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FONIX Ransomware

FONIX is a newly observed RaaS tool created by an unnamed threat actor previously involved in selling dark web malware packers. It use a complicated four-fold implementation to encrypt files.

Threat ID:
CC-3629
Category:
Ransomware
Threat Severity:
Medium
Threat Vector:
Email spam
Published:
8 October 2020 12:00 AM
Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

Summary

FONIX is a newly observed RaaS tool created by an unnamed threat actor previously involved in selling dark web malware packers. It use a complicated four-fold implementation to encrypt files.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Versions: all supported

Microsoft Windows

Threat details

Introduction

First observed in July 2020, FONIX is a new ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) tool created by an unnamed threat actor.

Despite being advertised on a number of popular dark web sites for several months, it has only begun to appear in significant numbers since the beginning of October.

Delivery

As with most RaaS tools, FONIX can be delivered in any manner affiliates choose. At the time of publication it has only been observed being distributed in small-scale spam campaigns.

Activities

Once delivered, FONIX will attempt to encrypt all non-system files using a combination of AES, Salsa20, ChaCha, and RSA algorithms. As a result, this unusual implementation appears to function far slower than equivalent RaaS tools.

Encrypted files are appended with the XONIF extension, and a ransom note is then displayed as the desktop background.

Threat updates

Date Update
4 Feb 2021 Fonix ransomware shuts down and releases master decryption key

The Fonix Ransomware operators have shut down their operation and released the master decryption allowing victims to recover their files for free.

Remediation advice

If a device on your network becomes infected with ransomware it will begin encrypting files, which may also include remote files on network locations. The only guaranteed way to recover from a ransomware infection is to restore all affected files from their most recent backup. To limit the impact of a ransomware infection, NHS Digital advises that:

  • Critical data is frequently saved in multiple backup locations.
  • At least one backup is kept offline at any time (separated from live systems).
  • Backups and incident recovery plans are tested to ensure that data can be restored when needed.
  • User account permissions for modifying data are regularly reviewed and restricted to the minimum necessary.
  • Infected systems are disconnected from the network and powered down as soon as practicable.
  • Any user account credentials that may have been compromised should be reset on a clean device
  • Where infected systems cannot be quarantined with confidence, then an affected organisation should disconnect from national networks to limit propagation.

Additionally, to prevent and detect an infection, NHS Digital advises that:

  • Secure configurations are applied to all devices.
  • Security updates are applied at the earliest opportunity.
  • Tamper protection settings in security products are enabled where available.
  • Obsolete platforms are segregated from the rest of the network.
  • IT usage policies are reinforced by regular training to ensure all users know not to open unsolicited links or attachments.
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and lockout policies are used where practicable, especially for administrative accounts.
  • Administrative accounts are only used for necessary purposes.
  • Remote administration services use strongly encrypted protocols and only accept connections from authorised users or locations.
  • Systems are continuously monitored, and unusual activity is investigated, so that a compromise of the network can be detected as early as possible.

Please note that NCSC maintains guidance for securely configuring a wide range of end user device (EUD) platforms. For further details refer to their end user device security guidance pages.

Last edited: 4 February 2021 12:44 pm