • Cracked Software/Malicious Downloads: Users downloading pirated software, keygens, or cracks from unofficial sources often unknowingly install malware bundles, including ransomware.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

  • Robust Backup Strategy (3-2-1 Rule): Implement a comprehensive backup solution adhering to the 3-2-1 rule: three copies of data, on two different media types, with one copy offsite or offline. Ensure backups are regularly tested for integrity and recoverability.
  • Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enforce strong, unique passwords for all accounts, especially those with administrative privileges or RDP access. Implement MFA for all critical services, VPNs, and RDP gateways.
  • RDP Hardening:
    • Disable RDP if not strictly necessary.
    • Place RDP behind a VPN.
    • Use strong network-level authentication (NLA).
    • Limit RDP access to specific IP addresses.
    • Monitor RDP logs for unusual activity (failed login attempts).
  • Regular Patch Management: Keep operating systems, applications, and network devices fully updated with the latest security patches to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) / Antivirus (AV): Deploy and maintain reputable EDR/AV solutions across all endpoints. Ensure signatures are up-to-date and conduct regular scans.
  • Network Segmentation: Isolate critical systems and sensitive data from the rest of the network to limit lateral movement in case of a breach.
  • User Awareness Training: Educate employees about phishing, suspicious emails, and safe browsing habits. Conduct simulated phishing exercises.
  • Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users and applications only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks.

2. Removal

  • Isolation: Immediately disconnect infected systems from the network to prevent further spread of the ransomware. This includes physical disconnection or disabling network adapters.
  • Identification: Use a service like ID Ransomware (www.id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com) by uploading a ransom note or an encrypted file. This can help confirm the specific variant and sometimes link it to a decryptor if one exists.
  • Scan and Remove:
    1. Boot the infected system into Safe Mode with Networking (if necessary) or from a clean bootable environment (e.g., Windows PE).
    2. Use a robust, up-to-date antivirus or anti-malware solution (e.g., Malwarebytes, ESET, Bitdefender, Microsoft Defender Offline) to scan the entire system and remove all detected malicious files and registry entries.
    3. Check for persistent mechanisms: The ransomware might create scheduled tasks, modify startup entries, or create new user accounts. Thoroughly check common persistence locations (Task Scheduler, Startup folders, Registry Run keys, Services).
    4. Review system logs (Event Viewer) for suspicious activity, failed login attempts, or unusual process executions.
  • Change All Passwords: Assume all credentials on the compromised network are compromised. Force a password reset for all users, starting with administrative accounts, using strong, unique passwords. Enable MFA wherever possible.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: Unfortunately, for the .360 ransomware variant (like most Dharma/Phobos derivatives), direct decryption without the attacker’s private key is generally not possible. There are typically no publicly available universal decryptors for this specific variant due to the strong encryption algorithms used.
    • Warning Against Paying: Paying the ransom is strongly discouraged. There is no guarantee that the attackers will provide a working decryptor, and it encourages future attacks.
    • No More Ransom Project: Check the No More Ransom project website (www.nomoreransom.org). While a specific decryptor for .360 is unlikely, they are a valuable resource for identifying ransomware and sometimes host decryptors for other families.
    • Emsisoft Decryptors: Emsisoft often develops decryptors for various ransomware families. While a .360 specific tool might not exist, their tools are regularly updated, and it’s worth checking their ransomware decryption tools page.
  • Essential Recovery Method: Backups: The most reliable and often the only way to recover encrypted files is by restoring them from clean, uninfected backups.
    • Ensure that the source of the backup is not compromised and that the backup files themselves are not encrypted.
    • Restore to a newly wiped and reinstalled system, or at least one that has been thoroughly cleaned and validated.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Unique Characteristics: The .360 variant generally does not exhibit highly sophisticated evasion techniques compared to advanced RaaS groups, relying more on common initial access vectors and strong encryption. It typically targets Windows systems and encrypts a wide range of file types, often avoiding system-critical files to ensure the OS remains operational for ransom payment. It often attempts to delete Volume Shadow Copies to prevent easy recovery.
  • Broader Impact: The .360 ransomware has been part of campaigns that primarily target small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and individual users, often exploiting less mature cybersecurity postures. Its impact, while localized, can be devastating for organizations lacking robust backup and recovery plans, leading to significant data loss, operational disruption, and financial strain. It contributes to the overall landscape of opportunistic ransomware attacks that continue to plague organizations globally.
  • Professional Incident Response: For organizations, it is highly recommended to engage professional incident response services if a breach occurs. They can help with forensic analysis, complete eradication, vulnerability assessment, and long-term security improvements.
  • Reporting: Report the incident to relevant law enforcement agencies (e.g., FBI in the US, NCA in the UK, Europol) and national CERTs (Computer Emergency Response Teams).