Akira

Overview

Akira is a ransomware variant and ransomware deployment entity active since at least March 2023. Akira uses compromised credentials to access single-factor external access mechanisms such as VPNs for initial access, then various publicly-available tools and techniques for lateral movement. Akira operations are associated with "double extortion" ransomware activity, where data is exfiltrated from victim environments prior to encryption, with threats to publish files if a ransom is not paid. Technical analysis of Akira ransomware indicates variants capable of targeting Windows or VMWare ESXi hypervisors and multiple overlaps with Conti ransomware.

Capabilities

• Custom malware/implant development — ATT&CK: 3 attributed custom malware families

TTPs — 17 techniques across 11 tactics

Tools & malware (8)

Mimikatz · PsExec · AdFind · Akira _v2 · Akira · Megazord · LaZagne · Rclone

Reporting (3)

• Threat Assessment: Howling Scorpius (Akira Ransomware) — Zemah, Y
• Akira ransomware continues to evolve — Nutland, J. and Szeliga, M
• #StopRansomware: Akira Ransomware — CISA et al