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3AM Ransomware

Posted: December 29, 2023
from Cybersecurity Glossary
Aliases:
ThreeAM
Aliases:
Platform:
Windows
Damage:
Unauthorized Access, Data Theft, Malware Infection, File Corruption And Loss, Computer Network Compromise, System Performance Issues, Network Connectivity Problems.
Risk Level:
Very High!

3AM ransomware is a novel malware variant, engineered to encrypt and pilfer files from your device, demanding a ransom for their restitution. This malware often comes with spyware, that is capable of exfiltrating the files from the local network, making it particularly threatening to businesses. Cybersecurity researchers have observed instances where 3AM ransomware is deployed as an alternative when another ransomware variant, Lockbit, is detected and thwarted.

Possible symptoms

  • Unusual system performance degradation.
  • Files becoming inaccessible or encrypted.
  • Unexpected network connectivity problems.
  • Browser interference and unauthorized redirections.
  • Local and online accounts compromise.

Sources of the infection

  • Drive-by downloads from compromised websites.
  • Exploitation of software vulnerabilities.
  • Malicious email attachments containing executable files.
  • Compromised external devices introduced into the network.
  • Use as a secondary attack after the blocking of Lockbit ransomware.

Overview

The 3AM ransomware, also known as ThreeAM, is a recently identified strain designed to encrypt and exfiltrate files from infected devices, compelling victims to pay a ransom for file release. This novel variant in the ransomware landscape is dangerous not only because of file encryption, but also spyware that comes along with it. Researchers have noted instances where 3AM ransomware is deployed as an alternative when another ransomware variant, Lockbit, is detected and thwarted.

The damage potential of 3AM ransomware attack includes unauthorized access, data theft, installation of undesirable software, malware infection, file corruption and loss, stolen keystrokes, system performance issues, network connectivity problems, and browser interference.

Common symptoms of 3AM ransomware infection include unusual system performance degradation, inaccessible or encrypted files, unexpected network connectivity problems, browser interference, and unauthorized redirections. The sources of infection range from phishing emails with malicious attachments or links to drive-by downloads from compromised websites, exploitation of software vulnerabilities, malicious email attachments containing executable files, compromised external devices introduced into the network, and use as a secondary attack after the blocking of Lockbit ransomware.

If you suspect that your system is infected with 3AM Ransomware, take immediate action by isolating the infected system from the network to prevent further spread. Avoid paying the ransom, as it does not guarantee file recovery and supports criminal activities. Utilize Gridinsoft Anti-Malware to scan and remove the ransomware, and restore files from backups that are not connected to the infected system.

To prevent 3AM Ransomware infections, maintain a proactive approach by keeping your operating system and all software up to date with the latest security patches. Regularly back up your files to an external and secure location, ensuring they are not directly accessible from the network. Employ robust antivirus and anti-malware solutions, keeping them updated for the latest threat definitions. Exercise caution when opening email attachments or clicking on links, especially from unknown or suspicious sources. Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of a potential infection.

🤔 What to do?

If you suspect that your system is infected with 3AM Ransomware:

  1. Isolate the infected system from the network to prevent further spread.
  2. Do not pay the ransom, as it does not guarantee file recovery and supports criminal activities.
  3. Use Gridinsoft Anti-Malware to scan and remove the ransomware.
  4. Restore files from backups that are not connected to the infected system.

🛡️ Prevention

To prevent 3AM Ransomware infections:

  1. Keep your operating system and all software up to date with the latest security patches.
  2. Regularly backup your files to an external and secure location, ensuring they are not directly accessible from the network.
  3. Use robust antivirus and anti-malware solutions, keeping them updated for the latest threat definitions.
  4. Be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links, especially from unknown or suspicious sources.
  5. Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of a potential infection.

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