{
  "family": "apocalypse",
  "sample_count": 1,
  "category": "ransomware",
  "description": "<h3>Executive Summary</h3>\nApocalypse is a destructive family of Ransomware first observed in the wild in 2016. Unlike many modern ransomware variants that rely heavily on sophisticated exploit kits or malspam, Apocalypse primarily targets weakly secured Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) instances. Once an attacker brute-forces their way into a network, Apocalypse is manually deployed to rapidly encrypt critical business data and extort the victim.\n\n<h3>Infection Vector and Encryption Mechanics</h3>\nThe primary distribution method for Apocalypse is direct, interactive intrusion by human threat actors.\n\nUpon gaining administrative access (usually via RDP brute-forcing or credential stuffing), the attackers execute the Apocalypse payload. Its operational characteristics include:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pre-Encryption Sabotage:</strong> Before initiating the encryption routine, Apocalypse actively attempts to terminate crucial database services (like Microsoft SQL Server and Exchange) to ensure those files are not locked and can be encrypted.</li>\n<li><strong>Encryption Algorithm:</strong> The ransomware utilizes a combination of symmetric (AES) and asymmetric (RSA) cryptography. It targets a wide range of document, database, and archive extensions, appending specific extensions like `.encrypted`, `.SecureCrypted`, or `.apocalypse` to the locked files.</li>\n<li><strong>Persistence and Extortion:</strong> It creates a run key in the Windows Registry to ensure the ransom note is displayed upon every reboot. The note typically demands payment in Bitcoin and provides a contact email address on a free, anonymous provider (like Yandex or Mail.ru).</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Threat Assessment</h3>\nAn Apocalypse infection is a critical incident that halts business operations. Because the deployment is often manual, the attackers have likely spent time mapping the network and may have already exfiltrated sensitive data before triggering the encryption, shifting the incident from a pure ransomware event to a potential data breach.\n\n<h3>Incident Response and Remediation</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Immediate RDP Lockdown:</strong> The immediate priority is to sever the initial attack vector. All external-facing RDP (Port 3389) must be disabled immediately. If remote access is necessary, it must be tunneled through a heavily monitored, MFA-protected VPN.</li>\n<li><strong>Decryption Tools:</strong> Several flaws were identified in the cryptographic implementation of early Apocalypse variants. Before considering ransom payment, consult resources like the \"No More Ransom\" project, as free decryptors are available for specific versions of this malware.</li>\n<li><strong>Forensic Investigation:</strong> Because the attackers had interactive access, a complete forensic review is required to identify secondary backdoors they may have installed to maintain access after the ransomware is cleared.</li>\n</ul>",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [
    "Ransom.Apocalypse",
    "Win32/Apocalypse",
    "Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Apocalypse"
  ],
  "enrichment_level": "insufficient_information",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1486",
    "T1133",
    "T1078"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-07-01T16:35:09Z",
  "type": "Ransomware",
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}