Ragnar Locker ransomware first appeared in 2019 and quickly gained a reputation for targeting critical infrastructure and large enterprises. Known for its double extortion tactics, Ragnar Locker not only encrypts files but also threatens to publicly release sensitive data if the ransom is not paid. The number of infections linked to Ragnar Locker is estimated to be in the hundreds, but the ransomware’s focus on large organizations with high-value data has made it a significant threat. Ransom demands typically range from $200,000 to several million dollars, with the ransomware targeting industries such as energy, manufacturing, and retail across North America and Europe.
What is Ragnar Locker Ransomware?
Ragnar Locker is a ransomware family that encrypts files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. Like other modern ransomware strains, Ragnar Locker employs double extortion tactics, where the attackers exfiltrate sensitive data before encrypting the victim’s files. If the victim refuses to pay the ransom, the attackers threaten to publish the stolen data on the dark web or sell it to other malicious actors. Ragnar Locker typically targets large organizations in industries where the loss of sensitive data and operational downtime can have severe financial and reputational consequences.
How does Ragnar Locker work?
Ragnar Locker ransomware is typically delivered through phishing emails, remote desktop protocol (RDP) exploits, or other vulnerabilities in the target’s network. Once the attackers gain access to the network, they carefully select high-value targets for encryption. The ransomware encrypts a wide range of file types, including databases, backup files, and operational data, appending a .ragnar_locker extension to each encrypted file. Victims are presented with a ransom note demanding payment in Bitcoin or Monero, with ransom amounts often reaching into the millions of dollars. The ransom note also includes a warning that the attackers will release stolen data if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.
History and Evolution
Ragnar Locker first appeared in 2019 and quickly became known for its focus on large enterprises and critical infrastructure. The ransomware’s operators have consistently used double extortion tactics to increase the pressure on victims, making it more likely that they will pay the ransom. Over time, Ragnar Locker has evolved to include more sophisticated encryption techniques and better methods for evading detection by antivirus software. In 2020, Ragnar Locker became a significant threat to critical infrastructure, with attacks targeting energy companies, manufacturing plants, and retailers. The ransomware’s operators have also been linked to ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operations, where affiliates distribute the ransomware in exchange for a share of the ransom profits.
Notable Attacks
Ragnar Locker has been responsible for several high-profile attacks, particularly on critical infrastructure and large enterprises:
- CMA CGM (Shipping Giant): In September 2020, Ragnar Locker targeted CMA CGM, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, encrypting systems and demanding a ransom to prevent the public release of sensitive operational data.
- Capcom (Video Game Developer): In November 2020, Capcom, the well-known video game developer, was hit by Ragnar Locker ransomware, leading to the theft of sensitive data and significant operational disruptions. The attackers demanded a ransom of several million dollars.
- Energy Sector: Ragnar Locker has also targeted multiple energy companies, with the goal of disrupting operations and demanding large ransoms in exchange for restoring access to critical systems.
Impact and Threat Level
Ragnar Locker’s focus on large organizations and critical infrastructure makes it one of the most dangerous ransomware strains in the cybersecurity landscape. The financial losses associated with Ragnar Locker attacks can be substantial, with ransom demands often reaching millions of dollars. In addition to the ransom payments, victims face operational downtime, recovery costs, and the potential loss of sensitive data, which can lead to reputational damage and legal consequences. Ragnar Locker’s use of double extortion increases the pressure on victims, as they must not only worry about losing access to their data but also the public release of sensitive information. The ransomware’s focus on industries such as energy, manufacturing, and retail has made it a persistent threat, particularly in North America and Europe.
Ragnar Locker Ransomware Mitigation and Prevention
To defend against Ragnar Locker ransomware, organizations should implement the following cybersecurity measures:
- Email Security: Use advanced email filtering to block phishing emails, which are commonly used to deliver Ragnar Locker ransomware.
- RDP Security: Secure remote desktop access with strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and restricted access to essential personnel only.
- Patch Management: Regularly update and patch systems to close vulnerabilities that could be exploited by ransomware attackers.
- Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data at rest to minimize the impact of data exfiltration during a ransomware attack.
- Backup Strategy: Maintain regular, offline backups of critical files to ensure data recovery without paying the ransom.
FAQs
- What industries are most affected by Ragnar Locker ransomware?
Ragnar Locker primarily targets large enterprises in industries such as energy, manufacturing, and retail, where the potential for high ransom payments is greater. - How much does Ragnar Locker typically demand in ransom?
Ransom demands for Ragnar Locker attacks typically range from $200,000 to several million dollars, depending on the size and resources of the targeted organization. - What makes Ragnar Locker ransomware unique compared to other ransomware?
Ragnar Locker’s focus on critical infrastructure and its use of double extortion tactics make it particularly dangerous, as victims face both the loss of encrypted data and the risk of public data exposure.
Conclusion
Ragnar Locker ransomware has emerged as a significant threat to critical infrastructure and large enterprises, where the potential for operational disruption and data exposure can lead to substantial financial losses. By employing double extortion tactics, Ragnar Locker’s operators increase the pressure on victims to pay large ransoms to avoid the public release of sensitive data. The ransomware’s focus on industries such as energy, manufacturing, and retail has made it one of the most dangerous ransomware families operating today. To defend against Ragnar Locker and similar ransomware threats, organizations must adopt strong email security, RDP security, and backup strategies to mitigate the risk of infection and ensure business continuity.
