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Introduction
A rising cybersecurity threat is making waves across the globe. The Play ransomware group, active since mid-2022, has continued to wreak havoc on hundreds of organizations. With the joint effort of key agencies like the FBI, CISA, and the Australian Cyber Security Centre, new details have emerged regarding the extent of the damage and the sophisticated tactics used by the cybercriminal group. According to a recent advisory, the Play ransomware has impacted nearly 900 organizations, with the numbers continuing to grow as it evolves. In this article, we’ll explore the full scope of this threat, how it operates, and the latest findings from cybersecurity agencies.
the Original
The Play ransomware group, known for its double extortion tactics, has been making waves since it first emerged in June 2022. The group targets organizations through email communication and demands cryptocurrency ransom in exchange for not leaking stolen data. Over the last three years, the group has attacked approximately 900 entities, including notable victims such as the City of Oakland, the cloud service provider Rackspace, and the Dutch maritime logistics company Royal Dirkzwager.
A joint advisory from the FBI, CISA, and the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC) issued a stark warning in December 2023 about the group’s growing threat. At that time, 300 organizations had already fallen victim to Play ransomware. By May 2025, it was reported that the FBI had identified nearly 900 organizations as targets of the group. The advisory also provided updated information on the group’s tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), along with new Indicators of Compromise (IOCs).
Play’s primary methods of attack involve exploiting known vulnerabilities in services such as FortiOS, Microsoft Exchange, and other remote access services like RDP and VPNs. The group has also recently begun exploiting a vulnerability in SimpleHelp (CVE-2024-57727), which allows them to execute malicious code remotely. In addition, Play uses sophisticated tools to disable antivirus defenses, conduct lateral movement within networks, and steal credentials, making it increasingly difficult to detect and mitigate their attacks.
One of the most concerning developments is the Play ransomware’s impact on virtual machines, particularly those running on ESXi servers. Play uses an ESXi variant that shuts down all virtual machines before encrypting their files with randomly generated keys, creating additional challenges for organizations trying to recover.
What Undercode Says: Analyzing the Threat Landscape
The Play ransomware group’s continued success in infiltrating organizations is a testament to its evolving tactics and adaptability. This sophisticated cybercrime group is increasingly utilizing a range of attack vectors, from exploiting known software vulnerabilities to leveraging advanced tools for lateral movement within networks. Let’s break down the key tactics and what this means for cybersecurity professionals and organizations worldwide.
Evolving Attack Strategies
The
Double Extortion Tactics
Play ransomware’s double extortion strategy is perhaps one of the most concerning elements. Once the ransomware encrypts the victim’s files, it also steals sensitive data and threatens to release it publicly unless a ransom is paid. This adds an additional layer of pressure on victims, as the potential for reputational damage and legal consequences is high. Organizations must prioritize not only encryption prevention but also data loss prevention strategies to mitigate the impact of such threats.
Tools and Techniques Used
Play’s use of tools like AdFind, Grixba, and Cobalt Strike for reconnaissance and lateral movement shows how methodical the group is. These tools allow the attackers to gather intelligence about the target network and disable antivirus software, making it harder for traditional security measures to detect and neutralize their presence. The use of advanced techniques such as Mimikatz and WinPEAS to escalate privileges further complicates detection and response.
Targeting Virtual Machines
Another significant aspect of the advisory is the Play ransomware’s ability to target virtualized environments. The ESXi variant of Play ransomware encrypts files on virtual machines, making it particularly dangerous for companies that rely heavily on virtualized infrastructures. This highlights the need for specialized protections for virtual environments to avoid major disruptions.
Fact Checker Results ✅❌
✅ Accurate Description of Play Ransomware: The details regarding Play ransomware’s tactics, such as double extortion and exploiting known vulnerabilities, are consistent with other reputable cybersecurity reports.
✅ FBI and CISA Data: The FBI and CISA’s joint advisory is valid, and the timeline of attacks aligns with the growing trend of ransomware attacks targeting large organizations.
❌ Vague on Data Recovery: The article does not provide concrete advice on how organizations can recover from Play ransomware attacks, leaving an important gap in the information provided.
Prediction 🔮
Given the rapid expansion of Play ransomware’s impact, it’s likely that the group will continue to evolve and refine its tactics in the coming months. The increasing use of sophisticated tools for lateral movement and privilege escalation suggests that ransomware groups will continue to target high-value organizations with complex infrastructures. Moving forward, organizations will need to enhance their cybersecurity posture by implementing a multi-layered defense strategy, including up-to-date patching, real-time threat monitoring, and robust backup solutions. As Play ransomware continues to refine its tactics, it’s crucial for businesses to prepare for the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and invest in proactive security measures to mitigate the risks.
References:
Reported By: securityaffairs.com
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