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DarkVault Ransomware
Under attack by ransomware or suffering a cyber breach?
Speed is critical when facing a live cyber attack. If you believe you’ve been compromised, by the DarkVault ransomware group or another threat actor - contact us immediately.
About DarkVault ransomware group
Emerging in late 2023, DarkVault ransomware is a stealth-focused threat actor known for targeting enterprise systems and exfiltrating high-value data before deploying encryption. These ransomware attacks are strategically planned, with attackers leveraging a double extortion tactic, stealing and threatening to expose files on their data leak site if the ransom is not paid.
After a DarkVault attack, victims are often presented with a ransomware note, demanding payments in cryptocurrency to restore access to encrypted data and to prevent public disclosure. The extent of these attacks highlights growing cybersecurity concerns among global businesses.
What we can help with:
- Encrypted files & ransomware data recovery
- Incident response and containment
- Secure data restoration and system recovery
- Use of ransomware decryption tools and data recovery software
- Development of incident response plans and disaster recovery solutions
- Post-incident reviews and security hardening
Request a call back
If your organisation has been infected with ransomware contact us immediately.
How DarkVault operators work
DarkVault is one of several emerging ransomware groups operating on the dark web. First seen in late 2023, this gang has already left a significant impact on various sectors by executing calculated and high-stakes ransomware operations. Though still a limited number of employees are believed to be involved, the group’s methods and reach mirror those of seasoned threat actors.
Some cyber security experts believe DarkVault could be a rebranding of LockBit, pointing to LockBit’s branding similarities in design and ransom communications. The in depth analysis of DarkVault’s infrastructure, especially its use of a .onion data leak site, adds weight to this theory and reflects advanced malware creation and deployment skills.
DarkVault portrays itself as an exclusive online community involved in a variety of illegal activities, including data theft, website defacing, and scams. Its tactics evoke strong parallels with ransomware operations that have plagued the financial markets, healthcare institutions, cloud providers, and telecommunications in recent years.
We are equipped to deal with an attack from any ransomware group.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are under attack from a ransomware group not listed above.
Recognising a DarkVault attack
DarkVault relies on a double extortion tactic, first encrypting network files, then threatening to release stolen data publicly. The group’s tactics often include infiltrating via phishing or compromised RDP access. Once inside, their malware spreads laterally, encrypting multiple endpoints and appending a “.dvlt” extension.
The development of such advanced malware reflects a calculated approach intended to cause maximum disruption. These attacks are not random, they are often meticulously planned to exploit known vulnerabilities and generate fear, even issuing bomb threats or other scare tactics to intensify pressure.
Why you must not interfere with your ransomware environment
If you discover a physical break-in at your offices, your first instinct would be to call the police; touch nothing and let them search for clues. Then, your focus would shift to restoring business operations.
A cyber-attack requires the same approach. Your digital environment is a CRIME SCENE. It is crucial to leave the environment untouched to allow for a forensic investigation.
This is not a task for your IT team or MSP. Digital Forensic specialists are available 24/7 to assist you, just like in a physical crime.
