3. July 2022

Threat researchers claim that the developers of a ransomware strain named AstraLocker just published its second major version and that its operators conduct quick attacks that throw its payload directly from email attachments. This method is particularly unique because all the intermediary stages that identify email attacks normally serve to elude detection and reduce the likelihood of triggering alarms on email security tools.

ReversingLabs, a firm that has been monitoring AstraLocker operations, claims that the attackers don’t appear to be concerned with reconnaissance, the analysis of valuable files, or lateral network movement. It is carrying out a ransomware operation known as “smash and grab.” 

The aim of smash and grab is to maximize profit as quickly as possible. Malware developers operate under the presumption that victims or security software will rapidly discover the malware, hence it is preferable to move right along to the finish line. 

Smash-and-grab strategy 

An OLE object with the ransomware payload is concealed in a Microsoft Word document that is the lure utilized by the developers of AstraLocker&nb

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