BlackMatter ransomware

Also known as: DarkSide

Category: Malware

Type: Ransomware

Platform: Primarily Windows, less often Linux

Variants: DarkSide, BlackCat/ALPHV

Damage potential: Data encryption, data theft, operational disruption, financial loss, reputational damage, and network compromise

Overview

BlackMatter is a dangerous ransomware threat first discovered in late July 2021. It is believed to be operated by experienced cybercriminals because evidence links it to the DarkSide ransomware group responsible for the Colonial Pipeline attack.

It operates like ransomware as a service (RaaS). The main goal of using BlackMatter is to encrypt a victim’s data and demand a ransom for its decryption. Additionally, these attacks employ double cyber extortion tactics — cybercriminals not only lock victims out of their files but also threaten to publicly leak their data if they don’t pay the ransom. 

Unlike many forms of ransomware that target individual users, BlackMatter primarily targets organizations, especially those in critical industries, such as healthcare, telecom, banking, finance, education, government, and other critical infrastructures. These attacks frequently result in severe disruptions because this ransomware can halt operations and shut down the core functions of the affected organizations.

BlackMatter infections are strategically planned. Hackers use sophisticated methods, such as stolen credentials, exploited vulnerabilities, and remote desktop protocols (RDP), to gain entry to the victim's device. Once inside, the attackers move laterally across the network, escalate privileges, and deploy ransomware.

Possible symptoms

You can recognize a BlackMatter infection by the following indicators of compromise:

• Files on your system are suddenly encrypted and have unusual file extensions.
• Ransom notes are left in folders or on your desktop. These notes threaten to release or destroy your data unless you pay a ransom.
• Noticeable spikes in CPU or disk activity.
• Disabled or tampered security software.
• Unusual network traffic, such as large volumes of data being transferred to unknown or suspicious IP addresses, or unusual outbound connections to command-and-control (C2) servers.
• Suspicious account behavior, including unauthorized logins and privilege escalation.
• Alerts from endpoint protection or intrusion detection systems flagging lateral movement or suspicious activity.

Sources of the infection

BlackMatter ransomware infections commonly occur via:

• Phishing emails, which contain malicious links or attachments that lead to malware deployment.
• Exploitation of vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems, which include VPNs, RDP, and other remote access technologies.
• Compromised credentials obtained from previous data breaches or bought on underground markets.
• Initial access brokers who provide footholds in target networks to the ransomware operators.
• Malicious payload delivery through trojans, loaders, or other malware families acting as dropper mechanisms.
• Supply chain attacks or exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain network access.

Protection

To protect against BlackMatter ransomware, consider these measures:

• Regularly patch and update all software, especially systems that are exposed to the internet, such as RDP and VPNs.
• Use strong, unique passwords combined with multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts.
• Divide your network into smaller, isolated segments to minimize the effects of lateral movement during a ransomware attack.
• Store backups offline or in immutable storage. Test recovery processes regularly to ensure you can restore your data after an attack.
• Educate yourself and your team on phishing awareness and safe email practices.
• Deploy advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) and network monitoring tools to detect early signs of intrusion.
• Develop and test an incident response plan specifically for ransomware scenarios.
• Use tools like NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ that can block access to known malicious sites, adding an additional layer of protection while browsing online.

BlackMatter removal

If your system is compromised by BlackMatter ransomware, take immediate action to contain the threat and recover:

1. 1.Immediately isolate infected systems from the network to prevent further spread and data exfiltration.
2. 2.Lock or disable compromised user accounts and reset passwords.
3. 3.Use forensic tools to determine how the attackers gained initial access, whether data was exfiltrated, and which systems are impacted.
4. 4.Use updated antivirus software or endpoint protection tools to eliminate any ransomware or associated malware.
5. 5.Recover encrypted data using secure backups to avoid paying a ransom. Cybersecurity experts always recommend avoiding giving in to demands because it funds further criminal activity.
6. 6.Reinstall operating systems and applications on affected devices to ensure complete malware removal.
7. 7.Notify law enforcement or cybersecurity authorities to investigate the attack and help prevent future ransomware incidents.