| description | Sector | Date Discovered | Attack Date | Country | Screenshot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 有你物联”是一家专注于物联网科技、智能家居、智慧社区的软硬件研发与应用的国家高新技术企业。凭借在物联网领域深耕10余年的研发团队，不断自主研发，形成了以智慧社区、智能家居为一体的智慧系统解决方案。致力于让智能家居成为家庭的一员。 | Not Found | 06/01/2025 02:00 PM | 06/01/2025 01:59 PM | CN | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Conflux HR, your all-in-one HR partner, empowers businesses by automating routine HR tasks, ensuring compliance, engaging employees, and delivering valuable data insights. | Technology | 02/01/2025 08:03 PM | 02/01/2025 12:00 AM | IN | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Timely аппликейшн ямар нэгэн нэмэлт төхөөрөмж шаардлагагүйгээр ажилтны цагийг түргэн шуурхай цагаа бүртгэх хялбар платформ юм. Бизнес үйл ажиллагаа эрхэлж байгаа Та хэдэн ч ажилтантай байсан манай платформыг ашиглан ажилчдын хоцролт, илүү цаг, чөлөө зэргийг бүрэн хянах боломжтой юм. | Technology | 28/12/2024 05:01 PM | 28/12/2024 12:00 AM | MN | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| SalesGig provides outsourced sales development to support our B2B clients generate leads. We deploy proven outbound strategies to expand reach, open conversations, and set sales meetings. | Business Services | 02/12/2024 09:22 PM | 02/12/2024 12:00 AM | US | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| InThinking is an innovative educational technology and training company which provides web-based resources and high quality training for IB World Schools. With more than 20 years experience, we are particularly committed to promoting critical thinking across the curriculum. | Education | 20/11/2024 03:14 PM | 20/11/2024 12:00 AM | KR | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Founded in 2016, arabot is a high-tech company which specialises in providing end-to-end solutions which focus on building an authentic conversational experience between bots and humans. Through its cutting-edge conversational AI chatbots and text understanding technologies, arabot helps businesses communicate and engage with customers in an efficient, effective and intelligent way across a wide range of different websites, applications and social media platforms. | Technology | 19/11/2024 06:05 PM | 19/11/2024 12:00 AM | AE | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Techguard specializes in offering device protection products, warranty and repair services for tech gadgets and appliances. | Technology | 19/11/2024 04:14 PM | 19/11/2024 12:00 AM | IN | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| NEJOUM ALJAZEERA initiated its movement during the late last century, where its activities revolved around trading in and trading out vehicles, as well as logistics and meet the expectations of all customers present locally and in the gulf region, synchronizing along with the economic prosperity witnessed by United Arab Emirates which greets diverse nationalities that provides work, residency, and investments. One of our first branches was opened in Sharjah in the year of 2002 to officially start our journey in servicing -American exported- used cars. | Technology | 07/11/2024 06:12 PM | 07/11/2024 12:00 AM | AE | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Fresh Aire has been fragrancing and deodorizing offices since 1995! Our deodorizers and fragrances are specially formulated to quietly and continuously evaporate into the air. These environmentally friendly fragrances contain odor neutralizers and odor counteractants. We have a variety of fragrances from strong to mild, and our owners and service technicians use both art and science to control the evaporation rate. This technique allows us to fragrance any area from the size of the typical office or lobby to a large or small restroom for about the cost of a lunch every four weeks! | Business Services | 28/08/2024 02:45 PM | 28/08/2024 12:00 AM | US | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Pocket Risk is a provider of risk tolerance assessment and portfolio analysis tools for financial advisors. Its focus on reliability and pioneering research allows advisors to make investment decisions that align with their clients' risk profiles. The innovative solutions provided by the company equip advisors with the latest insights and evidence-based strategies, helping them to deliver considerable value to their clients. | Financial | 26/08/2024 02:40 PM | 26/08/2024 12:00 AM | GB | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| INGOT Brokers is a premium multi-asset brokerage firm aimed at making financial markets easily available and accessible to traders of all kinds and experience levels. The company is regulated by the Financial Services Authority Mahe, Seychelles., providing a trustworthy and outstanding trading experience. Our company was founded in 2006 with the vision to become a