Darkside Ransomware: How to Safeguard Your Business

The rise of DarkSide ransomware has changed the ransomware attack landscape in a big way. The ransomware is dangerous, and many big companies have faced major problems and lost a lot of money because of it. The team behind DarkSide often uses hard-to-beat and aggressive tactics to go after their targets. In this blog, we will look at how a DarkSide ransomware attack happens, what damage it can do to businesses, and what steps you can take to help keep your organization safe from this ongoing ransomware threat. Although DarkSide ransomware was officially shut down after its high-profile attacks, variants and similar tactics linked to the group occasionally resurface under new names, suggesting that some form of its operations may remain active today.

How did the Colonial Pipeline Ransomware attack occur?

The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack occurred when hackers exploited a vulnerability in the company’s network, using Darkside ransomware to encrypt critical data. This cyberattack disrupted fuel supply across the East Coast, highlighting the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against similar threats in the future.

Understanding DarkSide Ransomware

DarkSide is a ransomware group that works as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS). In this model, the people who make the malware rent it out to others, called affiliates, who then carry out the attacks. The group is known to go after big companies in the United States and other places where people speak English. They ask for large amounts of money as ransom. Their business model helps them grow fast because they use the skills of many cybercriminals to do the work.

These attacks usually start when affiliates get initial access to the target’s network. After getting in, they take confidential data. Then, they use the DarkSide ransomware to lock up the files of the company. This double-extortion method puts extra pressure on victims. It makes them pay for both getting a decryption key and stopping their stolen data from going public on the internet. If you want to defend against these attacks, you need to first know where the group came from and how their operations work. DarkSide ransomware itself is not believed to be actively used today, as the cybercriminal group behind it reportedly shut down operations after the high-profile Colonial Pipeline attack in 2021. However, variants and rebrands related to DarkSide may still pose threats, so staying vigilant remains important.

Origins and Background of DarkSide

The DarkSide ransomware group first showed up in August 2020. Right away, it got known for going after big and rich companies. People think that the group is run by Russian-speaking actors. The evidence for this is that DarkSide will not attack companies inside the Commonwealth of Independent States. Many cybercriminals in this part of the world do the same thing. They do not want local law enforcement to go after them.

Security pros look at how the malware spreads by watching clusters of threat activity. They have to do this because the RaaS model lets many affiliates use the same ransomware. Each one may use its own way to get in and move around inside a network. The code for the ransomware stays the same. But how it is used by each affiliate can be quite different.

The way the group works is not simple. It is hard to know who is to blame for an attack. DarkSide is not really just one group, but more like a franchise. The base developers take care of the ransomware and its systems. Then, other partners or affiliates use this to launch attacks. They split the money with the core developers.

Ransom-as-a-Service Business Model

The Ransom-as-a-Service (RaaS) business model plays a key role in how DarkSide ransomware works. In this business model, the main DarkSide group gives out all the malware, handles payments, and provides a deal-making place for different affiliates of the DarkSide RaaS platform. These affiliates are tasked to get into the computer systems of victims and use the ransomware.

Profits from the ransomware are split between the operators and the affiliate. From what is said on underground forums, DarkSide takes 25% of the ransom if it is under $500,000. If the ransom goes over $5 million, DarkSide takes just 10% of that money. This way, the business model pushes affiliates to go after larger groups that can pay bigger ransoms.

Each threat actor using this system can reach the admin panel. This gives them tools to make their own special ransomware, talk to people who got attacked, and show stolen data on the DarkSide leak site. This setup makes it simple for people to join in, so even those who do not have great computer skills can still attack organizations and make money.

Who Is Behind the DarkSide Group?

It is hard to say how many people are in the DarkSide group because of how the group is set up. The main team is made up of developers who make and update the ransomware, as well as administrators who handle the affiliate program. There is proof that these main members are Russian-speaking. You can see this in the way they advertise in forums and how they do not allow attacks on CIS countries.

The ransomware group was promoted in Russian-language hacking forums by someone who goes by “darksupp.” This person looked for affiliates with network penetration testing skills or people who could get initial access to corporate networks. This shows that there is a split between what people do in the group.

