04-16-2025, 01:34 PM
News DOGE BIG BALLS Campaign Blurs Lines Between Exploitation, Recon, and Reputation
<p><img width="1280" height="832" src="https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/DOGE-BIG-BALLS.webp" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="DOGE BIG BALLS" decoding="async" srcset="https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/DOGE-BIG-BALLS.webp 1280w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...0x195.webp 300w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...4x666.webp 1024w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...8x499.webp 768w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...0x390.webp 600w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...50x98.webp 150w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...0x488.webp 750w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...0x741.webp 1140w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" title="DOGE BIG BALLS Campaign Blurs Lines Between Exploitation, Recon, and Reputation Damage 14"></p><span data-contrast="auto">Cyble researchers have uncovered ransomware called DOGE BIG BALLS, a ransomware that not just stands out but also presents its technical prowess for audacious psychological manipulation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>
<span data-contrast="auto">This malware campaign intricately weaves together advanced exploitation techniques, social engineering, and a deliberate attempt to misattribute blame, notably linking itself to Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old software engineer associated with Elon Musk's DOGE initiative.</span>
<h3 aria-level="2"><b><span data-contrast="none">The Genesis of the DOGE BIG BALLS Attack: A Deceptive ZIP File</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":160,"335559739":80}"> </span></h3>
[caption id="attachment_102052" align="alignnone" width="855"]<img class="wp-image-102052 size-full" src="https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/DOGE-BIG-BALLS-Attack.webp" alt="DOGE BIG BALLS" width="855" height="495" /> DOGE BIG Infection Chain (Source: Cyble)[/caption]
<span data-contrast="auto">The <a href="https://cyble.com/blog/doge-big-balls-ransomware-edward-coristine/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">attack</a> begins with a seemingly innocuous ZIP file titled "Pay Adjustment.zip," typically disseminated through phishing emails. Inside, a shortcut file named "Pay Adjustment.pdf.lnk" awaits unsuspecting victims. </span>
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img src="https://cyble.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Figure-2-contents-of-LNK-file-1024x163.png" alt="Figure 2 - Contents of LNK file" width="1024" height="163" /> Contents of LNK file (Source: Cyble)[/caption]
<span data-contrast="auto">Upon activation, this shortcut silently executes a series of <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/lnk-files-and-ssh-commands/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PowerShell commands</a> that initiate a multi-stage infection process.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<span data-contrast="auto">The first script, </span><span data-contrast="auto">stage1.ps1</span><span data-contrast="auto">, checks for administrative privileges. If detected, it proceeds to download and execute a modified version of <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/record-ransomware-attacks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fog ransomware</a>, masquerading as "Adobe Acrobat.exe" within a hidden folder in the system's startup directory. </span>
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="306"]<img src="https://cyble.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Figure-6-%E2%80%93-Doge-Big-Balls-Ransomwares-Prompt.jpg" alt="Doge Big Balls Ransomware Prompt" width="306" height="208" /> Doge Big Balls <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://thecyberexpress.com/what-is-ransomware-how-it-work/" title="Ransomware" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21793">Ransomware</a> Prompt (Source: Cyble)[/caption]
<span data-contrast="auto">This stealthy placement ensures that the <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/dragonforce-claims-to-be-taking-over-ransomhub/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ransomware</a> runs with elevated privileges, bypassing standard security measures.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<h3 aria-level="3"><b><span data-contrast="none">Exploiting Kernel Vulnerabilities: The CVE-2015-2291 Flaw</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></h3>
<span data-contrast="auto">A pivotal aspect of this attack is the exploitation of <a href="https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/cve-2015-2291" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">CVE-2015-2291</a>, a vulnerability in Intel's Ethernet diagnostics driv</span><span data-contrast="auto">er (</span><span data-contrast="auto">iqvw64e.sys</span><span data-contrast="auto">). This flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges through specially crafted IOCTL calls. By leveraging this vulnerability, the attackers can escalate their privileges, disable <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://thecyberexpress.com/" title="security" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21791">security</a> logging, and maintain persistence within the compromised system.</span>
<span data-contrast="auto">The malicious tool </span><span data-contrast="auto">ktool.exe</span><span data-contrast="auto"> is responsible for this exploitation. It installs the vulnerable driver as a kernel-mode service, granting the <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/fbi-and-cisa-warn-on-medusa-ransomware/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ransomware process</a> direct access to kernel memory. This access </span><span data-contrast="auto">facilitates the injection of the SYSTEM process token into the <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://cyble.com/knowledge-hub/what-is-ransomware/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="ransomware" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21797">ransomware</a>, effectively elevating its privileges and enabling it to disable security mechanisms.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<h3 aria-level="3"><b><span data-contrast="none">Psychological Manipulation: The "DOGE BIG BALLS" Branding</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></h3>
