Also known as: tracked as, Sandworm Team, Operation Cleaver, Shell Crew, WebMasters, KungFu Kittens, PinkPanther, a separate entity, APT28, VOLTZITE, for follow-on operations
Karma is a ransomware group first observed in mid-2021, part of a lineage tracing back through Nefilim and FiveHands, operating double-extortion attacks against enterprises in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology; the group was managed by threat actor "farnetwork" who ran multiple RaaS programs across related strains. Known victims: 7 1 ransom note(s) on file
Objectives
Targeted Sectors
Targeted Countries / Regions
Executive Summary
Karma is a ransomware group observed since mid-2021, linked to previous strains like Nefilim and FiveHands. Operating as a criminal organization with medium sophistication, Karma focuses on double-extortion attacks against enterprises in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors. The group is managed by the threat actor 'farnetwork' and operates multiple ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) programs across related strains.
Goals & Targeting
Karma's primary goal is financial gain through ransomware attacks. The group targets enterprises in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors due to their high data sensitivity and potential for significant financial losses. By leveraging double-extortion tactics, Karma aims to increase pressure on victims to comply with demands. The choice of targeted industries suggests a focus on environments where downtime or data loss would have severe consequences, making these sectors more likely to pay ransoms.
Enhanced Description
Karma represents a sophisticated ransomware operation that has evolved from earlier strains such as Nefilim and FiveHands. The group employs double-extortion tactics, where victims are threatened with both data encryption and the release of stolen information unless a ransom is paid. Karma's operations are managed by 'farnetwork,' who oversees multiple RaaS programs, enabling broader reach and more complex attack campaigns. This indicates a strategic shift towards maximizing financial gains through organized criminal activity.
Key Capabilities
MITRE ATT&CK Tactics
ATT&CK Techniques
Software / Tooling
Campaigns & Victims
Karma's campaigns typically involve targeted attacks against critical infrastructure sectors, leveraging RaaS modules for rapid deployment and customization. The group has demonstrated a preference for high-impact targets, with known victims including healthcare providers and manufacturing firms. Notable operations include multiple double-extortion incidents, where stolen data is used to coerce payments. Campaign activity appears to be coordinated, with 'farnetwork' managing the distribution of attack modules and ransomware infrastructure.
IOC Patterns
Recommended Actions
Suggested Tags
Confidence Assessment
Low-to-medium confidence in the details provided. Limited linked intelligence, no specific MITRE techniques or tools mentioned, and only a general description of activities are available. Further analysis would require additional data points and more comprehensive IOC identification.
No campaigns linked yet.
No observed data linked yet.
6
Techniques
48
Tools
0
Campaigns
12
IOCs
0
Observed Data
2
Tactics