The Samsam ransomware has spread by attacking unpatched JBoss application servers, Symantec said Credit: Pelle Sten An alternate method for infecting computers with ransomware signals a shift in tactics by cybercriminals that could put businesses at greater risk, according to Symantec.A type of ransomware called Samsam has been infecting organizations but is not installed in the usual way.“Samsam is another variant in a growing number of variants of ransomware, but what sets it apart from other ransomware is how it reaches its intended targets by way of unpatched server-side software,” Symantec wrote.The perpetrators behind Samsam use a legitimate penetration tool called Jexboss to exploit servers running Red Hat’s JBoss enterprise application server. It means that ransomware attackers are more directly targeting businesses and organizations to install their malware.“The success of these recent attacks signals a shift for cybercriminals as they seek to maximize profits by setting their sights on vulnerable businesses,” Symantec wrote. Ransomware has typically been spread through drive-by downloads or spam emails with malicious attachments. The targeting of those spam emails appeared at first to be fairly random, but the success of ransomware has prompted more specific attacks. “Ransomware has proven to be a viable business model, so it should come as no surprise that the techniques used have shifted beyond malicious spam and drive-by downloads to those more closely resembling targeted attacks,” Symantec wrote.Victims are usually asked to pay a ransom in bitcoin. The amount can range from a few hundred dollars up to thousands for businesses.One of the latest victims of Samsam was MedStar Health, a not-for-profit organization that runs 10 hospitals in the Washington, D.C., area, reported the Baltimore Sun.Most of its systems have been restored, but the organization has not indicated if it paid the ransom, which the newspaper reported was US$18,500 in bitcoins. Related content news analysis Water system attacks spark calls for cybersecurity regulation The Iranian CyberAv3ngers group’s simplistic exploitation of Unitronics PLCs highlights the cybersecurity weaknesses in US water utilities, the need to get devices disconnected from the internet, and renewed interest in regulation. By Cynthia Brumfield Dec 11, 2023 11 mins Regulation Cyberattacks Critical Infrastructure feature Accenture takes an industrialized approach to safeguarding its cloud controls Security was once a hindrance for Accenture developers. But since centralizing the company's compliance controls, the process has never been simpler. By Aimee Chanthadavong Dec 11, 2023 8 mins Application Security Cloud Security Compliance news analysis LogoFAIL attack can inject malware in the firmware of many computers Researchers have shown how attackers can deliver malicious code into the UEFI of many PCs though BIOS splash screen graphics. By Lucian Constantin Dec 08, 2023 8 mins Malware Vulnerabilities news Google expands minimum security guidelines for third-party vendors Google's updated Minimum Viable Secure Product (MVSP) program offers advice for working with researchers and warns against vendors charging extra for basic security features. By John P. Mello Jr. Dec 08, 2023 4 mins Application Security Supply Chain Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe