PlayBoy Locker Ransomware Attacking Windows, NAS and ESXi Operating Systems

In a typical ransomware fashion, PlayBoy Locker drops a text file named “INSTRUCTIONS.txt” on infected systems, providing victims with contact information for ransom demands and further instructions. Broadcom analysts noted a troubling turn of events in November 2024 when reports surfaced that the full source code of PlayBoy Locker was being offered for sale on underground forums. A new ransomware variant known as PlayBoy Locker has emerged, targeting multiple operating systems including Windows, NAS, and ESXi. A key component of PlayBoy Locker’s infection routine is its ability to traverse network shares and encrypt data on connected devices. Moreover, the malware might use process injection to hide its activities within legitimate system processes, further complicating detection and analysis efforts. Cyber Security News is a Dedicated News Platform For Cyber News, Cyber Attack News, Hacking News & Vulnerability Analysis. This feature significantly hampers recovery efforts, as it removes a crucial backup mechanism that victims might otherwise rely on to restore their data without paying the ransom. The infection mechanism of PlayBoy Locker showcases the sophistication of modern ransomware. With years of experience under his belt in Cyber Security, he is covering Cyber Security News, technology and other news. One of the most alarming aspects of PlayBoy Locker is its capability to delete Volume Shadow Copies on infected endpoints. The ransomware’s impact has been significant, with its ability to encrypt user data and append the .PLBOY extension to locked files. First discovered in September 2024, this malware initially operated as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform, offering cybercriminals a versatile tool for their malicious activities.

This Cyber News was published on cybersecuritynews.com. Publication date: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:55:04 +0000


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