@india.com

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This document provides a comprehensive overview of the ransomware variant identified by the file extension suffix @india.com. This particular variant is a known offshoot of the GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware family, which has seen numerous iterations with different appended suffixes. Understanding its characteristics is key to effective prevention and recovery.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: The string @india.com is not a true file extension but rather a unique suffix appended to the original filename and extension of encrypted files.

  • Renaming Convention: When a file is encrypted by this GlobeImposter 2.0 variant, its original name and extension are preserved, and then @india.com is added at the very end.

    The ransomware typically creates a ransom note file in each folder containing encrypted files, often named HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, info.hta, or READ_ME.txt, containing instructions for payment and contact information for the attackers.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: Variants of GlobeImposter 2.0, including those utilizing various unique suffixes like @india.com, have been active since late 2017 and throughout 2018 and 2019, with new iterations occasionally appearing. The @india.com specific variant was notably observed during 2018-2019, though older campaigns might still surface if an organization hasn’t patched or updated systems.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

GlobeImposter 2.0, like many other ransomware families, primarily relies on common, well-established methods to gain initial access and propagate:

  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploitation: This is one of the most common vectors. Attackers scan the internet for systems with open RDP ports and then use brute-force attacks or stolen credentials to gain unauthorized access. Once inside, they manually deploy the ransomware.
  • Phishing Campaigns:
    • Malicious Attachments: Emails containing seemingly legitimate but malicious attachments (e.g., seemingly innocent documents with embedded macros, or disguised executable files) are a frequent vector. When opened, these attachments trigger the ransomware download and execution.
    • Malicious Links: Phishing emails may also contain links to compromised websites that host malware, which then downloads the ransomware payload.
  • Software Vulnerabilities: While less common for GlobeImposter compared to wormable ransomware like WannaCry, the exploitation of known software vulnerabilities (e.g., in operating systems, network services, or third-party applications) can be used to gain initial access or facilitate lateral movement within a network.
  • Software Cracks/Pirated Software: Users downloading pirated software, “cracks,” or key generators from untrusted sources are at high risk, as these often contain bundled malware, including ransomware.
  • Malvertising: Compromised legitimate advertising networks can redirect users to malicious websites that automatically download malware (drive-by downloads) or trick users into downloading infected files.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive and multi-layered prevention is the most effective defense against ransomware like @india.com:

  • Regular, Offline Backups: Implement a robust backup strategy following the 3-2-1 rule: at least three copies of your data, stored on two different media types, with one copy offsite or offline (disconnected from the network). This is the most critical defense for data recovery.
  • Keep Systems and Software Updated: Promptly apply security patches and updates for your operating systems, applications, and firmware. This closes known vulnerabilities that ransomware might exploit.
  • Strong Password Policies & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enforce complex, unique passwords and enable MFA for all critical services, especially RDP, VPNs, and email accounts.
  • Network Segmentation: Divide your network into isolated segments to limit lateral movement of ransomware if an initial infection occurs.
  • Firewall Configuration: Restrict inbound and outbound traffic. Block RDP access from the internet entirely, or limit it to trusted IP addresses only. Disable or restrict SMBv1 (Server Message Block) where possible, as it’s a common target.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) / Antivirus Solutions: Deploy and maintain up-to-date EDR or next-generation antivirus software on all endpoints and servers. Ensure real-time protection is enabled.
  • User Awareness Training: Educate employees about phishing, suspicious emails, and safe browsing habits. They are often the first line of defense.
  • Disable Macros by Default: Configure Microsoft Office and similar applications to disable macros by default, or only allow digitally signed macros from trusted sources.
  • Email Security Gateway: Implement email filtering solutions to detect and block malicious attachments, links, and spam.
  • Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users and applications only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks.

2. Removal

If an infection occurs, swift and methodical removal is crucial to prevent further spread:

  1. Isolate Infected Systems: Immediately disconnect the infected computer(s) from the network (unplug Ethernet cable, disable Wi-Fi). This prevents the ransomware from encrypting shared drives or spreading to other machines.
  2. Identify the Source: Review system logs (Event Viewer), network activity, and recent user actions to determine how the infection occurred. This is vital for addressing vulnerabilities and preventing re-infection.
  3. Perform Full System Scans: Boot the infected system into Safe Mode (with networking if necessary for tool updates) and perform a comprehensive scan using reputable antivirus/anti-malware software. Ensure the software definitions are fully updated.
  4. Remove Malicious Files and Entries: Allow the security software to quarantine or delete detected malware. Manually check common persistence locations (e.g., Startup folders, Scheduled Tasks, Registry Run keys, services) for any residual malicious entries and remove them.
  5. Change All Compromised Credentials: If RDP brute-forcing or phishing was the vector, assume the credentials used on the infected system are compromised. Change all passwords associated with that user account, and ideally, for any other accounts that might have been accessible from the compromised system.
  6. Rebuild/Restore: The most reliable way to ensure a clean system is to wipe the infected machine and restore it from a known clean backup. If no recent backup is available, a clean OS reinstallation is highly recommended after removing the malware.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: For most GlobeImposter 2.0 variants, including @india.com, there is generally no universal decryption tool available without the unique private key held by the attackers. GlobeImposter uses strong encryption algorithms, making brute-force decryption impractical.
    • While some specific, older or flawed GlobeImposter variants have had public decryptors released by security researchers, the @india.com variant is not widely known to have a free, publicly available decryptor that works reliably for all victims.
    • Paying the ransom is strongly discouraged. There is no guarantee you will receive a working decryptor, and it funds future criminal activities.
  • Methods/Tools for Recovery:
    1. Restore from Backups (Primary Method): This is the most reliable and recommended method. Restore your files from your clean, offline/offsite backups.
    2. Shadow Volume Copies: Ransomware often attempts to delete Shadow Volume Copies (VSS), which are Windows system restore points. However, if the ransomware failed to delete them, you might be able to recover some older versions of files using tools like ShadowExplorer. This is a slim chance with GlobeImposter as it typically targets VSS deletion.
    3. Data Recovery Software: In some rare cases, if files were not securely overwritten but merely encrypted, specialized data recovery software might be able to recover fragments of the original files, though this is highly unlikely for fully encrypted data.
    4. Professional Data Recovery Services: As a last resort, specialized data recovery firms sometimes have proprietary methods or access to decryption keys for certain variants. This is an expensive option with no guarantee of success.
  • Essential Tools/Patches:
    • For Prevention: Robust EDR/Antivirus suites (e.g., CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint), network firewalls, backup solutions (e.g., Veeam, Acronis), email security gateways.
    • For Remediation: Up-to-date antivirus definitions, bootable anti-malware rescue disks, system diagnostic tools (e.g., Process Explorer, Autoruns), tools like ShadowExplorer (for VSS recovery attempts).
    • Patches: Always apply the latest security updates from Microsoft (for Windows OS and Exchange/SQL Servers) and other software vendors.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions:
    • VSS Deletion: GlobeImposter variants are known to actively delete Shadow Volume Copies (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), making recovery from system restore points difficult.
    • Security Software Disablement: The ransomware often attempts to terminate security processes or disable firewall rules to evade detection and facilitate its operations.
    • Lateral Movement: If initial access is gained through RDP, the attackers often perform reconnaissance and move laterally within the network to identify and encrypt high-value targets (e.g., domain controllers, file servers).
    • Ransom Note Consistency: The ransom note will explicitly mention the @india.com suffix and provide instructions for contacting the attackers, typically via email.
  • Broader Impact:
    • Operational Disruption: Infection can halt business operations, leading to significant downtime and loss of productivity.
    • Financial Losses: Beyond potential ransom payments (if chosen), costs include forensic investigation, system rebuilding, data recovery efforts, and lost revenue during downtime.
    • Reputational Damage: Data breaches or prolonged service outages can severely damage an organization’s reputation and customer trust.
    • Data Loss: If proper backups are not in place, encrypted data may be permanently lost, leading to severe consequences for individuals and businesses alike.

By implementing these robust prevention and recovery strategies, individuals and organizations can significantly reduce their risk and mitigate the impact of the @india.com GlobeImposter ransomware variant.