<span data-contrast="auto">The ransomware's name, "DOGE BIG BALLS," is a deliberate attempt to associate the attack with Edward Coristine and the DOGE initiative. Coristine is a prominent figure in the <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://cyble.com/tech-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="tech" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21796">tech</a> community, known for his involvement with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). By incorporating his name and the DOGE reference, the attackers aim to create confusion and misdirect any <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/stanford-university-cyberattack-by-akira-group/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">investigations</a>.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<span data-contrast="auto">The <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/american-university-of-antigua-cyber-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ransom note</a> further compounds this misdirection by including Coristine's personal details, such as his home address and phone number. </span>
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="987"]<img src="https://cyble.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Figure-10-chat-window.jpg" alt="Chat window" width="987" height="679" /> Chat window (Source: Cyble)[/caption]
<span data-contrast="auto">This tactic serves to intimidate the victim and divert attention from the true perpetrators.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<h3 aria-level="3"><b><span data-contrast="none">Advanced Reconnaissance and Geolocation Techniques</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></h3>
<span data-contrast="auto">Beyond encryption, the attackers employ new methods to gather intelligence about their victims. The </span><span data-contrast="auto">lootsubmit.ps1</span><span data-contrast="auto"> script collects extensive system and network information, including hardware IDs, <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://cyble.com/knowledge-hub/what-is-firewall/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="firewall" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21794">firewall</a> states, network configurations, and running processes. This data is transmitted to the attackers via a <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/black-cat-ransomware-attack-sagenext/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cloud hosting</a> platform, aiding in further profiling and potential future attacks.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<span data-contrast="auto">Notably, the attackers utilize the Wigle.net API to determine the victim's physical location. By querying the MAC address of the victim's router (BSSID), they can pinpoint the exact geographic location, offering more precise geolocation than traditional IP-based methods.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<h3 aria-level="3"><b><span data-contrast="none">The Role of Havoc C2 Beacon in Post-Exploitation</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></h3>
<span data-contrast="auto">Embedded within the attack is a Havoc C2 beacon (</span><span data-contrast="auto">demon.x64.dll</span><span data-contrast="auto">), indicating the attackers' potential to maintain long-term access or conduct additional post-encryption activities. This beacon facilitates communication with the attacker's command and control infrastructure, enabling them to issue further instructions or exfiltrate additional <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://thecyberexpress.com/what-is-data/" title="data" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21792">data</a> from the compromised system.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<h3 aria-level="3"><b><span data-contrast="none">The Involvement of Edward Coristine: A Case of Misattribution</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></h3>
<span data-contrast="auto">Edward Coristine's name appears prominently in the ransom note, accompanied by his personal contact information. This inclusion is a strategic move by the attackers to mislead investigators and the public into believing that Coristine is responsible for the attack. In reality, Coristine has no involvement in this <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/asean-nations-are-adopting-ai-and-zero-trust/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cybercrime</a>. The use of his name is a calculated attempt to <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://cyble.com/exploit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="exploit" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21795">exploit</a> his association with the DOGE initiative and create a false narrative.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<span data-contrast="auto">Coristine's involvement with DOGE, a project aimed at promoting efficiency and transparency in government operations, has made him a recognizable figure in the tech community. By associating his name with the ransomware, the attackers seek to capitalize on his public profile to lend credibility to their demands and confuse potential investigators.</span>
<h3 aria-level="3"><b><span data-contrast="none">Conclusion </span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":160,"335559739":80}"> </span></h3>
<span data-contrast="auto">To fight against DOGE BIG BALLS ransomware attacks, which skillfully combine technical prowess, <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/gacha-games-decoded/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">psychological manipulation</a>, and strategic misdirection—including the false attribution to Edward Coristine—organizations and individuals must adopt a proactive and layered defense strategy. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>
<span data-contrast="auto">Effective mitigation begins with enforcing strict execution policies to block untrusted LNK files and PowerShell scripts, while consistently monitoring PowerShell activity for anomalies. Deploying advanced <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/rcritical-ivanti-csa-vulnerabilities-exploited/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)</a> solutions capable of identifying fileless malware and suspicious behavior is essential.</span>
<span data-contrast="auto">Limiting administrative privileges through Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and monitoring for privilege escalation attempts can further reduce exposure. Additionally, blocking unauthorized outbound connections to services like Netlify and external APIs such as Wigle.net is crucial for preventing data exfiltration and geolocation tracking.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>
https://thecyberexpress.com/doge-big-balls-ransomware/
<p><img width="1280" height="832" src="https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/DOGE-BIG-BALLS.webp" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="DOGE BIG BALLS" decoding="async" srcset="https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/DOGE-BIG-BALLS.webp 1280w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...0x195.webp 300w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...4x666.webp 1024w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...8x499.webp 768w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...0x390.webp 600w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...50x98.webp 150w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...0x488.webp 750w, https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/u...0x741.webp 1140w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" title="DOGE BIG BALLS Campaign Blurs Lines Between Exploitation, Recon, and Reputation Damage 14"></p><span data-contrast="auto">Cyble researchers have uncovered ransomware called DOGE BIG BALLS, a ransomware that not just stands out but also presents its technical prowess for audacious psychological manipulation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>
<span data-contrast="auto">This malware campaign intricately weaves together advanced exploitation techniques, social engineering, and a deliberate attempt to misattribute blame, notably linking itself to Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old software engineer associated with Elon Musk's DOGE initiative.</span>
<h3 aria-level="2"><b><span data-contrast="none">The Genesis of the DOGE BIG BALLS Attack: A Deceptive ZIP File</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":160,"335559739":80}"> </span></h3>
[caption id="attachment_102052" align="alignnone" width="855"]<img class="wp-image-102052 size-full" src="https://thecyberexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/DOGE-BIG-BALLS-Attack.webp" alt="DOGE BIG BALLS" width="855" height="495" /> DOGE BIG Infection Chain (Source: Cyble)[/caption]
<span data-contrast="auto">The <a href="https://cyble.com/blog/doge-big-balls-ransomware-edward-coristine/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">attack</a> begins with a seemingly innocuous ZIP file titled "Pay Adjustment.zip," typically disseminated through phishing emails. Inside, a shortcut file named "Pay Adjustment.pdf.lnk" awaits unsuspecting victims. </span>
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img src="https://cyble.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Figure-2-contents-of-LNK-file-1024x163.png" alt="Figure 2 - Contents of LNK file" width="1024" height="163" /> Contents of LNK file (Source: Cyble)[/caption]
<span data-contrast="auto">Upon activation, this shortcut silently executes a series of <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/lnk-files-and-ssh-commands/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PowerShell commands</a> that initiate a multi-stage infection process.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<span data-contrast="auto">The first script, </span><span data-contrast="auto">stage1.ps1</span><span data-contrast="auto">, checks for administrative privileges. If detected, it proceeds to download and execute a modified version of <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/record-ransomware-attacks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fog ransomware</a>, masquerading as "Adobe Acrobat.exe" within a hidden folder in the system's startup directory. </span>
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="306"]<img src="https://cyble.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Figure-6-%E2%80%93-Doge-Big-Balls-Ransomwares-Prompt.jpg" alt="Doge Big Balls Ransomware Prompt" width="306" height="208" /> Doge Big Balls <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://thecyberexpress.com/what-is-ransomware-how-it-work/" title="Ransomware" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21793">Ransomware</a> Prompt (Source: Cyble)[/caption]
<span data-contrast="auto">This stealthy placement ensures that the <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/dragonforce-claims-to-be-taking-over-ransomhub/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ransomware</a> runs with elevated privileges, bypassing standard security measures.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<h3 aria-level="3"><b><span data-contrast="none">Exploiting Kernel Vulnerabilities: The CVE-2015-2291 Flaw</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></h3>
<span data-contrast="auto">A pivotal aspect of this attack is the exploitation of <a href="https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/cve-2015-2291" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">CVE-2015-2291</a>, a vulnerability in Intel's Ethernet diagnostics driv</span><span data-contrast="auto">er (</span><span data-contrast="auto">iqvw64e.sys</span><span data-contrast="auto">). This flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges through specially crafted IOCTL calls. By leveraging this vulnerability, the attackers can escalate their privileges, disable <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://thecyberexpress.com/" title="security" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21791">security</a> logging, and maintain persistence within the compromised system.</span>
<span data-contrast="auto">The malicious tool </span><span data-contrast="auto">ktool.exe</span><span data-contrast="auto"> is responsible for this exploitation. It installs the vulnerable driver as a kernel-mode service, granting the <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/fbi-and-cisa-warn-on-medusa-ransomware/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ransomware process</a> direct access to kernel memory. This access </span><span data-contrast="auto">facilitates the injection of the SYSTEM process token into the <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://cyble.com/knowledge-hub/what-is-ransomware/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="ransomware" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21797">ransomware</a>, effectively elevating its privileges and enabling it to disable security mechanisms.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<h3 aria-level="3"><b><span data-contrast="none">Psychological Manipulation: The "DOGE BIG BALLS" Branding</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></h3>
