Dharma makes it possible for anyone to launch a ransomware attack

Among all the threats we can find on the internet, ransomware is one of the most dangerous. As we know, the attackers' goal is to encrypt the victim's machines and files in order to demand a ransom in exchange. This is how they profit financially. One of the biggest risks today, however, is how easily these attacks are available online. Today we cover how Dharma is set to make ransomware attacks as accessible as possible.

Dharma makes it easier to launch a ransomware attack

One might think that this type of attack requires extensive cybersecurity knowledge and the ability to develop malicious malware. The reality, however, is that today these threats are more accessible than ever to anyone. There is what is known as RaaS (short for Ransomware-as-a-Service). Basically, it means that someone buys a pre-built, ready-to-use package with everything needed to carry out an attack.

Now Dharma is going to make it as easy as possible for anyone to attack with ransomware. It will offer a truly simple RaaS so that other interested parties can launch attacks. Typically this works as follows: the ransomware operators — those who sell the package — take a cut that is usually 30–40%, and the rest goes to the buyer who makes the investment and ultimately carries out the attack.

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As we know, Dharma is one of the ransomware variants circulating on the internet. It has been around for several years and has gone through different iterations. Cybercriminals are constantly refining their attacks to achieve greater success and avoid detection — which also makes it harder for any defensive barriers we might put in place.

What sets Dharma apart from others? One of the key points is that it tends to demand less money than similar threats. This means it will ask victims for less money. It opens the door to attacking multiple businesses, not just large corporations.

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Cheap and accessible tools

Dharma now offers a highly accessible and affordable toolkit so that anyone can carry out these attacks. This kit is ready to use in a straightforward way, meaning virtually anyone could become a cybercriminal and put other users' systems at risk.

This very point — the fact that even users with no prior experience can buy this kit and launch attacks — is precisely why Dharma tends to demand a lower ransom. This is because the cut taken by whoever acquires the toolkit is also smaller.

This toolkit is called Toolbelt. In total it can perform 62 tasks. Its goal is to spread across the network and reach potential victims.

Everything mentioned here is undoubtedly alarming. We are seeing that anyone can acquire a ready-to-use package and execute ransomware attacks. This puts at risk the security of those who browse the internet without the experience needed to protect themselves.

We leave you with an article where we discuss when ransomware attacks are most common

Source: BleepingComputer