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Pr1ncess Locker Ransomware-as-a-Service

Pr1ncess Locker, also referred to as Princess, is a ransomware tool sold as-a-service (MaaS) to affiliates through a number of dark net forums.
Threat ID:
CC-2589
Category:
Ransomware
Threat Severity:
Medium
Threat Vector:
Email spam, Exploit kit
Published:
9 August 2018 12:00 AM
Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

This content has been archived

This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information. Use of this information contained in this page is at your own risk

Summary

Pr1ncess Locker, also referred to as Princess, is a ransomware tool sold as-a-service (MaaS) to affiliates through a number of dark net forums.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

  • Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

As with most other MaaS tools, Pr1ncess Locker can be distributed in which ever way an affiliate sees fit, but has been observed being delivered primarily via exploit kit or spam campaigns.

Once on a device, Pr1ncess Locker will attempt to delete Shadow Volume Copies and other backup files before encrypting all local non-system files that match a list of targeted extensions. Most variant use AES-128 encryption although newer versions may use AES-256.

For further information

Threat updates

Date Update
16 Aug 2018 p>A new variant of Pr1ncess Locker has been discovered called Princess Evolution, which is also being sold as a service. The malvertisements involved in this campaign also attempt to mine cryptocurrency on affected devices.

Remediation steps

Type Step

If a device on your network becomes infected with ransomware it will begin encrypting local machine files and files on any network the logged-in user has permission to access. For system administration accounts this may include backup storage locations.

To avoid becoming infected with ransomware, ensure that:

  • A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
  • All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up to date.
  • All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts and that permissions are always assigned based on the principle of least privilege.
  • Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Identifying the source of infection:
Identifying the affected device and disconnecting or quarantining it from the network is essential to damage limitation.

  • Users should immediately report infections to their IT support provider, disconnect their network cable and power the computer down.
  • File auditing should be enabled, and file server logs should be monitored to detect signs of unauthorised encryption and allow the source of encryption to be identified (i.e. the infected device).

To limit the damage of ransomware and enable recovery:
All critical data must be backed up, and these backups must be sufficiently protected/kept out of reach of ransomware.

  • Multiple backups should be created including at least one off-network backup (e.g. to tape).
    The only guaranteed way to recover from a ransomware infection is to restore all affected files from their most recent backup.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:52 pm