leader in our industry by delivering premium service, competitive prices, award-winning trading platforms and empower traders to unlock their financial freedom. INGOT Brokers offers clients top-notch trading conditions, great liquidity, and ultra-tight spreads, delivering an optimal trading experience. With 1000+ financial instruments available to trade across Forex, Commodities, Global Indices, Stocks, ETFs, and Cryptocurrencies, you’re able to build a diverse, well-balanced investment portfolio. At INGOT Brokers, you are assured of quality services that are provided with the highest standards of technical support. | Financial | 24/08/2024 03:08 PM | 24/08/2024 12:00 AM | SC | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| PeopleWell Solutions is a single platform HR system built to reduce the time and effort it takes for your HR team to administer HR tasks, payroll, benefits, reports and reconciliation. | Healthcare | 17/08/2024 10:21 PM | 17/08/2024 12:00 AM | KR | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Compañía especializada en organizar y programar viajes internacionales para turismo cultural, receptivo y emisivo. Fundada en México en el año 1999; nos hemos destacado como la mejor Operadora Turística en México, Argentina, Colombia y Panamá. | Hospitality and Tourism | 15/08/2024 10:00 AM | 15/08/2024 12:00 AM | MX | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Lenmed Hospitals are deeply rooted in the historical landscape of Southern Africa. They have provided exceptional private care to the communities they serve for over three decades. The first Lenmed Clinic in Lenasia, which opened its doors in 1984, is now the Ahmed Kathrada Private Hospital. With state-of-the-art facilities and over 80 specialist medical practitioners, it stands proudly today as a testament to Lenmed’s excellence in clinical care. | Healthcare | 13/08/2024 01:06 PM | 13/08/2024 12:00 AM | ZA | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| The Gauteng Partnership Fund, an agency of the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, combines resources from the private and public sectors to speed up the development of affordable rental housing near amenities and economic opportunities. Its aim is to enhance the socioeconomic state of Gauteng communities. | Government | 13/08/2024 01:05 PM | 13/08/2024 12:00 AM | ZA | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Since its establishment in 2012, our firm has been successfully providing accounting, payroll, and tax planning services to a loyal, regular clientele that grows consistently from year to year. Founder Irena Glazkov, CPA, and a team of top-tier professionals, serve diverse businesses and individuals with the highest level of professionalism. | Business Services | 13/08/2024 10:07 AM | 13/08/2024 12:00 AM | IL | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Developer of a promotion-sharing application designed to offer an online channel for the dissemination of offers. The company's platform allows retailers to advertise their offers to consumers who can still share these offers on their social networks, with basic information about the product, price and establishment, enabling users to buy and share deals with their network. | Business Services | 08/08/2024 07:07 AM | 08/08/2024 12:00 AM | BR | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Mercado Mineiro is an online site that performs research, price comparison and offers virtual retail for consumers and the press. | Business Services | 08/08/2024 07:03 AM | 08/08/2024 12:00 AM | BR | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Established in 2017, we are a Yorkshire based Wagyu Beef Business, currently working in partnership with over 800 farmer partners across the UK. We work with forward-thinking dairy farmers, to cross full blood Wagyu genetics to produce a Wagyu Cross, known as an F1 Wagyu. | Agriculture and Food Production | 01/08/2024 10:44 PM | 01/08/2024 12:00 AM | GB | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Blankstyle and its founders have a collective history in the wholesale distribution and manufacturing world of thirty plus years. We are constantly evolving our offering and our service to meet the needs of our customers. Headquartered in Southern ca with roots in the local surf and skate industry we have expanded nationwide and now boast an expansive distribution network strategically located throughout the United States with the goal of providing fast easy access to an excessively large selection of blank t-shirts and other apparel. | Business Services | 26/07/2024 02:40 PM | 26/07/2024 12:00 AM | US | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Eurovilla real estate agency founded in 2002. has become one of the leading agencies in the Croatia, with an emphasis on exclusive properties in Zagreb and the coastal