Ransomware Targets Transit and Goverment Organizations in Ukraine, Russia

Ransomware Targets Transit and Goverment Organizations in Ukraine, Russia

A new ransomware called Bad Rabbit (variant of Petya) is spreading through Ukraine and Russia.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Oct 24, 2017

[UPDATE: Oct. 25, 2017 9:00 AM]

Bad Rabbit has continued to spread overnight in places like Russia, Ukraine and Poland. CrowdStrike has been following the ransomware closely and has provided Security Today with their expert insight on the wide spread cyberattack.

“CrowdStrike Intelligence has observed that a cyber attack leveraging ransomware-style malware called BadRabbit was targeting entities in Eastern Europe," VP of Intelligience Adam Meyers said. "Initial investigation of this activity suggests several parallels with the destructive NotPetya malware that targeted Ukrainian interests in June 2017, although verification of these overlaps is ongoing at this time.

"To date, CrowdStrike Intelligence has found that BadRabbit and NotPetya DLL (Dynamic Link Library) share 67% of the same code, giving us reason to believe the same actor is likely behind both attacks. Bad Rabbit is likely delivered via the website argumentiru[.]com which is a current affairs, news and celebrity gossip website focusing on Russian and near-abroad topics.

"CrowdStrike Intelligence can confirm that this website was hosting a malicious JavaScript inject as part of a Strategic Web Compromise (SWC) attack on 24 October 2017.”

Original story posted below.

A new wave of ransomware has hit several targets in Russia and Eastern Europe on Tuesday, according to media reports and several security companies.

The malware, named "Bad Rabbit," has hit three Russian media outlets, including the news agency Interfax, according to Russian security firm Group-IB. Once it infects a computer, Bad Rabbit displays a message in red letters on a black background, a similar scene to those who were impacted by the massive NotPetya breach.


The ransom message asks victims to log into a hidden service website to make a payment of 0.5 bitcoins, valued at $282. The site also displays a countdown of over 40 hours before the price of decryption goes up.

The airport of Odessa, in Ukraine was also hit by a damaging cyberattack on Tuesday, but at this point it is unclear if it was hit by Bad Rabbit.

The Ukrainian computer emergency agency CERT-UA posted an alert warning of a new wave of cyberattacks, but it did not clearly mention Bad Rabbit.

Kaspersky Lab said in a blog post that that "most" Bad Rabbit infections are in Russia. Some also in Ukraine, Turkey and Germany. The company called Bad Rabbit "a targeted attack against corporate networks."

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.