Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
Since March of 2023, the Akira ransomware has hit businesses and critical infrastructure organizations in North America, Europe, and Australia.
According to this alter from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, "Evolving from an initial focus on Windows systems to a Linux variant targeting VMware ESXi virtual machines, Akira threat actors began deploying Megazord (a Rust-based code) and Akira (written in C++), including Akira_v2 (also Rust-based) in August 2023. Akira ransomware has impacted a wide range of businesses and critical infrastructure entities in North America, Europe, and Australia and claimed approximately $42 million (USD) in ransomware proceeds."
This new Linux variant takes advantage of specific vulnerabilities found in Linux for the purpose of credential theft and phishing.
Shortly after their Windows campaign started, the collective deployed a Linux variant of Akira that targeted VMWare ESXi virtual machines. This mutation of Akira to target Linux enterprise environments is similar to what has been happening with other ransomware groups, such as LockBit, CIOp, Royal, Monti, and RTM Locker.
According to K7 Security Labs, "It appears that the ransomware operator dynamically constructs the ransomware with a fresh public RSA key for each target, along with a corresponding Unique ID appended in the ransomware note. The purpose of this Unique ID is to facilitate the attacker in determining the specific ransomware build that infected the victim, thereby identifying the corresponding private key required for decrypting the compromised files."
The Akira group has previously disclosed stolen data on its website, should victims refuse to comply with their demands.
![](/var/linux_magazin/storage/images/media/linux-magazine-eng-us/images/lm-news_2024/839201-1-eng-US/LM-News_2024_medium.png)
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
![Learn More](https://www.linux-magazine.com/var/linux_magazin/storage/images/media/linux-magazine-eng-us/images/misc/learn-more/834592-1-eng-US/Learn-More_medium.png)
News
-
NVIDIA Released Driver for Upcoming NVIDIA 560 GPU for Linux
Not only has NVIDIA released the driver for its upcoming CPU series, it's the first release that defaults to using open-source GPU kernel modules.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 24.07 Released
If you’re into rolling release Linux distributions, OpenMandriva ROME has a new snapshot with a new kernel.
-
Kernel 6.10 Available for General Usage
Linus Torvalds has released the 6.10 kernel and it includes significant performance increases for Intel Core hybrid systems and more.
-
TUXEDO Computers Releases InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen9 Laptop
Sporting either AMD or Intel CPUs, the TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro 14 is an extremely compact, lightweight, sturdy powerhouse.
-
Google Extends Support for Linux Kernels Used for Android
Because the LTS Linux kernel releases are so important to Android, Google has decided to extend the support period beyond that offered by the kernel development team.
-
Linux Mint 22 Stable Delayed
If you're anxious about getting your hands on the stable release of Linux Mint 22, it looks as if you're going to have to wait a bit longer.
-
Nitrux 3.5.1 Available for Install
The latest version of the immutable, systemd-free distribution includes an updated kernel and NVIDIA driver.
-
Debian 12.6 Released with Plenty of Bug Fixes and Updates
The sixth update to Debian "Bookworm" is all about security mitigations and making adjustments for some "serious problems."
-
Canonical Offers 12-Year LTS for Open Source Docker Images
Canonical is expanding its LTS offering to reach beyond the DEB packages with a new distro-less Docker image.
-
Plasma Desktop 6.1 Released with Several Enhancements
If you're a fan of Plasma Desktop, you should be excited about this new point release.