Security researchers have discovered an extremely dangerous variant of the Anubis malware that not only encrypts victims' files but completely destroys data when ransom payment is refused. This destructive tactic makes data recovery impossible.
G. Ostrov
A new threat has emerged in the cybersecurity landscape that surpasses traditional ransomware in its destructive potential. The Anubis malware, distributed through a RaaS (Ransomware-as-a-Service) scheme, represents an evolution of cyber threats with unprecedented damage potential.
Double Threat: Encryption and Destruction
Anubis combines traditional file encryption with a complete data destruction option. If victims refuse to pay the ransom, cybercriminals activate a function that irreversibly deletes all information. Experts believe this tactic is designed to increase psychological pressure on victims.
Origin Story and Development
Anubis was first discovered by Trend Micro specialists in December 2024 during analysis of related malware called Sphinx. Research showed that both variants represent the same threat with minor differences in ransom demand texts.
Cybercrime Business Model
Anubis creators actively seek new "partners" through dark web forums, offering them 50-80% of criminal proceeds depending on participation level. Currently, only eight victims are listed on Anubis's dark web page, indicating potential for operation expansion.
Psychology of Cyber Threats
The complete data destruction strategy serves a dual purpose: creating additional pressure on current victims for faster payment and building a ruthless reputation to intimidate future targets. This represents a new level of cynicism in the cybercrime world.
Protection and Recommendations
The emergence of such threats emphasizes the critical importance of preventive security measures: regular data backups, software updates, and staff training in cybersecurity fundamentals. Recovery after an Anubis attack may prove impossible.
Learn more on the official Trend Micro website
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