zone. It deals with the sale and rental of residential and business facilities. | Business Services | 23/07/2024 03:07 PM | 23/07/2024 12:00 AM | HR | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Sequel Logistics is a supply chain management company, providing solutions specifically for critical logistics requirements, on a worldwide basis. The company was founded in 2004 in Bangalore, and over the years, have developed specialized capabilities and domain knowledge, to design, execute and manage supply chain and logistics of high value and critical products for B2B & B2C business in India, US and Europe. | Technology | 03/07/2024 10:38 PM | 03/07/2024 12:00 AM | IN | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| With years of experience in the digital ads industry, we, at ForeMedia, see ourselves as an innovative digital display advertising network that unites the advertisers and publishers through its self-serve platform. We strive to improve the conversion rate of our advertisers to maximize their ROI while working hard to make the most out of our publishers’ web traffic to increase their revenue. And we are able to do it because of our in-house team of expert and dedicated support who works hard and is never afraid to innovate. At ForeMedia, we treat our partnerships and relationships as our top priority which also serves as the foundation of our work. | Technology | 03/07/2024 01:40 PM | 03/07/2024 12:00 AM | View' rel='' target='_self'>View | |
| Acting in the market since 2004 and with great experience of laboratories in the interior of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Now comes a new concept in veterinary diagnoses, Life.vet. We have as main objective the excellence in customer service, quality in transportation and sample processing, constant professional updating and new techniques in diagnostics. All this combined with cutting-edge technology in information management equipment and systems. Our new concept is based on a qualified team of veterinarians, biomedicals, production engineer and specialized technicians. All trained to provide all assistance and performing the most varied types of exams. | Healthcare | 30/06/2024 01:12 AM | 29/06/2024 12:00 AM | BR | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Panda Care Car Wash and Pet grooming is your one-stop solution for all your Vehicle and Pet needs. With our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced staff, we provide top-quality car wash, tinting, and pet grooming services that will leave your vehicles looking like new & keep your furry friend looking sharp! Our services are fast, reliable, and affordable; Stop by today to experience Panda Care's service firsthand! | Healthcare | 29/06/2024 11:18 PM | 29/06/2024 12:00 AM | AE | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| BuyEazzy is building online Beauty Destination for Bharat, through trusted neighborhood micro-preneurs. We are on a mission to onboard 300 Mn+ offline users from Tier2/+ cities and towns in India onto online shopping and enable them to experience the power of Digital Democratized commerce. | Business Services | 27/06/2024 04:02 PM | 27/06/2024 12:00 AM | IN | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Decreditos provides loans through a 100% online process. In constant search and development of new products that allow easy access for all people to the financial sector. The company has branches in more than 4,000 cities and has been in business for 20 years. | Financial | 25/06/2024 03:55 PM | 25/06/2024 12:00 AM | View' rel='' target='_self'>View | |
| OExpress adalah platform logistik yang menawarkan berbagai layanan pengiriman ekspres, sebagai ekspedisi dengan sistem pintar yang membantu meningkatkan keberhasilan pengiriman. | Transportation/Logistics | 21/06/2024 04:09 PM | 21/06/2024 12:00 AM | ID | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Empresa boliviana lider en servicios de Seguridad de la Informacion. Las organizaciones de casi todos los sectores confían en nuestros servicios de gestión de riesgos de seguridad para disminuir su superficie de amenaza, reducir los costos de TI, impulsar la eficiencia operativa y cumplir con el cumplimiento normativo continuo. Con la combinación correcta de soluciones de control de identidad y prevención de ciberamenazas, puede proteger datos, activos y aplicaciones valiosos, optimizar y automatizar procesos manuales que requieren mucho tiempo y cumplir con los requisitos de cumplimiento y los estándares de la industria. | Technology | 17/06/2024 01:14 PM | 17/06/2024 12:00 AM | View' rel='' target='_self'>View | |
| Create your own story with Journo! From classic journal writing to travel maps and photo books, you'll be able to document your adventures, print your journals, publish your travels online and much more! | Technology | 17/06/2024 11:19 AM | 17/06/2024 12:00 AM | View' rel='' target='_self'>View | |