<span data-contrast="auto">The ransomware's name, "DOGE BIG BALLS," is a deliberate attempt to associate the attack with Edward Coristine and the DOGE initiative. Coristine is a prominent figure in the <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://cyble.com/tech-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="tech" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21796">tech</a> community, known for his involvement with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). By incorporating his name and the DOGE reference, the attackers aim to create confusion and misdirect any <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/stanford-university-cyberattack-by-akira-group/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">investigations</a>.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<span data-contrast="auto">The <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/american-university-of-antigua-cyber-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ransom note</a> further compounds this misdirection by including Coristine's personal details, such as his home address and phone number. </span>
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="987"]<img src="https://cyble.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Figure-10-chat-window.jpg" alt="Chat window" width="987" height="679" /> Chat window (Source: Cyble)[/caption]
<span data-contrast="auto">This tactic serves to intimidate the victim and divert attention from the true perpetrators.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<h3 aria-level="3"><b><span data-contrast="none">Advanced Reconnaissance and Geolocation Techniques</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></h3>
<span data-contrast="auto">Beyond encryption, the attackers employ new methods to gather intelligence about their victims. The </span><span data-contrast="auto">lootsubmit.ps1</span><span data-contrast="auto"> script collects extensive system and network information, including hardware IDs, <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://cyble.com/knowledge-hub/what-is-firewall/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="firewall" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21794">firewall</a> states, network configurations, and running processes. This data is transmitted to the attackers via a <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/black-cat-ransomware-attack-sagenext/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cloud hosting</a> platform, aiding in further profiling and potential future attacks.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<span data-contrast="auto">Notably, the attackers utilize the Wigle.net API to determine the victim's physical location. By querying the MAC address of the victim's router (BSSID), they can pinpoint the exact geographic location, offering more precise geolocation than traditional IP-based methods.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<h3 aria-level="3"><b><span data-contrast="none">The Role of Havoc C2 Beacon in Post-Exploitation</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></h3>
<span data-contrast="auto">Embedded within the attack is a Havoc C2 beacon (</span><span data-contrast="auto">demon.x64.dll</span><span data-contrast="auto">), indicating the attackers' potential to maintain long-term access or conduct additional post-encryption activities. This beacon facilitates communication with the attacker's command and control infrastructure, enabling them to issue further instructions or exfiltrate additional <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://thecyberexpress.com/what-is-data/" title="data" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21792">data</a> from the compromised system.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<h3 aria-level="3"><b><span data-contrast="none">The Involvement of Edward Coristine: A Case of Misattribution</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></h3>
<span data-contrast="auto">Edward Coristine's name appears prominently in the ransom note, accompanied by his personal contact information. This inclusion is a strategic move by the attackers to mislead investigators and the public into believing that Coristine is responsible for the attack. In reality, Coristine has no involvement in this <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/asean-nations-are-adopting-ai-and-zero-trust/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cybercrime</a>. The use of his name is a calculated attempt to <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://cyble.com/exploit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="exploit" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="21795">exploit</a> his association with the DOGE initiative and create a false narrative.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span>
<span data-contrast="auto">Coristine's involvement with DOGE, a project aimed at promoting efficiency and transparency in government operations, has made him a recognizable figure in the tech community. By associating his name with the ransomware, the attackers seek to capitalize on his public profile to lend credibility to their demands and confuse potential investigators.</span>
<h3 aria-level="3"><b><span data-contrast="none">Conclusion </span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":160,"335559739":80}"> </span></h3>
<span data-contrast="auto">To fight against DOGE BIG BALLS ransomware attacks, which skillfully combine technical prowess, <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/gacha-games-decoded/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">psychological manipulation</a>, and strategic misdirection—including the false attribution to Edward Coristine—organizations and individuals must adopt a proactive and layered defense strategy. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>
<span data-contrast="auto">Effective mitigation begins with enforcing strict execution policies to block untrusted LNK files and PowerShell scripts, while consistently monitoring PowerShell activity for anomalies. Deploying advanced <a href="https://thecyberexpress.com/rcritical-ivanti-csa-vulnerabilities-exploited/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)</a> solutions capable of identifying fileless malware and suspicious behavior is essential.</span>
<span data-contrast="auto">Limiting administrative privileges through Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and monitoring for privilege escalation attempts can further reduce exposure. Additionally, blocking unauthorized outbound connections to services like Netlify and external APIs such as Wigle.net is crucial for preventing data exfiltration and geolocation tracking.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>
https://thecyberexpress.com/doge-big-balls-ransomware/