A concerning cybersecurity trend has emerged, with the DragonForce threat group specifically targeting Managed Service Providers (MSPs). This group is leveraging legitimate Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software, which MSPs use to oversee and manage their clients’ IT infrastructure, as a conduit for widespread ransomware deployment.
The strategy employed by DragonForce is highly effective and insidious. By compromising an MSP’s internal systems or exploiting vulnerabilities within their RMM platforms, the attackers gain privileged access to the networks of potentially hundreds or even thousands of end clients managed by that MSP. This central point of compromise allows the threat actors to distribute ransomware rapidly across numerous organizations from a single breach point.
Reports indicate that DragonForce is using various tactics to infiltrate MSPs, including phishing campaigns targeting MSP staff, credential stuffing attacks against RMM login portals, and exploiting known software vulnerabilities. Once inside, they move laterally, often disabling security tools and deploying their ransomware strain. The impact of such an attack can be devastating, leading to extensive downtime, significant financial losses, and reputational damage for both the affected clients and the MSP itself.
This trend highlights the critical need for MSPs to bolster their own security posture. They are attractive targets because compromising one provides a gateway to many. Implementing robust multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all access points, especially RMM consoles, is paramount. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments of their internal networks and the RMM infrastructure itself are also essential.
Furthermore, MSPs must ensure their client environments are adequately protected, maintaining rigorous backup strategies and incident response plans. Educating staff about the latest phishing techniques and promoting a strong security-aware culture are also vital layers of defense. The threat from groups like DragonForce targeting the very tools designed for IT management serves as a stark reminder of the interconnected nature of cyber risk and the importance of proactive, comprehensive security measures.
Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/05/28/dragonforce_ransomware_gang_sets_fire/
