CrimsonRAT Ransomware: A Growing Cyber Threat In India

  Category:  PUP | 31st July 2025 | Author:  TEAM CSI

Discover How CrimsonRAT Ransomware Is Targeting Indian Institutions And Government Systems. Learn How It Works, Its Impact, And Tips To Stay Protected In 2025.

What Is CrimsonRAT?

CrimsonRAT (Remote Access Trojan) Is A Highly Sophisticated Malware Used For Cyber Espionage. Originally Linked To The APT Group **Transparent Tribe**, CrimsonRAT Has Evolved Into A Powerful Surveillance And Data-stealing Tool. Unlike Traditional Ransomware, Which Encrypts Files For Ransom, CrimsonRAT Operates Silently In The Background, Collecting Sensitive Data, Keystrokes, Screenshots, And System Information.

How CrimsonRAT Works?

CrimsonRAT Usually Spreads Via Phishing Emails, Malicious Links, Or Fake Software Updates. Once A User Unknowingly Clicks On A Compromised Attachment Or Link, The Malware Silently Installs Itself In The System And Begins Its Surveillance Operations.

Key Capabilities Of CrimsonRAT Include:

• Remote Desktop Control
• Webcam And Microphone Monitoring
• File Download/upload And Deletion
• Keylogging And Screen Capture
• Registry Manipulation
• Data Exfiltration

Unlike Traditional Ransomware, CrimsonRAT Doesn’t Show Any Visible Ransom Note. Instead, It Quietly Monitors The Infected System, Sending Collected Data To A Remote Command And Control (C2) Server Operated By The Attackers.

Who Is Behind CrimsonRAT?

CrimsonRAT Has Been Attributed To APT36 (Transparent Tribe) — A Suspected Pakistani State-sponsored Hacking Group. This Group Has Been Active Since 2013 And Is Known For Targeting **Indian Military, Government Institutions, And Educational Entities.

In 2024 And 2025, Multiple Cybersecurity Firms Reported Increased Activity Linked To CrimsonRAT In India. Victims Included Defense Contractors, Academic Research Centers, And Government Officials.

Impact Of CrimsonRAT Attacks In India

CrimsonRAT Is Especially Dangerous Due To Its Focus On Espionage And Intelligence Gathering. The Malware Can Remain Undetected For Weeks Or Months, Silently Stealing Confidential Files, Login Credentials, And Government Communications.

Recent Attacks Have Led To:

• Data Breaches In Educational Institutions
• Stolen Credentials Of Defense Employees
• Sensitive Files Leaked On Dark Web Forums
• Persistent Infiltration In Key Infrastructure

These Cyber-attacks Have Raised Concerns About National Cybersecurity Policies And The Urgent Need For Endpoint Protection.

How To Protect Against CrimsonRAT?

To Safeguard Against CrimsonRAT And Similar Remote Access Trojans, Follow These Cyber Hygiene Practices:

1. Do Not Open Unknown Email Attachments Or Links.
2. Install A Trusted Antivirus Or Anti-malware Software.
3. Keep Operating Systems And Applications Updated.
4. Use Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) Wherever Possible.
5. Educate Employees And Staff About Phishing Attacks.
6. Monitor Unusual Network Traffic And User Behavior.

Organizations Should Deploy EDR (Endpoint Detection And Response) Tools And Consider Conducting Regular Penetration Tests To Identify Vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

CrimsonRAT Is Not Just Another Malware — It’s A National Security Threat With A Focused Mission: Espionage. As India Continues To Digitize Defense And Governance, Threats Like CrimsonRAT Underline The Importance Of Proactive Cybersecurity.

Malware Removal Guide For PC

Malware Removal Guide For Web Browsers

Prevent Future Malware

Summary - Malware Removal Guide

Guide For VPN Uses

Malware Removal Guide – PC And Web Browser

PART 1: Remove Malware From Your PC (Windows)

Step 1: Boot Into Safe Mode

• Restart Your PC And Press F8 (or Shift + F8 For Some Systems) Before Windows Loads.

• Choose Safe Mode With Networking.

Safe Mode Prevents Most Malware From Loading.

Step 2: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

1. Press Win + R, Type appwiz.cpl, And Press Enter.

2. Sort By Install Date And Uninstall Unknown Or Recently Added Programs.

Step 3: Run A Malware Scan

Use A Trusted Anti-malware Tool:

Malwarebytes – https://www.malwarebytes.com

Screenshot Of Malwarebytes - Visit Links

Microsoft Defender – Built Into Windows 10/11

HitmanPro, ESET Online Scanner, Or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus + Firewall NextGen

VIPRE Antivirus - US And Others Countries, | India

VIPRE Antivirus - Mac

F-Secure Total - Global

Run A Full Scan And Delete/quarantine Detected Threats.

Step 4: Delete Temporary Files

1. Press Win + R, Type temp → Delete All Files.

2. Press Win + R, Type %temp% → Delete All Files.

3. Use Disk Cleanup: cleanmgr In The Run Dialog.

Step 5: Reset Hosts File

1. Go To: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

2. Open hosts File With Notepad.

3. Replace With Default Content:

Step 6: Check Startup Programs

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Open Task Manager

2. Go To Startup Tab

3. Disable Any Suspicious Entries.

Step 7: Reset Network Settings

1. Open Command Prompt As Administrator.

2. Run These Commands:

netsh Winsock Reset

netsh Int Ip Reset

ipconfig /flushdns

PART 2: Remove Malware From Web Browsers

? Common Signs Of Malware In Browser:

• Unwanted Homepage Or Search Engine

• Pop-ups Or Redirects

• Unknown Extensions Installed

Step 1: Remove Suspicious Extensions

For Chrome:

• Go To: chrome://extensions/

• Remove Anything Unfamiliar

For Firefox:

• Go To: about:addons → Extensions

• Remove Suspicious Add-ons

For Edge:

• Go To: edge://extensions/

• Uninstall Unknown Add-ons

Step 2: Reset Browser Settings

Chrome:

• Go To chrome://settings/reset → "Restore Settings To Their Original Defaults"

Firefox:

• Go To about:support → "Refresh Firefox"

Edge:

• Go To edge://settings/resetProfileSettings → "Reset Settings"

Step 3: Clear Cache And Cookies

All Browsers:

• Use Ctrl + Shift + Del → Select All Time

• Clear Cookies, Cached Files, And Site Data

Step 4: Check Search Engine & Homepage Settings

Make Sure They Are Not Hijacked.

• Chrome: chrome://settings/search

• Firefox: about:preferences#search

• Edge: edge://settings/search

Step 5: Use Browser Cleanup Tools (Optional)

• Chrome: chrome://settings/cleanup

• Use Malwarebytes Browser Guard For Real-time Browser Protection.

FINAL TIPS: Prevent Future Malware

• Always Download Software From Trusted Sources.

• Keep Windows, Browsers, And Antivirus Updated.

• Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links Or Ads.

• Use ad Blockers And reputable Antivirus Software.

• Backup Your Files Regularly.

Short Summary: Malware Removal Guide (PC & Web Browser)

To Remove Malware From Your Windows PC, Start By Booting Into Safe Mode, Uninstalling Suspicious Programs, And Scanning With Trusted Anti-malware Tools Like Malwarebytes. Clear Temporary Files, Reset Your Network Settings, And Check Startup Apps For Anything Unusual.

For web Browsers, Remove Unwanted Extensions, Reset Browser Settings, Clear Cache And Cookies, And Ensure Your Homepage And Search Engine Haven’t Been Hijacked. Use Cleanup Tools Like Chrome Cleanup Or Browser Guard For Added Protection.

?? Prevention Tips: Keep Software Updated, Avoid Suspicious Downloads, And Use Antivirus Protection Plus Browser Ad Blockers. Regular Backups Are Essential.

VPN - How To Use IT

1. Choose A Trusted VPN Provider

• Why It Matters: Not All VPNs Offer Malware Protection.

• What To Look For: Providers With built-in Malware/ad/tracker Blockers (e.g., NordVPN’s Threat Protection, ProtonVPN’s NetShield).

• Nord VPN
• Hide.me VPN

2. Enable Kill Switch

• Purpose: Prevents Data Leaks If Your VPN Connection Drops.

• Benefit: Ensures Your Real IP And Browsing Activity Aren’t Exposed To Malware-distributing Websites.

3. Use VPN With DNS Leak Protection

• Why It Matters: DNS Leaks Can Expose Your Online Activity To Attackers.

• Solution: Enable DNS Leak Protection In Your VPN Settings Or Use A Secure DNS Like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).

4. Avoid Free VPNs

• Risk: Free VPNs Often Contain Malware, Sell User Data, Or Lack Security Features.

• Better Option: Use Reputable Paid VPNs That Offer security Audits And Transparent Privacy Policies.

5. Use VPN With Anti-Phishing Tools

• Some VPNs Block Known Phishing And Malicious Sites.

• Example: Surfshark’s CleanWeb, CyberGhost’s Content Blocker.

6. Keep Your VPN App Updated

• Reason: Security Patches Fix Known Vulnerabilities.

• Tip: Enable Auto-updates Or Check For Updates Weekly.

. Use VPN On All Devices

• Scope: Malware Can Enter Through Phones, Tablets, Or IoT Devices.

• Solution: Install VPN Apps On Every Internet-connected Device.

8. Don’t Rely On VPN Alone

• Fact: VPNs Do Not Remove Or Detect Malware On Your System.

• Complement It With:

  • Antivirus Software

  • Firewall

  • Browser Extensions For Script Blocking

9. Avoid Clicking Unknown Links While VPN Is On

• VPN Encrypts Traffic But Can’t Stop Malware From Executing If You Download Infected Files.

10. Use VPN With Split Tunneling Cautiously

• Split Tunneling Allows Certain Apps/sites To Bypass VPN.

• Tip: Never Exclude Browsers, Email Clients, Or Download Managers From VPN Tunneling.

Short Note - VPN Uses

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) Enhances Your Online Privacy By Encrypting Your Internet Traffic And Masking Your IP Address. It Protects Your Data On Public Wi-Fi, Hides Browsing Activity From Hackers And ISPs, And Helps Bypass Geo-restrictions. VPNs Also Add A Layer Of Defense Against Malware By Blocking Malicious Websites And Trackers When Using Advanced Features. However, A VPN Does Not Remove Existing Malware Or Act As Antivirus Software. For Full Protection, Combine VPN Use With Antivirus Tools, Regular Software Updates, And Cautious Browsing Habits. Always Choose A Reputable VPN Provider With Strong Security And Privacy Policies.