The main team is small. But if you count all the affiliates, the number of people involved in the DarkSide group and the ransomware attacks is much bigger. These affiliates are separate cybercriminals or groups. They use the DarkSide ransomware for their own attacks. So, when people talk about the “DarkSide group,” they mean a large criminal network, not just one team.

How DarkSide Ransomware Operates

A typical DarkSide ransomware attack happens in several steps to put more and more pressure on the victim. At first, a threat actor will get initial access to your network by using secret ways. When they get in, they look around to find good data and the most critical systems. They try to get higher access so that they can take better control.

Next, after the attacker checks the network and takes your important files out, they start the last step. This is the encryption process. The ransomware will lock down all your files, so you won’t be able to open or use them. The attacker will leave a ransom note, sharing what you have to do to make payment, so you can get your files back. The next parts below will break down each of these ransomware attack steps in more detail.

Initial Infection Techniques

Gaining initial access is the first big step in a DarkSide ransomware attack. Affiliates use simple and well-known ways to break into an organization’s defenses. These methods often take advantage of the usual security gaps. IT teams can miss these weaknesses when they have a lot to do.

The CISA and FBI worked together using the MITRE ATT&CK® framework to look at how DarkSide actors get in. They found that these actors use different entry points. The tools and tactics can blend into normal network activity. This makes it hard for their presence to be found early.

Common initial infection methods include:

• Phishing: Sending fake emails that trick people at work. These emails may have links or files that put malware into the system.
• Exploiting Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): Searching the internet for open RDP ports. Attackers use brute force or stolen passwords to get remote access.
• Software Vulnerabilities: Trying to use unpatched weaknesses in systems that the public can see and use.
• Cobalt Strike: Using this legit testing tool for control after getting a foothold.

These ways help the attackers get their first step in. Companies should pay close attention to early detection and fix their vulnerabilities fast.

Privilege Escalation and Network Propagation

Once an attacker is in your network, their main goal is to take control of more parts of it. At this time, they will try to get to the highest level of permissions, often called administrative rights. In many cases of a DarkSide ransomware attack, one method they use is getting around User Account Control (UAC), which is a Windows security tool. By taking advantage of UAC, the attacker can run commands with top-level permissions and not get caught by security.

When they have these higher permissions, the attacker will work to move through the network. This is called network propagation. They start where they first got in, then spread out to other computers and servers. They use stolen logins and these new admin rights to get to as many systems as they can.

This part of the ransomware attack is very important. By moving from computer to computer, the attacker finds and gets into key places in your network. This includes large data storage areas, backup servers, and the main domain controllers. Once these areas are under their control, the upcoming encryption step will cause the most damage and trouble for your business.

Encryption Process and Data Exfiltration Theft

The last part of the attack has two steps. One is theft of sensitive data, and the other is encryption of files. This is called double extortion. Before your files get locked, the thieves will look for sensitive data to steal. They want things like financial records, customer info, internal plans, and other important documents. Stealing this lets them have something to scare you with.

After this theft of sensitive data, the attackers use ransomware to lock your files. The malware uses Salsa20 and RSA-1024 encryption. It also removes all your volume shadow copies. These shadow copies are backup files that Windows makes on its own. If they get deleted, you cannot use them to get your files back. That makes it much harder for you to recover the locked data without paying the ransom.

Once your files are locked and the hackers have your sensitive data, you get a ransom note. The note tells you how to pay and warns that your stolen data will be made public if you do not give them money. Using both encryption and theft in this way puts big pressure on you or your business to meet the extortion demand.

Common Attack Vectors Exploited by DarkSide

DarkSide affiliates use many usual ways to get into company networks. Their attacks are not always very smart, but the attacks work well because they go after weak spots that are common. Most of their ways depend on people making mistakes, bugs that have not been fixed, and remote access that is not safe enough.

The key thing for DarkSide attackers is any system that lets outsiders from the internet get into your company’s inside network. This could be email accounts used by employees, or Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) ports that are open to anyone on the internet. If you learn what these entry points are, you can build better defenses and keep your network safe from remote access threats like RDP vulnerabilities.

Phishing and Social Engineering Tactics

Phishing and social engineering are two of the best ways attackers use to get in at first. The attacker can send emails that look like they come from the right person. These can seem to be from a workmate, someone you know from a company, or a well-known service. The main goal is to get an employee to do something that can put the company’s safety at risk.

