The ransomware operation known as INC has grown into one of the most active cybercrime groups of 2026, with security researchers linking it to more than 830 victims since it first appeared in August 2023.
According to researchers at Acronis, the group’s rise coincided with disruptions affecting major ransomware brands such as LockBit and BlackCat. As affiliates sought alternative platforms, INC appears to have benefited from that shift. More than 65% of the victims listed by the group are based in the United States, with legal firms, healthcare providers, manufacturers, construction companies, and technology organizations among the most frequently targeted sectors.
Researchers also observed major changes to the ransomware itself. INC’s malware for Windows and Linux/VMware ESXi systems has been rewritten in Rust, a programming language increasingly adopted by malware developers because it supports multiple operating systems and can complicate reverse-engineering efforts.
The group’s toolkit has expanded as well. Recent attacks have involved a credential-stealing utility capable of extracting authentication data from newer Veeam backup deployments that use salted DPAPI encryption. Access to backup infrastructure can give attackers valuable credentials while also making recovery efforts more difficult for victims.
Acronis noted that the sale of INC’s Windows and Linux ransomware variants on underground cybercrime forums in May 2024 contributed to the appearance of related ransomware families, including Lynx and Sinobi. Researchers identified significant code similarities between the groups.
Investigators found that INC affiliates rely on several entry points to compromise networks, including spear-phishing campaigns, credentials purchased from Initial Access Brokers (IABs), and the exploitation of publicly exposed systems running vulnerable versions of Citrix NetScaler, Fortinet EMS, and SimpleHelp software.
Once inside a network, attackers harvest credentials, move between systems using legitimate administrative tools such as RDP and PsExec, and attempt to weaken security controls through a technique known as Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD). Researchers observed the use of vulnerable drivers including filwfp.sys, filnk.sys, and fildds.sys. The group also deploys tools such as Cobalt Strike, AnyDesk, ScreenConnect, and TeamViewer to maintain access and control compromised environments.
Before encryption begins, stolen files are collected and transferred using Rclone, often after being packaged into password-protected archives. The ransomware then encrypts systems using multithreading and partial-encryption techniques to speed up the process. When launched against VMware ESXi environments, the malware can also attempt to shut down virtual machines.
Data from ZeroFox ranked INC as the fourth most active ransomware operation during the first quarter of 2026, recording more than 120 incidents. Researchers said the group’s growth demonstrates how ransomware operators can build large-scale campaigns using widely available tools, stolen credentials, and unpatched systems rather than relying on highly specialized malware.
Read the original article: