Anubis Ransomware: The Destructive Threat That Destroys Data Even After Payment

The cybersecurity threat environment has taken a dangerous turn with the emergence of Anubis ransomware, a malicious program that doesn’t just encrypt your files—it permanently destroys them. Unlike traditional ransomware that offers the possibility of data recovery upon payment, Anubis incorporates a devastating wiper module that ensures victims lose their data irretrievably, even if they comply with ransom demands.

 Description of the Threat

Anubis represents a new evolution in ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operations that first appeared in December 2024. Initially developed under the name “Sphinx,” this malware has quickly gained notoriety for its dual-threat capability: traditional file encryption combined with permanent data destruction. The ransomware uses Elliptic Curve Integrated Encryption Scheme (ECIES) for encryption, similar to other variants like EvilByte and Prince ransomware, but what sets Anubis apart is its devastating wiper function.

When activated through the command-line parameter “/WIPEMODE” with key-based authentication, the wiper module reduces file contents to zero kilobytes while preserving file names and directory structures. This creates the illusion that files are intact when, in reality, their contents have been irreversibly destroyed. Encrypted files receive the “.anubis” extension, and the malware attempts to change desktop wallpapers while dropping HTML ransom notes in affected directories.

 Severity of the Issue

The severity of Anubis ransomware cannot be overstated. This threat represents a critical risk to organizations worldwide. The combination of encryption and permanent data destruction makes this one of the most devastating ransomware variants ever observed. Even organizations with robust backup strategies face significant challenges, as the psychological and operational impact of knowing that data is permanently destroyed—regardless of payment—fundamentally changes incident response considerations.

The destructive nature of Anubis undermines the traditional ransomware business model, which historically relied on the promise of data recovery upon payment. This shift toward purely destructive attacks signals a dangerous escalation in cybercriminal tactics, where the primary goal appears to be causing maximum damage rather than financial gain alone.

 How It Is Exploited

Anubis attacks typically begin with spear-phishing emails containing malicious links or attachments. Once initial access is gained, the malware follows a systematic attack chain:

• Initial Access: Threat actors leverage phishing emails to establish a foothold in target systems.
• Privilege Escalation: The malware attempts to elevate privileges and gain system-level access by probing the primary physical drive.
• Discovery and Reconnaissance: Anubis conducts file and directory discovery while checking for administrative privileges.
• Defense Evasion: The ransomware targets specific processes for termination and deletes Volume Shadow Copies to prevent recovery attempts.
• Impact: Files are encrypted using ECIES encryption, and if the wiper mode is activated, file contents are permanently destroyed while maintaining file structure appearances.

The malware excludes certain system and program directories to avoid rendering the entire system unusable, allowing it to continue operating while maximizing damage to user data.

 Who Is Behind the Issue

The Anubis ransomware operation is orchestrated by cybercriminals operating under a sophisticated RaaS model. The group’s representatives, using handles “superSonic” and “Anubis__media,” have been observed promoting their services on underground forums including RAMP and XSS. Based on forum communications written in Russian, researchers suggest the operators may have Russian origins.

The group operates with a flexible affiliate program structure, offering:

• 80% revenue share for ransomware affiliates
• 60% for data extortion activities
• 50% for initial access brokers

This structure indicates a well-organized criminal enterprise focused on maximizing revenue through multiple monetization channels beyond traditional ransomware payments.

 Who Is at Risk

Anubis has demonstrated a global reach, targeting organizations across multiple sectors and geographic regions. Confirmed victims span industries including:

• Healthcare: Medical clinics and healthcare providers
• Construction: Engineering and construction companies
• Fire Safety: Emergency response service providers
• Non-profit Organizations: Various charitable entities

Small and medium-sized businesses are particularly vulnerable, as they often lack the advanced security infrastructure and incident response capabilities needed to detect and prevent sophisticated attacks. Organizations with limited cybersecurity budgets may struggle to implement the multi-layered defenses necessary to protect against this type of threat.

 Remediation Strategies

Defending against Anubis ransomware requires a comprehensive, multi-layered security approach:

• Backup and Recovery: Maintain multiple backup copies stored offline and in immutable cloud environments. Test backup integrity regularly and ensure recovery procedures are documented and practiced.
• Email Security: Implement advanced email filtering and anti-phishing solutions to detect malicious attachments and links before they reach end users.
• Employee Training: Conduct regular security awareness training focused on recognizing phishing attempts and social engineering tactics.
• Access Controls: Implement principle of least privilege and use multi-factor authentication for all administrative accounts.
• Endpoint Protection: Deploy advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting ransomware behavior patterns.
• Network Segmentation: Isolate critical systems and limit lateral movement opportunities for attackers.
• Patch Management: Maintain current security patches on all systems, particularly internet-facing services like VPN gateways and email servers.
• Incident Response Planning: Develop and regularly test incident response procedures specifically for ransomware scenarios.

 How CinchOps Can Help

The emergence of destructive ransomware variants like Anubis underscores the critical importance of proactive cybersecurity measures. Organizations can no longer rely solely on traditional backup strategies when facing threats that deliberately destroy data regardless of payment.

CinchOps provides comprehensive managed IT security solutions designed to protect your business against advanced threats like Anubis ransomware:

• 24/7 Security Monitoring: Our security operations center continuously monitors your environment for ransomware indicators and suspicious activities
• Advanced Threat Detection: We deploy enterprise-grade endpoint detection and response tools that can identify and stop ransomware before it causes damage
• Backup and Disaster Recovery: Multi-layered backup strategies with offline and immutable storage options ensure your data remains protected and recoverable
• Employee Security Training: Regular awareness programs that teach your team to recognize and avoid phishing attacks and social engineering attempts
• Network Security: Implementation of robust firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network segmentation to limit attacker movement
• Incident Response: Rapid response capabilities to contain and remediate security incidents before they cause significant damage
• Vulnerability Management: Regular security assessments and patch management to close security gaps before attackers can exploit them
• Email Security: Advanced email filtering and anti-phishing solutions to block malicious messages before they reach your users

Don’t wait for a devastating attack like Anubis to compromise your business operations. The destructive nature of modern ransomware demands proactive protection that only experienced managed security providers can deliver.

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For Additional Information on this topic: Anubis: A Closer Look at an Emerging Ransomware with Built-in Wipe

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