A lot of these bad emails use fear, pressure, or an offer that seems too good to walk away from. They want to make the person on the other end act fast and not think. The threat, virus, or malware can land on your machine from things like a zip file, a document with macros, or a link in an email. That link can then take you to a fake website to steal passwords or load malware into the system.

To be safer from these tricks, you should:

• Use strong spam filters to catch bad emails before they get to you or your people.
• Give training often to all workers, so they know what phishing emails look like and what to do.
• Try out fake phishing to check staff, so their minds stay sharp to these threats.
• Never let macros open in Microsoft Office documents that people get from email.

Malware often starts with emails, so these steps can help keep you, your people, and your company safe.

Vulnerabilities in Software and Systems

Unpatched vulnerabilities in software and operating systems make it easy for attackers to get in. Groups like DarkSide scan the internet to find public servers, network devices, and applications that have known weaknesses. They use these vulnerabilities to get remote access. When security researchers find a vulnerability, they usually release a patch. Attackers, though, hope that companies will be slow to update their systems.

For example, DarkSide has targeted vulnerabilities in VMware ESXi, which is a tool that helps to manage virtual machines. They have used CVE-2019-5544 and CVE-2020-3992 on servers that were not patched. This gave them remote access and let them encrypt whole virtual infrastructures.

Keeping up with vulnerability management is key to detection and prevention. You need to patch all of your systems on time, then check those exposed to the internet first. If you use a patch management system in one place and run regular vulnerability scans, you can find weaknesses and fix them before attackers like DarkSide can get in.

Compromised Remote Access Tools

The rise of remote work means that remote access tools are now a popular target for people looking to break into networks. Tools like remote desktop protocol (RDP) and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) are important for many companies. But if you do not keep them secure, they can open a direct way into your network for someone with bad intentions.

Some attackers look across the internet for systems with open RDP ports. They try to get in by guessing simple passwords again and again. Sometimes, they use password info that they buy from places like the dark web. When they get into your remote access tools, they have the same power as a real remote employee who should be there.

To keep your remote access safer, you need to limit who can use RDP. If you really have to use it, make sure only trusted IP addresses can log in, and every user has to go through multi-factor authentication (MFA). By blocking these easy ways in, you cut down most risks and make it much harder for attackers to get to your system.

Notable DarkSide Incidents in the United States

DarkSide went after many companies. The ransomware attack that got the most attention in the United States was on Colonial Pipeline. The event showed how a ransomware attack can hurt critical infrastructure and change daily life for millions of people. It pushed the issue to the front of national security talks.

The DarkSide ransomware attack against the pipeline put a spotlight on weak points in important sectors linked to the nation’s economy and security. This was a wake-up call for private companies and government groups. Everyone now sees the growing risk from groups that use ransomware in new and dangerous ways.

Colonial Pipeline Attack Overview

In May 2021, the DarkSide ransomware group executed a devastating attack on Colonial Pipeline, the largest fuel pipeline operator in the United States. The attack forced the company to shut down its entire pipeline system, which transports gasoline and jet fuel across the East Coast of the United States. This shutdown triggered widespread fuel shortages and panic buying.

The disruption was so severe that it prompted the issuance of a state of emergency in several states. In a press release, Colonial Pipeline stated it proactively disconnected certain systems to contain the threat, which underscored the gravity of the situation. The incident showed how an attack on an IT network could have cascading effects on operational technology (OT) and physical infrastructure.

The company ultimately paid a ransom of 75 Bitcoin (worth approximately $4.4 million at the time) to receive a decryption tool and regain control of its systems. The FBI later recovered a significant portion of this ransom.

Impact on Businesses and Infrastructure

The impact of DarkSide is felt in more places than just critical infrastructure. This group goes after many kinds of businesses. They have attacked companies in manufacturing, legal, technology, and financial services. When any business gets hit, the effects can be huge. There can be a big financial loss, trouble running day-to-day operations, and people may start to lose trust in the company’s name.

DarkSide uses a double-extortion model. With this model, the problems go beyond just the encryption of systems. The group is known for the theft of sensitive data, and the risk carries on over time. They take things like accounting data, customer lists, top-level messages between staff, and special company ideas or products. Taking this data is important because if it gets out to the public, companies can get fines, face lawsuits, and lose customers. The loss of control over sensitive data can cause money problems to stack up fast.

