HardBit
HardBit is a ransomware family active since 2022, with HardBit 4.0 identified as a significantly upgraded variant. It is described as an encryption-focused extortion threat that, based on the provided content, does not currently operate a public data leak site or engage in double extortion. HardBit 4.0 is distributed in both CLI and GUI formats and includes advanced evasion, persistence, and anti-analysis features. Reported initial access commonly involves brute-force attacks against exposed RDP and SMB services, including use of NLBrute, followed by credential harvesting with Mimikatz, network reconnaissance with tools such as KPortScan 3.0, Advanced Port Scanner, and 5-NS new.exe, and lateral movement primarily over RDP using harvested credentials. A notable feature of HardBit 4.0 is its use of the Neshta file-infecting virus as a dropper; Neshta modifies executables and registry keys, can copy itself as a hidden file such as %SYSTEMROOT%\svchost.com, and establishes persistence by causing execution on every .exe launch. The dropper extracts, decrypts, and launches the HardBit payload from memory offsets. The ransomware binary is described as a .NET executable obfuscated with a modified ConfuserEx protector, including references to Ryan-_-Borland_Protector Cracked v1.0. HardBit 4.0 requires attacker-supplied runtime arguments, including a passphrase or authorization ID and encryption key, which is intended to hinder sandboxing and analysis; operators reportedly use an RSA Decoder tool and private key to generate the required argument. Once executed, HardBit 4.0 disables Windows Defender protections, including Real-Time Monitoring, Tamper Protection, Anti-Spyware, Behavior Monitoring, On-Access Protection, and Real-Time Scanning, via registry changes and PowerShell commands. It also stops security and backup services with net.exe stop commands and removes recovery options using commands such as vssadmin delete shadows and bcdedit. After encryption, it changes file icons and the desktop wallpaper to a ransom notice. The GUI version reportedly includes a 'Wiper' mode capable of permanently destroying data, likely as an optional add-on activated through configuration. The content associates HardBit with enterprise-targeting activity and characterizes HardBit 4.0 as increasingly sophisticated and operationally flexible. One source also notes Everest publicly denied any involvement with HardBit ransomware.
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A ransomware family referenced in the context of a 'HardBit 4.0' analysis report.
Ransomware that encrypts files and demands payment, with advanced evasion techniques, credential harvesting, lateral movement, and aggressive defense evasion. HardBit 4.0 is distributed via the Neshta dropper and disables Windows Defender protections.
HardBit is a ransomware family that encrypts files and demands payment for decryption. The latest version, HardBit 4.0, uses the Neshta file infector as a dropper, implements advanced obfuscation, disables security controls, and requires a runtime authorization key to execute. It can also operate in a 'Wiper' mode to destroy data instead of encrypting it.
Ransomware family referenced in the context of a denial of involvement by the Everest Group; no additional functional details are provided in the content.
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