Description Summary
Brain Cipher emerged in July 2024. Both Windows and Linux variants are available. Brain Cipher using the leaked build of LockBit Black for their operations. The group suspected to have exploited CVE-2023-28252 (Microsoft Windows CLFS Driver Privilege Escalation Vulnerability). The Ransom demand ranges from $150,000 to $1,00,0000. Demand to be paid with Monero (XMR) cryptocurrency. In 2025, they have shifted their new Negotiation portal to new server with vanity TOR Domain starting with 'brain'.
Threat Actor
Operator/affiliate cluster behind the Braincipher leak site. Detailed actor attribution is not available in curated public reporting.
Technical Indicators
Encryption Extension
Not publicly reported
Encryption Algorithm
Not publicly reported
Ransom Note Name
Not publicly reported
Targeted Industries
Cross-sector (per leak-site victim telemetry)
First Seen
Unknown
Last Seen
No public victim disclosures observed
Geographical Location
Global / not publicly profiled
MITRE ATT&CK Matrix
| Tactic | TTP | Technique Name |
|---|---|---|
| Impact x 2 | T1486 | Data Encrypted for Impact |
| T1490 | Inhibit System Recovery | |
| Exfiltration x 1 | T1567 | Exfiltration Over Web Service (leak site) |
| Initial Access x 2 | T1190 | Exploit Public-Facing Application |
| T1078 | Valid Accounts |