For professional services, keeping client privacy is very important. A data breach here can be the worst-case scenario. Knowing that sensitive client information might end up on a public leak site puts a lot of stress on these companies. This pushes them toward paying a ransom, even if they have backups and can get their systems up and running again. The threat from DarkSide ransomware and the danger of theft and extortion make it hard for any organization to feel safe.

Lessons Learned from Past Breaches

Looking at the Colonial Pipeline breach and other DarkSide cases, there are some important lessons for every organization. One of the top things to take from this is the need for a strong and well-tested incident response plan. If there is an attack, having this plan helps you know what to do. You can act fast and work to stop the problem before it gets worse.

The US government, the FBI, and CISA all say you should focus on being ready ahead of time and not pay the ransom if your data is taken. Giving in and paying does not mean you will get your files back. It may also make these online attacks happen more often. So, it is better to build up your defense and put in place best practices in cybersecurity for your company or pipeline to help stop attacks before they happen.

Some of the biggest lessons from past breaches are:

• Network Segmentation: Create clear splits between IT and OT networks. This way, if IT is hit, it does not freeze up your physical business or critical infrastructure.
• Backup and Recovery: Do regular, safe backups of your most important data and systems. Keep a backup copy away from your main network to stay safe if attacked.
• Collaboration: Report it to the FBI or other law enforcement groups when you spot a problem. This helps not just you, but also others, as these teams try to find and stop these criminals.
• Manual Controls: For critical infrastructure, make sure you have manual ways

Indicators of Compromise and Response Detection

Identifying the signs of a ransomware attack early is crucial. Quick detection can help limit the damage and keep things working. The clues attackers leave behind when they break in are called Indicators of Compromise (IOCs). If you find these IOCs fast, your response team can act before the problem gets worse. Good detection and a quick incident response can help stop small problems from turning into big ones.

If you think your computers have been hit by ransomware, act right away. Your incident response plan should outline the next steps to take. You need to cut off infected computers, save any proof, and start steps to stop the attack and get things working again. Keep reading to see what signs to look for and how you should respond to a ransomware attack.

Signs Your Systems May Be Infected

There are some clear signs that show your system has a DarkSide ransomware variant. The first sign you will get is a ransom note. It will appear on your screen. You might also see it in text files. These files are added to every folder that is now encrypted. The note, usually called README.txt, tells you what the attackers want and gives directions.

Another sign is how your file extensions change. The DarkSide ransomware gives every encrypted file a special file extension. This new file extension is created for each victim. It often uses your system’s MAC address or MachineGuid to make that extension. You can spot it easily, so you know the files are encrypted.

Before your files get encrypted, you may notice some other signs. Security teams should check for:

• Unusual Network Traffic: There might be connections going out to bad IP addresses or Tor exit points.
• Cobalt Strike Beacon: It can show up if attackers use this tool for control. Affiliates of DarkSide use it often.
• Disabled Security Tools: Antivirus and security software could be turned off or messed with by the attackers.
• New, Suspicious User Accounts: Attackers sometimes make new user accounts you do not know about. They use these to stay in your system.

These are most of the ways you can be on the lookout for DarkSide ransomware and its signs, like ransom note, file extension changes, and detection from things like Cobalt Strike beacon.

Steps for Immediate Incident Response

If you see any signs that show your computer has been hit by ransomware, you need to act fast. The most important thing is to stop the malware from moving to other devices in the network. Quick and smart incident response will help lower the damage done by the ransomware attack.

First, you need to keep the infected machines separate. Take them off the network by unplugging the Ethernet cables and turning off Wi-Fi. This stops the ransomware from talking to the attacker’s servers. It also stops the attack from locking files on other computers.

Your incident response checklist for ransomware should be:

• Isolate Infected Devices: Take any computers that are infected or look suspicious off all networks.
• Power Down Other Systems: Shut down other devices that share the same network. Do this so the malware can’t move to them, even if their files aren’t locked yet.
• Secure Backups: Make sure your backups are offline and safe. Check them for malware before you use them to restore files.
• Preserve Evidence: Don’t erase the infected computers right away. They might have data you need to find out how the attack happened.

This incident response will help you protect your computers, servers, and people from ransomware attacks using malware sent by attackers.

Forensic Analysis and Containment

Once the problem is stopped, forensic experts need to do a deep check to find out how bad the breach is. They look to see how the attacker got in, which systems were hit, and what data was stolen or sent out. Knowing these things is really important for a good incident response.

The forensic team will study things like system records, network data, and samples of malware. This shows how the attacker moved through your network. They work to find all hacked accounts, see if the attacker left any hidden ways to get back in, and spot clusters of threat activity. Figuring out these parts helps you clear out every threat completely.

What the forensic check finds will help set up the way to keep things safe and fix what was broken. This means you patch the weaknesses the attacker used, change any login details that were stolen, and make systems stronger so these problems don’t happen again. Incident response is about more than just getting back on your feet; it’s about learning from what happened to make your protection better for next time.

Best Practices to Protect Your Business

Keeping your business safe from ransomware means you need to be active and use many layers of cybersecurity. Using only one security tool will not give you enough protection. You should use a complete set of best practices for backup, technology, and people. This can help you build a strong security base.

Good protection begins with some simple steps. You need to follow a strong backup plan. Make sure to take care of all systems often. Working with professional services, like Vision Computer Solutions, will give you the skills and help you need. With their support, you can set up and watch over the right protections, so your business stays ahead of new threats in cybersecurity.

Implement Robust Backup Strategies

A good backup plan is the best way to protect yourself from a ransomware attack. Ransomware like DarkSide tries to get rid of Volume Shadow Copies, so you cannot easily get your data back from your own computer. Because of that, you have to keep a backup of your files offline and away from your main network. This way, if your files get locked by ransomware, you can use your backup to restore your stuff. You do not have to pay the ransom.

You need to make sure your backup plan covers everything and works well. It is not enough to just put your data on a backup. You need to know for sure that you can get your data back fast if you have a problem. Testing your backups regularly helps you be sure that your backups work and that your way of getting things back up and running will work when you need it.

Key parts of a solid backup plan for a ransomware attack include:

• The 3-2-1 Rule: Keep three copies of your data, put them on two types of media, and keep at least one copy in a different place.
• Offline and Immutable Backups: Make sure you have at least one backup that is offline or cannot be changed, so ransomware cannot touch it.
• Regular Testing: Often check if your backup can be used to get your data back. This helps you know your backup is good and your steps work.
• Gold Images: Keep up-to-date

Proactive Security Measures with Vision Computer Solutions

Putting good security tools in place is the best way to stop a ransomware attack from breaking through. It is not just about having antivirus software. You need to strengthen every level of your network. But dealing with all these security problems can be hard for many people and businesses. This is why using professional services can really help.

Vision Computer Solutions is here to offer the right cybersecurity skills and knowledge your business needs. We help you move away from just reacting to threats. Instead, you can be proactive and ready from the start. We plan strong detection and prevention steps that fit your business and the way you work. Our team knows how to build the best protection against tough ransomware, like DarkSide, and other attackers.

When you work with Vision Computer Solutions, you can follow the best practices to keep your business safe. This includes:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Keeping all remote access and special accounts safe with added checks.
• Network Segmentation: Making it harder for an attacker to move around your network if they get in.
• Vulnerability and Patch Management: Making sure your system is always updated and fixed on time.
• Advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Using the latest tools to find and block bad actions on your devices before they become serious.

Choosing the right professional services can help you protect your business from a ransomware attack, help you handle the detection of threats, and guide you every step of the way.

Conclusion

To sum up, keeping your business safe from DarkSide ransomware is not just about using good tech. It’s about using a full security plan. You need to know how cybercriminals work, follow the best practices, and stay alert for any red flags. This will help cut down the chance of an attack. Vision Computer Solutions offers services that make your security stronger. They use steps that are meant to guard your data and your day-to-day work. Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Take action now to beef up your defenses and keep your business strong against this type of ransomware. Reach out today to get started.

Tim Nakapaahu

Tim has worked in IT since 2010, starting as a field technician for major corporations before advancing into engineering and running his own IT business. With extensive SMB experience, he helps organizations bridge the gap to enterprise technology and scale with confidence.