| Zeeplive offers you a stage for video chat and video calls with new friends, it gets simpler to make friends and talk with new people. Chat with your new friends face-to-face in a live video call or have a chat through text messages anytime, anywhere! | Not Found | 12/06/2024 06:17 PM | 12/06/2024 12:00 AM | View' rel='' target='_self'>View | |
| Nordspace offers smart, compact and versatile boxes in the biggest cities of Lithuania. | Business Services | 10/06/2024 08:15 PM | 10/06/2024 12:00 AM | LT | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| eWave Corp.'s Precision Agriculture/Livestock Tech is a customized livestock farming technology for the 4th Industrial Revolution era that provides a farm monitoring and control system through an integrated process. | Technology | 10/06/2024 01:48 PM | 10/06/2024 12:00 AM | KR | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Somos uma Edtech que busca, através da oferta de soluções tecnológicas, elevar o nível da educação no Brasil. | Technology | 07/05/2024 02:00 AM | 07/05/2024 12:00 AM | BR | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Somos una marca que a través de la experiencia artística y la libre expresión acompañamos a las tribus urbanas. | Transportation/Logistics | 06/05/2024 04:38 PM | 06/05/2024 12:00 AM | MX | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| IKF Home Finance is a new age housing finance company rooted in the exceptional experience, values and track record of IKF in financing business and driven by the vision to transform lives in a new, thriving, aspirational India through flexible home loans. | Financial | 04/05/2024 04:22 PM | 04/05/2024 12:00 AM | IN | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Sandip University is a thriving hub of 21st century higher education.It is a UGC-approved University in India, located in Nashik, Maharashtra. The University is set in a picturesque lush green Wi-Fi enabled campus spanning across 250+ acres and is home to cutting-edge infrastructure for a holistic student experience. | Not Found | 26/04/2024 02:19 PM | 26/04/2024 12:00 AM | IN | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Онлайн продажа билетов по маршруту Бобруйск - Минск - Бобруйск ⭐️ Покупка занимает 2 минуты ⭐️ Ознакомьтесь с рассписанием и ценами ️️⭐️ Бесплатный возврат, удобное приложение для телефона, sms оповещение. | Technology | 25/04/2024 10:26 PM | 25/04/2024 12:00 AM | BY | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| A BZ Sistemas é uma empresa focada em soluções para empresas, visando otimização de recursos. | Transportation/Logistics | 25/04/2024 02:03 AM | 24/04/2024 12:00 AM | BR | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Book an in-home Massage or Private Yoga appointment with a provider in seconds! Bigtoe is the easiest way to book mobile massage appointments with a 5-start massage therapist. | Business Services | 15/04/2024 07:20 PM | 15/04/2024 12:00 AM | US | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Oferecemos um Dashboard de acompanhamento e gestão da sua operação para que reaja em tempo real e escale o seu negócio. | Technology | 15/04/2024 01:36 AM | 14/04/2024 12:00 AM | BR | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| For 30 years, THSP have been putting people at the heart of all we do to build a better workplace culture and make sure everyone gets home safely. Our hands-on approach to Employment Law and HR matters, combined with on-site audits and inspections of your Health and Safety practices, allow you to successfully operate your business with full support when you need it. | Business Services | 12/04/2024 10:41 PM | 04/04/2024 12:00 AM | GB | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| RBLI is a national charity that supports the Armed Forces, people with disabilities and people who are unemployed through various programmes and services. It offers care, support, employment, social enterprise and housing for veterans, as well as a large veteran village with a full care pathway. | Business Services | 12/04/2024 10:40 PM | 12/04/2024 12:00 AM | GB | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| It is a holdings company based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established in 2006 owns three institutions in different fields, the first is specialized in the retail sale of beauty and spa products, working in the production and distribution of consumer goods specialized in this field, so we have our own production lines, which helped us to be self-sufficient, as the owner of beauty centers, which are marketed under the Baheya brand. | Business Services | 12/04/2024 04:35 AM | 11/04/2024 12:00 AM | SA | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| It is a holdings company based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established in 2006 owns three institutions in different fields, the first is specialized in the retail sale of beauty and spa products, working in the production and distribution of consumer goods specialized in this field, so we have our own production lines, which helped us to be self-sufficient, as the owner of beauty centers, which are marketed under the Baheya brand. | Healthcare | 12/04/2024 02:56 AM | 11/04/2024 12:00 AM | SA | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Hawk SCADA has been installing SCADA systems in multiple industries since 1994. Our products are preferred by our customers, in part because we offer multiple modes of monitoring delivered on a secure multi-user platform. | Technology | 11/04/2024 07:16 PM | 08/02/2024 12:00 AM | US | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Hawk SCADA has been installing SCADA systems in multiple industries since 1994. Our products are preferred by our customers, in part because we offer multiple modes of monitoring delivered on a secure multi-user platform. | Technology | 11/04/2024 07:16 PM | 08/02/2024 12:00 AM | US | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| With HireBus, you can accurately identify the success potential of candidates fast and effectively develop your employees once hired. Using a scientifically-validated behavioral assessment powered by Behavioral Essentials and industry-specific profiling, we help you quickly assess a candidate’s fit for common roles in the home-services industry, and give you tools to understand and keep your employees. | Transportation/Logistics | 11/04/2024 07:15 PM | 21/02/2024 12:00 AM | US | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| In late 2017, we established EZ ELD Solutions. The initial mission of our company was to be provide the Indian Community across the country, with a reliable, simple, and driver-friend solution that complied with the ELD Mandate. We as a company had high expectations for our product, and we were overwhelmed with response received from the trucking industry. Although we are a relatively new company, we have no shortage of ambition or enthusiasm. At our core we are a trucking company, but our recent introduction to the tech sector, has allowed us to identify several other sectors within the industry that are in need of dire improvement. We have begun developing new products that we believe will keep us at the forefront of a rapidly changing world. | Technology | 11/04/2024 07:14 PM | 21/02/2024 12:00 AM | IN | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Zane Benefits is a legacy HR and employee benefits platform empowering employees to buy individual health plans funded by their employer. | Healthcare | 11/04/2024 07:14 PM | 04/03/2024 12:00 AM | US | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| TaskHound is an all-inclusive, easy-to-use time tracking solution for any size business, with Unlimited Everything, for one fixed price. | Technology | 11/04/2024 07:13 PM | 14/03/2024 12:00 AM | US | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| LankaCom is a Sri Lanka–based telecommunications company. Founded in 1991, it is a subsidiary of Singtel and was the first company granted a Communication Operator License in the country. | Business Services | 11/04/2024 07:12 PM | 14/03/2024 12:00 AM | LK | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Ada conceptualized the traditional art of Lucknow Chikankari as a timeless fashion statement by bringing together the finest artisans receiving delightful appreciation for the cognoscente over the years.Our flagship store in Hazratganj Lucknow expanses over 20,000 sq ft to cover a wide range of products across categories. We re-create an elaborate all-encompassing royal Awadhi feel at our stores to enhance our customer’s shopping experience while picking out their favourite Lucknowi outfit or accessory | Business Services | 11/04/2024 07:12 PM | 18/03/2024 12:00 AM | IN | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Agribazaar is India’s leading tech platform for all agri needs to empower farmers and traders nationwide. It's a seamless online marketplace for crops, expanding market access and income potential. It provides insights on crop health, sustainable farming practices, irrigation, weather, and fair market rates. | Agriculture and Food Production | 11/04/2024 07:11 PM | 20/03/2024 12:00 AM | IN | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
| Enabling fitness anywhere. We make world-class exercise accessible to more people with best in class technology. | Technology | 11/04/2024 07:11 PM | 08/04/2024 12:00 AM | GB | View' rel='' target='_self'>View |
Known threat actors
Ransomware groups behind the attacks
Below is a breakdown of the most active ransomware groups and the variants driving their attacks.
