In October 2024, cybersecurity experts at Huntress identified a previously undocumented ransomware strain named SafePay. This malware was deployed in two separate incidents and stands out for its distinctive features, including the use of .safepay as an encrypted file extension and a ransom note titled readme_safepay.txt. Despite its limited exposure, SafePay’s techniques signal a skilled operator leveraging advanced ransomware methods.
SafePay is linked to older ransomware families like LockBit, with Huntress analysts stating: “During our analysis of the ransomware binary, we began to notice a large number of similarities to the extensively analyzed LockBit samples from the end of 2022.” These parallels suggest that SafePay’s developers may have utilized leaked LockBit source code to create their malware, showcasing a blend of stealth and sophistication.
SafePay follows a systematic two-phase attack process:
- Data Collection and Exfiltration: In one observed incident, attackers used WinRAR to archive data across multiple systems and exfiltrated it via FileZilla. Analysts remarked, “This activity looks like potential data exfiltration from the network—collected and archived with WinRAR and then possibly exfiltrated out using FTP.” Tools were uninstalled post-use to erase traces.
- Encryption Deployment: Using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access, attackers deployed ransomware scripts via PowerShell, targeting network shares. Commands such as disabling shadow copies and modifying boot configurations were executed to impede recovery. The ransom note ominously begins with: “Greetings! Your corporate network was attacked by SafePay team,” and outlines negotiation steps for data recovery.
The SafePay group operates on both the Tor network and the decentralized The Open Network (TON). Their leak site showcases victim organizations and stolen data directories. Huntress analysts discovered vulnerabilities in the site’s backend, exposing an Apache server status endpoint, offering insights into the group’s operations.
Although relatively new, SafePay’s connection to LockBit and its sophisticated techniques present significant risks across industries. As Huntress analysts concluded: “The threat actor was able to use valid credentials to access customer endpoints and was not observed enabling RDP, creating new user accounts, or establishing persistence.”