NITDA Alerts Businesses to Rising Ymir Ransomware Threat

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned organisations about Ymir ransomware, describing it as a highly sophisticated cyber threat targeting corporate networks.

In an advisory released yesterday, NITDA outlined the ransomware’s advanced tactics, including memory-based execution designed to evade detection by traditional security tools.

The malware not only encrypts critical data but also exfiltrates sensitive information before encryption, demanding substantial ransoms in cryptocurrency.

“This ransomware is highly advanced and poses a significant threat to organisations, especially those in industries like healthcare, finance, and IT services that handle sensitive data,” NITDA said.

The agency warned that victims face severe operational disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage. “Ymir’s ability to evade antivirus programs allows attackers to dwell longer in networks, expanding their reach and deepening the damage,” the advisory added.

To counter the threat, the agency urged organisations to take proactive measures, including deploying advanced endpoint detection and response solutions, updating all systems and applications with the latest security patches, and segmenting critical systems into separate network zones.

“Implementing multi-factor authentication across critical systems is crucial to preventing unauthorized access, especially for administrative accounts,” NITDA noted.

The agency also stressed the importance of a robust backup strategy. “Organisations should regularly test their backups for integrity and ensure offline copies are securely stored to avoid total data loss in the event of an attack,” it said.

NITDA emphasised the need for organisations to prioritise cybersecurity in light of evolving threats like Ymir ransomware. It encouraged businesses to seek expert guidance to strengthen their defenses against such attacks.