Post breach actions
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Call a NCSC Cyber Incident Response approved supplier Some NCSC providers will fund up to 48 hours of investigation into your incident.
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Report the incident to Report Fraud
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Locate your business continuity plan Work out what you can do without access to your systems and data.
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Identify your business insurance contact details
Who are we and what experience do we have in responding to cyber incidents?
We are accredited to ISO 27001 and recognised by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
We provide comprehensive cyber risk management services, with a core focus on Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR). Our capabilities are driven by a 24/7 Security Operations Centre and a dedicated in-house intelligence team that delivers timely, actionable threat reporting.
With decades of collective cyber security experience, we have the expertise to assume operational ownership of your entire IT security architecture – simplifying and strengthening cyber security across your business.
As an Assured Service Provider for Cyber Incident Response (CIR) at the Standard Level. This accreditation demonstrates our ability to deliver high-assurance, effective support in response to a wide range of cyber threats.
Your NCSC-approved supplier is a specialist crime scene investigator who will:
- Isolate and preserve your environment for forensic investigation.
- Identify where the data has been duplicated and issue a legal takedown order.
- Identify your data, application and systems restore points. These might be at different points in time and will need to be carefully restored and reconstructed in a pristine environment.
- Liaise with your business insurance company and if needed, with the Police.
- Advise you on notifying your customers of your situation.
- Rebuild your systems, restore your data and get you back to full operation. Note: This process can take between 2 weeks – 2 months.
Working with us
Our response process
Our team are ransomware recovery specialists with a proven, streamlined approach to resolving incidents quickly and effectively.
Step 1: Triage
We deploy our incident response team the same day. From the first call, we begin onboarding, introduce key stakeholders, set communication schedules, and start gathering critical information to guide the response.
Step 2: Investigation
DFIR (Digital Forensic Incident Response) teams investigate breaches to identify vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and system impacts from ransomware such as Data Loss (PII). We deliver clear forensic insights to guide mitigation.
Step 3: Contain
Our onsite and remote teams act fast to stop the attack in its tracks. That includes isolating affected systems, removing malicious code, and putting protections in place to prevent further spread or damage.
Step 4: Remediate & Eradicate
Once contained, we work to fully eliminate the threat. This includes fixing exploited vulnerabilities, restoring systems to a secure state, and ensuring no traces of the attack remain.
Step 5: Recover
Our incident response teams help get your business back to normal. We restore access to systems, recover data, and ensure services are safe, stable, and functioning, with minimal downtime.
Step 6: Post Incident
We conduct a full review of the incident response and recovery efforts. Together we assess what happened, what worked, and what can be improved, helping you build stronger defences for the future.
Forensic analysis to drive recovery
Our process includes a thorough digital forensic analysis from step two where the output becomes a central component of business recovery. This is because understanding the attack is of critical importance:
Informing an initial infection date
The extent and spread of infection
Data exfiltration having an impact on regulatory positions
Ensuring that the attacker and any tooling or artefacts they leave behind are eradicated
It is critical that the analysis of digital evidence is carried out to an agreed plan.
Maximising early root cause discovery and legal leverage
The process is purpose-built to uncover the root cause as early as possible, which is essential to inform remediation / eradication and recovery as well as supporting a legal take-down case if this is applicable. A legal take-down means we can assist in the legal enforcement that stops the criminals from publishing the data, thus undermining the ransom notice.
Our Digital Forensic and Incident Response (DFIR) teams maintain consistent communication throughout. Dedicated Incident Managers and technical engineering leads provide updates during the Cyber Incident Response journey, utilising risk registers and working within change management processes, all from triage through to post-incident, delivering successful business recovery.
Key take aways
- You will not be able to access your systems or data.
- It is advised to disconnect from the internet and shut down your systems, including PCs, to prevent further infections.
- Your Office 365 system might also be compromised, allowing the attackers to monitor your responses. Avoid communicating with individuals through your primary email or team systems.
