TripleM Ransomware

TripleM is a ransomware tool first seen in August 2017. The source code has been made available for sale since December 2018.

Threat ID:: CC-2856
Category:
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:
Published:: 20 December 2018 12:00 AM

Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

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Summary

TripleM is a ransomware tool first seen in August 2017. The source code has been made available for sale since December 2018.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

TripleM is distributed via spam emails that are usually crafted to appear as though they are invoices or other legitimate files sent by large companies such as Amazon, PayPal and FedEx.

When TripleM is executed it encrypts the content and filenames of the user's personal documents and media files. Some versions append the .MMM extension to affected filenames. TripleM uses different encryption keys for each individual file, and can encrypt files hosted on network shares. TripleM also removes recovery options, shadow copies and system restore points to disrupt attempts to recover data.

A ransom note is saved on the system demanding payment in bitcoin.

Remediation

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,

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.

Type

Step

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 1:00 pm