MimiKatz

Trigona ransomware affiliates have deployed a custom exfiltration tool, uploader_client.exe, in attacks observed in March 2026, marking a shift from using common tools like Rclone to proprietary malware for greater control and stealth. The custom tool enables parallel data streams, connection rotation to evade detection, granular file filtering, and uses a shared key for authentication with the attacker-controlled server. Prior to data exfiltration, attackers disable security software using kernel-level tools such as HRSword, PCHunter, Gmer, and others, often leveraging vulnerable drivers (BYOVD technique), and gain remote access via AnyDesk. Credential theft is conducted using Mimikatz and Nirsoft tools.

The GodDamn ransomware, a rebranded variant of Beast and Monster ransomware, has been used in a recent attack attributed to the threat actor Hyadina. The attackers leveraged AnyDesk for remote access, deployed the malicious PoisonX kernel driver—signed by Microsoft—to disable endpoint defenses, and used a suite of credential-harvesting tools from NirSoft. The attack involved lateral movement via PsExec, deployment of backdoors across multiple hosts, and eventual execution of the ransomware payload after a four-day dwell period. This represents an evolution in defensive evasion tactics, leveraging signed malicious drivers in a BYOVD-style attack.

The GoSerpent campaign is a sophisticated and evolving threat targeting government and diplomatic entities in Southeast Asia since at least 2021, with ongoing activity observed through 2026. The primary malware, GoSerpent, is a Go-based backdoor that enables remote access, SOCKS5 proxying, and deployment of additional tools for data collection and credential dumping. In 2026, attackers expanded their toolkit with Stowaway, a new Go-based RAT, and TmcLoader/TmcPayload, a stealthy two-stage payload used for exfiltrating data collected by earlier stages. The attack chain demonstrates high operational integration, using credential dumping tools like Mimikatz and QuarksDumpLocalHash to enable lateral movement and exfiltration of archived sensitive files via network shares.

The Qilin ransomware group, active since 2022 and operating as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), has intensified its global operations in 2025, targeting primarily the manufacturing, professional services, and wholesale trade sectors. The group employs a double-extortion strategy, combining file encryption with data exfiltration, leveraging tools such as Mimikatz, Cyberduck, and Cobalt Strike. Initial access is suspected via compromised credentials on exposed VPNs without MFA, followed by extensive reconnaissance, credential dumping, lateral movement, and deployment of dual encryptors to maximize impact.

A previously undocumented malware named GoSerpent has been used in cyber espionage campaigns targeting government and diplomatic entities in Southeast Asia since late 2025. The malware enables long-term access, credential dumping, and data exfiltration through a suite of tools including Mimikatz, QuarksDumpLocalHash, and a custom file collection tool called ThumbcacheService. In May 2026, attackers returned to compromised environments to deploy evolved tools such as Stowaway and TmcLoader/TmcPayload for further data exfiltration. The activity shows operational overlaps with the TetrisPhantom threat actor, though definitive attribution remains unconfirmed.

CL-STA-1062, a Chinese-speaking threat actor group active since at least March 2022, has been targeting government entities and critical infrastructure in Southeast Asia. The group, also tracked as UAT-7237, uses a hybrid toolkit combining open-source tools like SoftEther VPN, Mimikatz, and VNT with a custom backdoor named TinyRCT. This backdoor enables command execution, file exfiltration, screen capture, and self-destruction, and is deployed via AppDomainManager injection through a maliciously crafted archive. The campaign demonstrates a sustained regional focus, with attacks spanning from Taiwan to Southeast Asia, particularly targeting energy and government sectors.