- Threat actors typically infiltrate your system at least 2-4 weeks before you become aware of the attack. Your data will have already been exfiltrated. If your system is encrypted, this was not an overnight event.
- Ransom demands in the UK typically range from £500,000 to £3 million, with some sectors, like education, facing demands that exceed £5 million
- Paying the ransom may violate financial sanctions, which is a criminal offence and could result in a custodial sentence or further financial penalties.
- If your data is sold or published online, it puts your customers and staff at risk, potentially implicating you in a Data Protection breach.
- You will need to submit a data takedown request to the initial location where the data was transferred.
- Do not overwrite the encrypted data. It is crucial to determine when the infection began and where the data was sent.
- Avoid rebuilding from the latest backup, as it is likely to be infected.
Why should I trust Zensec to do this work rather than my IT team?
A forensic analysis needs to be meticulous and a clean restore and recovery requires a wealth of experience not normally available in an in-house team who must provide a broader range of IT support skills:
Internal IT teams don’t have the necessary skill set to resolve security encryption issues themselves.
IT teams may recover to the same position with indicators of compromise ready to do it again… which can lead to another breach.
Internal teams are pressured to restore business operations and may recover before forensic analysis even begins, potentially destroying the crime scene before completion.
We can help
Frequently asked questions
Key information when you’re under pressure.
Yes, DarkVault is a sophisticated form of ransomware. It encrypts files, exfiltrates data, and uses public shaming via a data leak site to coerce payments. The group’s methods align closely with those used by LockBit and other major ransomware groups. Each ransomware sample indicates a consistent evolution in encryption strength and delivery methods.
A DarkVault ransomware incident typically originates through:
Compromised RDP sessions
Targeted phishing campaigns
To protect your organisation from similar cyber threats, we recommend implementing the following solutions:
Educate your staff on security best practices and the importance of vigilance
Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication
Regularly remove outdated user accounts
Apply all software and system updates promptly
Perform verified and routine backups
Strengthen your firewall and monitor cloud environments
If you're recovering from a DarkVault incident, we recommendupdating your business continuity plan. Reflect on lessons learned during the period of attack and recovery, and consult professionals with great experience in post-incident response and risk mitigation.
A ransomware attack presents the most significant threat to your business by:
- Disabling your access to systems, which could hinder machinery operation or impede progress through your business processes.
- Blocking access to critical data concerning suppliers, shipments, customers, orders, or steps in your business workflow.
In the event of a business interruption, identifying your position in the supply chain and sustaining operations can be challenging. If the disruption continues, maintaining business continuity becomes critical. Once systems and data are restored, addressing backlogs and establishing future operational protocols are essential.
Ransomware ranks only behind receivership in terms of its capacity to incapacitate a business.
The NCSC is the UK National Cyber Security Centre. They provide cyber security guidance and support, helping to make the UK the safest place to live and work online. They have defined a Cyber Incident Response procedure and they have approved and accredited suppliers to provide this service.
As a recognised Assured Service Provider by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Zensec provide comprehensive cyber risk management services that are designed to Protect, Detect & Mitigate cyber security threats across the UK.
Report Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. Whether you have been scammed, defrauded, or experienced cybercrime in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, Report Fraud offers a central point of contact for information on fraud and financially motivated cybercrime.
https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Yes. If personal data was obtained, lost, or exposed, you are legally obligated to report the incident to the appropriate authority, such as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), as well as your customers. Not doing so could have serious potential implications for your business.
We also advise notifying your insurer or legal counsel. Zensec has a strong partnership history with legal and insurance teams and can assist you in navigating the reporting process, including guidance on how to resolve outstanding risks and future threats.
Dealing with a ransomware attack?
Our ransomware recovery service can help
Our expert team works quickly to contain the breach, recover your data, and restore your systems to full operation. We’ll guide you through every step of the recovery process and help strengthen your defences to prevent future attacks. Regain control with Zensec - trusted support when it matters most.