8Base Ransomware: The Complete Guide 

The 8Base ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files on a victim’s computer and demands a ransom for their release. It has been active since at least March 2022, but it saw a significant spike in activity in June 2023.

8Base has adopted the tactic of double extortion, where they not only encrypt the victim’s files but also threaten to release sensitive data if the ransom is not paid. The group has targeted various companies across different industries.

8Base ransomware uses a customized version of the Phobos v2.9.1 ransomware. There are similarities between 8Base and another ransomware group called RansomHouse, including the use of identical ransom notes and similar language on leak sites. However, it is unclear if 8Base is an offshoot of RansomHouse or simply copying their templates.

Despite the increase in activity, there is still limited information available about the identities, methodology, and motivation behind the 8Base ransomware attacks.

SalvageData experts recommend proactive data security measures, such as regular backups, strong cybersecurity practices, and keeping software up to date, to protect against ransomware attacks. And, in case of a ransomware attack, contact our ransomware recovery experts immediately.

What kind of malware is 8Base?

8Base is a type of ransomware and it belongs to the Phobos family of ransomware. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on a victim’s computer and demands a ransom for their release.

In the case of 8Base, the group has also adopted the tactic of double extortion, where they not only encrypt the victim’s files but also threaten to release sensitive data if the ransom is not paid.

8Base ransomware actors also use the “name-and-shame” technique, where the group publicly exposes the victims and their compromised data in order to pressure them into paying the ransom.

Everything we know about 8Base Ransomware

Confirmed Name

• 8base virus

Threat Type

• Ransomware
• Crypto Virus
• Files locker
• Double extortion

Encrypted Files Extension

• .8base

Ransom Demanding Message

• info.hta
• info.txt

Detection Names

• Avast Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]

• AVG Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]

• Emsisoft Trojan.GenericKD.67767446 (B)

• Malwarebytes Trojan.MalPack.GS

• Kaspersky HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Zenpak.gen

• Sophos Troj/Krypt-XU

• Microsoft Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.CRTD!MTB

Distribution methods

• Phishing emails
• Drive-by downloads
• Exploit kits

Consequences

• Files are encrypted and locked until the ransom payment
• Data leak
• Double extortion

Is There a Free Decryptor Available?

No. There is no known public decryptor for 8Base ransomware available at this time.

What are 8Base ransomware’s IOCs?

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) are artifacts observed on a network or in an operating system that indicate a computer intrusion with high confidence. IOCs can be used for early detection of future attack attempts using intrusion detection systems and antivirus software.

They are essentially digital versions of evidence left at a crime scene, and potential IOCs include unusual network traffic, privileged user logins from foreign countries, strange DNS requests, system file changes, and more. When an IOC is detected, security teams evaluate possible threats or validate its authenticity. IOCs also provide evidence of what an attacker had access to if they did infiltrate the network.

Here are some IOCs associated with 8Base ransomware:

• File extension. The encrypted files are appended with the extension “.8base”.
• Ransom note. The ransom note used by 8Base is similar to that used by the Phobos ransomware.
• IP addresses. 8Base ransomware may communicate with command-and-control (C2) servers using specific IP addresses.
• URLs. The ransomware may use specific URLs to download additional payloads or communicate with C2 servers.

It is important to note that IOCs can change over time as the group modifies its tactics and tools. Therefore, it is crucial to have up-to-date security software and to follow best practices for cybersecurity, such as regularly backing up data and avoiding suspicious emails or downloads.

What is in the 8Base ransom note

The 8Base ransom note is a message that informs victims that their files have been encrypted due to a computer security issue and demands a ransom payment for the decryption key. The note also provides instructions on how to contact the ransomware operators and threatens to publicly release sensitive data if the ransom is not paid.

It is important to note that paying the ransom does not guarantee the safe return of the encrypted files or prevent the exposure of sensitive data. It is crucial for individuals and organizations to have robust cybersecurity measures in place, including regular data backups, strong security software, and employee awareness training to prevent falling victim to ransomware attacks.

Source: VMware security

If you realize you’re a ransomware victim, contacting SalvageData ransomware removal experts provides you with a secure data recovery service and ransomware removal after an attack.

How does 8Base ransomware spread

8Base ransomware group mainly targets small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the business services, finance, manufacturing, and information technology sectors.

• Drive-by downloads. The group may use drive-by downloads, which involve infecting a legitimate website with malicious code that automatically downloads the ransomware onto the victim’s computer when they visit the site.
• Exploit kits. The group may use exploit kits, which are pre-packaged sets of tools that exploit vulnerabilities in software to download and install the ransomware onto the victim’s computer.
• Vulnerabilities or user behavior. The ransomware is distributed online through various methods that exploit vulnerabilities or manipulate user behavior.
• Phishing emails. The group sends phishing emails that contain malicious links or attachments that, when clicked or opened, download the ransomware onto the victim’s computer.

How does 8Base ransomware work?

8Base ransomware belongs to the Phobos family of ransomware and uses a customized version of the Phobos v2.9.1 ransomware.

Distribution

The ransomware is distributed online through various methods that exploit vulnerabilities or manipulate user behavior, including phishing emails, drive-by downloads, and exploit kits.

Infection

Once the ransomware is downloaded onto the victim’s computer, it encrypts all the files on the system, making them inaccessible without the decryption key.

Double Extortion

The group uses a double extortion strategy, where they not only encrypt the victim’s files but also threaten to release sensitive data if the ransom is not paid, which increases the urgency for victims to comply with the ransom demands.

Name-and-Shame Tactics

The group employs “name-and-shame” tactics, where they publicly expose the victims and their compromised data in order to pressure them into paying the ransom

Do not pay the ransom! Contacting a ransomware removal service can not only restore your files but also remove any potential threat.

How to handle an 8Base ransomware attack

Important: The first step after identifying 8Base IOCs is to resort to your Incident Response Plan (IRP). Ideally, you have an Incident Response Retainer (IRR) with a trusted team of professionals that can be contacted 24/7/365, and they can take immediate action that will prevent data loss, reduce or eliminate the ransom payment, and help you through any legal liabilities.

To the best of our knowledge with the information we have at the time this article is published, the first step that a team of ransomware recovery experts would take is to isolate the infected computer by disconnecting it from the internet and removing any connected device.

Simultaneously this team will assist you in contacting your country’s local authorities. For US residents and businesses, it is the local FBI field office and the Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3). To report a ransomware attack you must gather every information you can about it, including:

• Screenshots of the ransom note
• Communications with the ransomware actors (if you have them)
• A sample of an encrypted file

However, if you don’t have an IRP or IRR, you can still contact ransomware removal and recovery professionals. This is the best course of action and greatly increases the chances of successfully removing the ransomware, restoring the data, and preventing future attacks. We recommend that you leave every infected machine as they are and call an emergency ransomware recovery service.

Restarting or shutting down the system may compromise the recovery process. Capturing the RAM of a live system may help get the encryption key, and catching a dropper file might be reverse-engineered and lead to the decryption of the data or understanding of how it operates.

What NOT to do to recover from an 8Base ransomware attack

You must not delete the ransomware, and keep every evidence of the attack. That’s important for digital forensics so experts can trace back to the hacker group and identify them. It is by using the data on your infected system that authorities can investigate the attack and find the responsible. A cyber attack investigation is not different from any other criminal investigation: it needs evidence to find the attackers.

1. Contacting your Incident Response provider

A Cyber Incident Response is the process of responding to and managing a cybersecurity incident. An Incident Response Retainer is a service agreement with a cybersecurity provider that allows organizations to get external help with cybersecurity incidents. It provides organizations with a structured form of expertise and support through a security partner, enabling them to respond quickly and effectively during a cyber incident.

An incident response retainer offers peace of mind to organizations, offering expert support before and in the aftermath of a cybersecurity incident. An incident response retainer’s specific nature and structure will vary according to the provider and the organization’s requirements. A good incident response retainer should be robust but flexible, providing proven services to enhance an organization’s long-term security posture.

If you contact your IR service provider, they will care for everything else. However, if you decide to remove the ransomware and recover the files with your IT team, then you can follow the next steps.

2. Identify the ransomware infection

You can identify which ransomware infected your machine by the file extension (some ransomware uses the file extension as their name), or it will be on the ransom note. With this information, you can look for a public decryption key.

You can also check the ransomware type by its IOCs. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) are digital clues that cybersecurity professionals use to identify system compromises and malicious activities within a network or IT environment. They are essentially digital versions of evidence left at a crime scene, and potential IOCs include unusual network traffic, privileged user logins from foreign countries, strange DNS requests, system file changes, and more. When an IOC is detected, security teams evaluate possible threats or validate its authenticity. IOCs also provide evidence of what an attacker had access to if they did infiltrate the network.

3. Remove the ransomware and eliminate exploit kits

Before recovering your data, you must guarantee that your device is ransomware-free and that the attackers can’t make a new attack through exploit kits or other vulnerabilities. A ransomware removal service can delete the ransomware, create a forensics document for investigation, eliminate vulnerabilities, and recover your data.

Use anti-malware/anti-ransomware software to quarantine and remove the malicious software.

Important: By contacting ransomware removal services you can ensure that your machine and network have no trace of the 8Base ransomware. Also, these services can patch your system, preventing new ransomware attacks.

4. Use a backup to restore the data

Backups are the most efficient way to recover data. Make sure to keep daily or weekly backups, depending on your data usage.

5. Contact a ransomware recovery service

If you don’t have a backup or need help removing the ransomware and eliminating vulnerabilities, contact a data recovery service. Paying the ransom does not guarantee your data will be returned to you. The only guaranteed way you can restore every file is if you have a backup of it. If you don’t, ransomware data recovery services can help you decrypt and recover the files.

SalvageData experts can safely restore your files and prevent 8Base ransomware from attacking your network again.

Contact our experts 24/7 for emergency recovery service.

Prevent a ransomware attack

Preventing ransomware is the best solution for data security. is easier and cheaper than recovering from them. 8Base ransomware can cost your business’s future and even close its doors.

These are a few tips to ensure you can avoid ransomware attacks:

• Install antivirus and anti-malware software.
• Employ reliable cybersecurity solutions.
• Utilize strong and secure passwords.
• Keep software and operating systems up to date.
• Implement firewalls for added protection.
• Create a data recovery plan.
• Regularly schedule backups to safeguard your data.
• Exercise caution with email attachments and downloads from unknown or suspicious sources.
• Verify the safety of ads before clicking on them.
• Access websites only from trusted sources.

By adhering to these practices, you can fortify your online security and protect yourself from potential threats.