ramp

Executive Summary

The RAMP (Russian Anonymous Marketplace) was a dark web forum that operated as a central hub for ransomware operators, affiliates, and initial access brokers. It was seized by the FBI in January 2026. The forum played a crucial role in the ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) ecosystem, facilitating the collaboration and recruitment of threat actors.

Goals & Targeting

The RAMP's strategic objectives were focused on facilitating the collaboration and recruitment of threat actors, with the ultimate goal of generating financial gain through ransomware attacks and other illicit activities. The forum's targeting profile was likely characterized by a focus on high-value targets, including organizations with sensitive data and those with the financial resources to pay significant ransoms. The typical victims of RAMP-affiliated threat actors would have included a range of organizations, from small businesses to large enterprises, across various sectors.

The RAMP's significance extends beyond its role as a forum, as it represents a key node in the broader RaaS ecosystem. The forum's seizure highlights the importance of disrupting these networks, which are critical to the operational effectiveness of ransomware threat actors. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the study of the RAMP and similar platforms will remain essential for understanding the dynamics of the RaaS ecosystem and developing effective countermeasures.

Key Capabilities

• Ransomware development and deployment
• Initial access brokering
• Affiliate recruitment and management
• Dark web forum management
• Encryption and decryption capabilities

MITRE ATT&CK Tactics

ATT&CK Techniques

Software / Tooling

Campaigns & Victims

The RAMP was likely involved in numerous campaigns, given its role as a central marketplace and recruitment hub for ransomware operators. The forum's operational tempo would have been characterized by a high volume of activity, with threat actors constantly seeking to recruit new affiliates, develop new ransomware strains, and identify vulnerable targets. Notable past operations would have included the deployment of various ransomware strains, including those specifically designed to target high-value organizations.

IOC Patterns

• Spear-phishing with macro-laced Office documents
• C2 over DNS using fast-flux
• Staging infrastructure on bulletproof hosting

Recommended Actions

• Implement robust email security controls to prevent spear-phishing attacks
• Regularly update and patch software to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities
• Use threat intelligence to inform defensive strategies and stay ahead of emerging threats

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