Discovered in September 2024 as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) offering, PlayBoy LOCKER has since evolved into a multi-platform threat targeting Windows, NAS, and ESXi systems.
By November 2024, its source code was reportedly sold underground, potentially enabling broader exploitation by other threat actors.
The ransomware encrypts files, appending the .PLBOY extension, and drops a ransom note (INSTRUCTIONS.txt) demanding payment to prevent data leaks.
Technical Capabilities and Impact
PlayBoy LOCKER employs aggressive tactics, including deleting Volume Shadow Copies to hinder recovery.
It alters desktop wallpapers and warns victims of data theft, pressuring them to pay via a Tor-based communication portal.
According to the Report, Broadcom’s Symantec detects the malware through multiple engines, including adaptive (ACM.Untrst-RunSys!g1) and machine learning (Heur.AdvML.A!300) signatures.
Initial attacks focused on Germany, but analysts warn of potential expansion to high-value sectors globally.
No free decryption tool exists, underscoring the need for robust backups and endpoint protection.
Broadcom recommends policies blocking suspicious executions and leveraging cloud-based reputation services like VMware Carbon Black.
The malware’s distribution vectors phishing, pirated software, and exploit kits highlight the importance of user education and patch management.
The ransomware’s multi-OS adaptability and evolving tactics position it as a persistent threat, necessitating proactive defense strategies.
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