Description Summary
DragonForce is a ransomware-as-a-service that emerged in late 2023, originally leveraging a leaked LockBit Black builder. In 2024–2025 it positioned itself as a 'cartel,' offering affiliates the ability to use the DragonForce platform while running their own brand. Scattered Spider has used DragonForce in attacks on UK retailers including Marks & Spencer and Co-op in 2025.
Threat Actor
RaaS with broad affiliate base; recently adopted by Scattered Spider.
Technical Indicators
Encryption Extension
.dragonforce_encrypted
Encryption Algorithm
AES-256 + RSA (LockBit Black-derived)
Ransom Note Name
readme.txt
Targeted Industries
Retail, Education, Government, Manufacturing
First Seen
December 2023
Last Seen
Active
Geographical Location
Global; high-profile UK retail impact in 2025
MITRE ATT&CK Matrix
| Tactic | TTP | Technique Name |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Access x 3 | T1566 | Phishing |
| T1190 | Exploit Public-Facing Application | |
| T1078 | Valid Accounts | |
| Execution x 1 | T1059 | Command and Scripting Interpreter |
| Execution Persistence x 1 | T1053 | Scheduled Task/Job |
| Defense Evasion x 2 | T1562.001 | Disable or Modify Tools |
| T1070.004 | File Deletion | |
| Discovery x 2 | T1083 | File and Directory Discovery |
| T1082 | System Information Discovery | |
| Lateral Movement x 2 | T1021.001 | Remote Services: RDP |
| T1021.002 | SMB/Windows Admin Shares | |
| Exfiltration x 2 | T1041 | Exfiltration Over C2 Channel |
| T1567.002 | Exfiltration to Cloud Storage | |
| Impact x 3 | T1486 | Data Encrypted for Impact |
| T1490 | Inhibit System Recovery | |
| T1489 | Service Stop |