GLOBAL GROUP Ransomware

GLOBAL GROUP is a newly emerged Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) operation first active around June 2, 2025, rebranded from previous BlackLock/Mamona-family ransomware. It targets high-value organizations—healthcare, industrial machinery, oil & gas, automotive repair, and BPO—across multiple regions, with 17 confirmed victims as of July 14, 2025.

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Threat Overview & Summary

Property	Details
Threat type	Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)
Detection names	ChaCha20‑Poly1305 Go‑based GLOBAL ransomware
Symptoms of infection	Files forcibly encrypted; .readme ransom note dropped instructing to visit victim portal
Damage & distribution methods	Encrypts systems across Windows, Linux, macOS, ESXi, NAS, and BSD; spreads via brute-forced RDP/VPN, web shells, and initial access brokers
Danger level	High — targets critical infrastructure, seven-figure ransom demands, multi-OS support
Removal tool	SpyHunter – download here

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Detailed Analysis

How I Got Infected

GLOBAL GROUP ransomware typically gains access through networks compromised by initial access brokers. These brokers sell credentials or unauthorized entry points obtained via brute-forcing weak RDP or VPN credentials, or exploiting vulnerable software such as outdated firewalls, web portals, and email servers. Once inside, the ransomware operators deploy custom payloads to exfiltrate data, establish persistence, and encrypt the environment.

What It Does

The malware uses a Go-based binary with ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption to lock data at scale. Once encryption is complete, a .readme ransom note is dropped into every directory with instructions for contacting the threat actors. Victims are pushed to negotiate using a Tor-based portal managed by the ransomware group. The group’s infrastructure includes automated negotiation bots and mobile-optimized affiliate dashboards. Affiliates earn up to 85% of ransoms collected.

Ransom Note Content

Victims are provided a simple ransom note that typically states:

Upload an encrypted file for free decryption. Negotiate on Tor portal within 3 days or data will be leaked publicly.

The note provides a .onion address for communication and threatens public data leaks if no contact is made within the deadline.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes, GLOBAL GROUP ransomware presents a serious threat due to its advanced infrastructure and aggressive tactics. The ransomware supports multiple platforms, including enterprise environments like ESXi and NAS, and aims at sectors that cannot afford downtime. With ransom demands often exceeding one million dollars and the threat of public data leaks, businesses must treat this threat with urgency.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

GLOBAL GROUP is a formidable ransomware operation with a modern, scalable model and deep integration into the cybercriminal ecosystem. Its use of affiliate marketing, AI-assisted negotiations, and support for diverse environments makes it one of the most dangerous ransomware families in 2025. Organizations must prioritize threat detection, patch management, and endpoint defense to protect their networks from this malicious software.