Play Ransomware targets over 900 organizations globally

FBI and CISA Warn of Play Ransomware Targeting Over 900 Organizations Globally

Cybercrime & Law Enforcement, Cyber News / By

Overview

The FBI and CISA have issued a critical joint advisory highlighting the growing global threat posed by the Play Ransomware group. This sophisticated cybercriminal operation has compromised over 900 organizations worldwide, targeting key sectors such as finance, education, healthcare, and government. The warning urges enterprises to bolster their defenses as the group escalates its global operations using double extortion tactics and custom tools.

Key Facts

  • Over 900 organizations globally have been impacted by Play Ransomware.
  • The campaign has affected sectors including critical infrastructure, education, and public services.
  • Play Ransomware uses a double extortion model, encrypting data and threatening to leak it.
  • Custom malware tools and exploitation of known vulnerabilities are used for initial access.
  • The FBI and CISA released detailed IOCs (Indicators of Compromise) to help with detection and mitigation.

What’s Verified and What’s Still Unclear

✅ Verified:

  • The ransomware group uses compromised VPNs and phishing for initial access.
  • Attacks involve custom tools like Grixba and PlayCrypt ransomware payloads.
  • Victims have been recorded across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

❓ Still Unclear:

  • The exact origin and full identity of the threat actors remain under investigation.
  • It’s uncertain whether Play Ransomware is a single group or part of a larger syndicate.
  • The full extent of data stolen from victims is not yet disclosed.

Timeline of Events

  • 2022 (Mid-year): First known Play Ransomware attacks identified.
  • January 2023: First advisory by security researchers after multiple high-profile attacks.
  • June 2023: FBI notes increase in activity targeting public infrastructure.
  • June 2025: FBI and CISA jointly release updated alert detailing 900+ victims globally.

Who’s Behind It?

Play Ransomware is believed to be operated by a financially motivated threat group, possibly with ties to Eastern Europe. While attribution remains inconclusive, the group demonstrates professional-grade capabilities, including custom malware development, rapid deployment, and the ability to evade detection using encrypted command and control (C2) traffic.

The group communicates with victims using anonymous email and leak sites hosted on the dark web, where they publish stolen data of non-compliant organizations.

Public & Industry Response

The advisory prompted an immediate response across industries:

  • Cybersecurity firms began releasing detection signatures and patching guidance.
  • Government agencies in multiple countries reissued alerts urging VPN patching and MFA (multi-factor authentication).
  • Organizations like Microsoft and CrowdStrike have released technical blogs analyzing Play Ransomware’s behavior.

Enterprises are now prioritizing incident response readiness, cyber hygiene, and zero-trust architecture as a proactive defense strategy.

What Makes This Attack Unique?

Unlike many ransomware operations that rely on RaaS (Ransomware-as-a-Service) models, Play Ransomware appears to be custom-developed and privately operated. Key distinguishing features include:

  • Use of “–play” extension on encrypted files, making it easily identifiable.
  • No ransomware note dropped in some cases—victims are contacted separately.
  • The group uses Living off the Land (LotL) techniques, blending into legitimate system processes.
  • Leverages vulnerabilities in Fortinet, Microsoft Exchange, and VPN appliances.

Their attacks show a blend of technical sophistication and operational discipline, making them a serious threat to even mature security environments.

Understanding the Basics

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files or system and demands payment for decryption. Often, attackers also exfiltrate data and threaten public leaks if demands aren’t met—a method known as double extortion.

What is Play Ransomware?

Play Ransomware is a custom-built malware used by a threat group of the same name. It is known for its stealthy deployment and non-traditional ransom communication methods.

What Happens Next?

  • Organizations must act now: Patch VPNs, enforce MFA, and monitor for IOCs.
  • More advisories expected from international agencies as more victims are identified.
  • Public-private collaborations may increase to dismantle the Play Ransomware infrastructure.
  • Organizations should review backups, security policies, and access controls immediately.

Law enforcement is also reportedly working with international partners to track the group’s infrastructure and seize servers where possible.

Summary

The FBI and CISA’s warning is a wake-up call for organizations worldwide. With over 900 victims already impacted, Play Ransomware is emerging as one of the most dangerous cyber threats of 2025. Its unique tactics, growing scale, and stealth make it a formidable adversary. Organizations should act swiftly—by implementing layered defenses, reviewing access policies, and staying informed through verified threat intelligence.