M&S Ransomware Attack: Inside The Aggressive Extortion Email

EXCLUSIVE: The ransomware attack on Marks & Spencer (M&S) involved a shockingly aggressive extortion email sent directly to the CEO. The hackers claimed, “We have mercilessly raped your company and encrypted all the servers,” revealing their ruthless tactics. The email, sent from an internal employee’s account, raises critical questions about insider threats and supply chain vulnerabilities.

Read the full BBC report: M&S hackers sent abuse and ransom demand directly to CEO

You Should Know: Ransomware Defense & Incident Response

1. Detect Ransomware Activity

Linux/Mac:

sudo grep -r "encrypt" /var/log/  Search for encryption-related logs
sudo netstat -tulnp | grep suspicious_ip  Check active connections

Windows:

Get-WinEvent -LogName Security | Where-Object {$_.ID -eq 4688}  Check process executions

2. Isolate Infected Systems

Disconnect from network:

ifconfig eth0 down  Linux

Stop-Service -Name "LanmanServer" -Force  Windows SMB shutdown

3. Analyze the Attack Vector

Check email headers (if phishing was used):

cat /var/log/mail.log | grep "from=<a href="mailto:hacker@example.com">hacker@example.com</a>"  Linux mail logs

Windows Email Forensics:

Get-MessageTrackingLog -Sender "internal_employee@m&S.com" -EventID "RECEIVE"  Exchange servers

4. Restore from Backups (If Available)

Linux (rsync backup restore):

rsync -avz /backup/server_data/ /original_path/ --delete

Windows (Shadow Copy):

vssadmin list shadows  List available backups

5. Prevent Future Attacks

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

sudo pam-auth-update --enable google-authenticator  Linux MFA

Windows Group Policy (Disable RDP if unused):

Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server" -Name "fDenyTSConnections" -Value 1

What Undercode Say

This attack highlights the growing trend of insider-assisted ransomware, where attackers exploit weak internal credentials or compromised vendors (like IT firm TCS). Key takeaways:
– Monitor internal email forwarding rules (common in Business Email Compromise).
– Segment networks to limit lateral movement.
– Conduct ransomware fire drills (like Druva’s upcoming workshop).

Expected Output: A hardened infrastructure with real-time ransomware detection and rapid recovery protocols.

Prediction

Ransomware groups will increasingly impersonate internal employees and use legitimate accounts to bypass security. Zero Trust adoption will surge in 2025.

Relevant URL: Druva Ransomware Fire Drill Workshop (if applicable)