Article
Windows Native Ransomware – Encrypting with Bitlocker
Arete Analysis
Threat Actors
Bitlocker is a native windows application intended to secure data through full volume encryption. However, threat actors have leveraged the capability to encrypt files before demanding a ransom payment for decryption. While this is not a novel concept, the question arises of why an actor would use this capability when so many ransomware encryptors are readily available with more advanced capabilities, and exactly what an actor would have to gain by using Bitlocker over another encryption capability. Even though not a novel concept, Bitlocker is still being used as the primary encryption capability for emerging actors such as the recently identified actor dubbed “Shrinklocker.”
Bitlocker Pros
Bitlocker has the inherent benefit of being a native windows application. By utilizing living off the land techniques, such as encrypting files using Bitlocker, the malicious activity is less likely to be detected by EDR tools.
Assuming Bitlocker is enabled within the environment the threat actor doesn’t have to join a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) program, seek out a leaked ransomware builder, or attempt to create their own encryption capability.
The use of Bitlocker to encrypt an environment often offers an additional layer of anonymity versus using an encryptor associated with an existing ransomware operation.
Bitlocker Cons
While it would be easy to assume that utilizing an existing tool within the environment for encryption may be easier than deploying a custom encryptor, that is not always the case. For an actor to encrypt an environment with Bitlocker it often requires an in-depth knowledge of the Windows operating system.
While Bitlocker certainly has the ability to encrypt files, many ransomware encryptors have additional capabilities that lead to increased chances of the victim paying the ransom. Often times, as victims consider whether to pay a ransom, they look at what data was encrypted, and what the associated business impact is. If the actor doesn’t effectively encrypt important files within the environment, they will be less likely to receive payment for their efforts.
Bitlocker – A Use Case
A recurring theme in ransomware incidents involving Bitlocker is the threat actor attempting to masquerade as well-known ransomware groups to add credibility to their operation, and in turn increase their chances of the victim paying the ransom. Often claiming to be whichever threat actor is dominating the news cycle, Arete has observed unidentified actors claiming to be ALPHV/BlackCat on several occasions. These tactics employed by cybercriminals place additional importance on threat analysis and the attribution process. Ransomware incidents should not be taken at surface level by simply looking at a ransom note and attributing the incident to the proclaimed ransomware. A process of malware analysis, identification of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), negotiation analysis, and other analytical observations should be undertaken and cross-referenced with historical data to build as accurate of an assessment as possible.
Analyst Comments
While not a new capability, threat actors continue to employ Bitlocker as an encryption alternative to proprietary encryptors. The ability for actors to encrypt files with a native application continues to be an interesting prospect as they attempt to evade antivirus and EDR software. However, as many organizations continue to mature their cybersecurity programs, they are able to detect the use of Bitlocker with their endpoint detection mechanisms. This forces threat actors hoping to use Bitlocker for encryption to learn new ways to obfuscate their actions, thus increasing the level of sophistication required to successfully navigate the everchanging blue team tactics.
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Article
Ransomware Trends & Data Insights: July 2026
INC Ransom was the most active threat group in July, while activity remained relatively distributed among multiple threat groups, with 19 unique groups observed throughout the month. Alongside INC Ransom, Qilin, Global Secret Group, Anubis, and DragonForce rounded out the five most active threat groups observed in July. Several emerging threat actors were also observed during the month, including Booba Team, Settra, and Global Secret Group.
Figure 1. Activity from the top 3 threat groups in July 2026
Throughout the month, analysts at Arete identified several trends behind the threat actors perpetrating cybercrime activities:
In July 2026, Global Secret Group emerged as a new threat actor, leveraging the leaked LockBit 3.0 (LockBit Black) source code. Although the group began operations in June 2026, it quickly accumulated a substantial number of victims on its data leak site (DLS). The group operates through TOR-based negotiation portals and qTox communications. Notably, its DLS provides step-by-step guidance on purchasing Bitcoin, including references to Coinbase and Binance, demonstrating a streamlined, victim-focused extortion process designed to simplify ransom payments.
Similar to Fulcrumsec, the recently emerged Settra ransomware group appears to leverage AI-driven analysis of stolen data, publishing detailed and highly structured victim reports on its DLS. Additionally, a potential EDR-disabling tool, edr_blind.exe, was identified in multiple cases, suggesting a focus on defense-evasion capabilities.
With the continuation of the FortiBleed campaign, researchers have now identified compromised FortiGate credentials being leveraged by both the INC and Lynx ransomware operations. Analysis revealed direct operational links between the groups, including shared ransomware infrastructure and overlap between FortiBleed victims and ransomware targets. The operators are also incorporating AI to enhance various stages of the attack lifecycle and increase operational efficiency and scale. Notably, Arete also observed an INC ransomware intrusion leveraging FortiBleed-derived access in July, reinforcing the campaign's role as a precursor to ransomware deployment.
Sources
Arete Internal
Podcast
Cyber Campfire: June Threat Trends & Insights
In this episode of Arete’s Cyber Campfire podcast, our Threat Intelligence Team discusses trends, statistics, and emerging threat actors from June 2026. Tune in for firsthand insights on today’s threat landscape that can enhance your approach to cyber risk.
Article
Current: Misconfigured Server Reveals Multiple Phishing Campaigns
Researchers uncovered three Microsoft 365 phishing campaigns after discovering a misconfigured HTTP server that exposed a threat actor’s phishing tools, configurations, victim logs, and operational infrastructure. The investigation revealed two operators using custom Evilginx-based adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) phishing frameworks to steal authentication sessions and bypass MFA protections. A third operator abused Microsoft’s OAuth Device Code flow by tricking victims into completing authentication through Microsoft’s legitimate login process, allowing attackers to obtain valid access and refresh tokens without stealing passwords. The largest campaign compromised at least 218 victims across 12 countries, primarily targeting corporate Microsoft 365 accounts, with refresh tokens enabling persistent access. Researchers also identified the use of remote management tools for maintaining access, AI-assisted development of phishing tooling, and links to broader Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) ecosystems, highlighting how commodity frameworks and automation are lowering the barrier for sophisticated identity-based attacks.
What’s Notable and Unique
The campaigns demonstrate the continued shift from traditional credential theft to identity- and token-based compromise, in which attackers target authentication sessions, cookies, and OAuth tokens rather than relying solely on password theft. By obtaining valid authentication artifacts, attackers can access Microsoft 365 environments while bypassing conventional MFA protections.
The use of Evilginx-based AiTM frameworks highlights how publicly available phishing tools have evolved into effective MFA-bypass platforms. These frameworks proxy legitimate login pages, capture authenticated sessions, and allow attackers to reuse valid sessions without requiring victims’ credentials again.
The OAuth Device Code flow abuse represents a different attack method, in which attackers leverage a legitimate Microsoft authentication mechanism to obtain tokens after victims approve the request. This approach bypasses password theft entirely by abusing trusted authentication workflows.
The exposed infrastructure provided insight into attacker operations, including phishing configurations, victim tracking data, remote administration tools, and evidence of AI-assisted development. The findings demonstrate how phishing ecosystems now provide reusable tooling and automation that reduce the technical expertise required to conduct large-scale identity attacks.
Analyst Comments
These Microsoft 365 phishing campaigns demonstrate the ongoing evolution of identity-focused attacks, as adversaries increasingly target authentication sessions, tokens, and legitimate cloud authorization mechanisms to bypass traditional security controls. The combination of AiTM phishing, OAuth abuse, remote management tools, and PhaaS infrastructure enables threat actors to maintain persistent access while blending into legitimate cloud activity.
The growing availability of phishing frameworks and AI-assisted attack development highlights the need for continuous identity security improvements beyond traditional phishing defenses. Arete recommends that organizations strengthen identity monitoring, adopt phishing-resistant MFA where possible, review OAuth application permissions, monitor token activity, and implement conditional access policies to detect and restrict suspicious Microsoft 365 authentication behavior. Security teams should also monitor post-compromise indicators such as abnormal mailbox access, suspicious application consent, unauthorized remote tools, and unusual sign-in activity.
Sources
One Misconfigured Server, Three Active Campaigns: Full exposure of three AiTM Phishing Operators
Misconfigured Server Reveals Three Evilginx Phishing Operations Targeting Microsoft 365
Podcast
Digital Forensics Meets the Courtroom: Insights on Expert Witness and Cyber-Related Litigation
In this episode of Bytes of Insight, host Vinny Sakore and special guest Dr. Bruce Hartley, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Advisory Services at Arete, discuss the evolving role of digital forensics and expert witness work in cybersecurity litigation. Tune in for firsthand insights on how Arete conducts post-breach investigations, what it takes to undergo cross-examination on the stand, and how emerging threats like AI-driven social engineering and third-party breaches are reshaping the advisory landscape.