qilin
ransomware group · aka Qilin, Agenda, Water Galura (Microsoft designation) · Unknown; vendors believe the operation is Russian-speaking, though this is unconfirmed · active since Mid-2022 (initially tracked as Agenda; the Qilin branding emerged in 2023)
Qilin is a ransomware-as-a-service and data-extortion group first observed in mid-2022 and initially tracked as Agenda, with the Qilin name appearing in 2023. It operates a double-extortion model, encrypting systems and publishing stolen data from non-paying victims, and targets organizations across a broad range of sectors and geographies, including critical infrastructure. Publicly reported incidents include optical manufacturer Hoya (2023), Toyota Financial Services (2023), Nissan's Australian dealer association via a third-party compromise (2023), US newspaper publisher Lee Enterprises (2025), and a 2023 supply-chain intrusion through a Yamaha motorcycle dealer affecting Philippine customers. The group has exploited vulnerable public-facing software such as Zimbra and Cisco IOS XE, and uses both Windows and Linux/ESXi encryptors. Vendor tracking consistently ranked Qilin among the most active ransomware brands through 2024-2025, and it remains active as of late 2025.
- RaaS affiliate operation with double extortion; victim data posted to a leak site if no ransom is paid
- Initial access via stolen VPN/RDP credentials, frequently in environments lacking MFA, per incident reporting
- Exploitation of unpatched public-facing services, including Zimbra and Cisco IOS XE
- BYOVD technique using vulnerable drivers to disable or evade security tooling, per Sophos incident analysis
- Metasploit/Meterpreter stager (TinyMet) used for tool delivery and privilege escalation
- Go- and later Rust-based Windows encryptors, with separate Linux/ESXi builds used in some attacks
- Supply-chain access through compromised service providers, dealers, or third-party platforms
- Published affiliate rules and 'legal agreements' governing affiliate conduct, per 2024-2025 reporting
Hoya Corporation (2023), Toyota Financial Services (2023), Nissan Dealer Association Australia (2023, via third-party compromise), Yamaha Motor Philippines customers (2023, via dealer supply-chain intrusion), Synoptek (2025), Lee Enterprises (2025), Philippine Ports Authority, Jouvet SAS, G&S Technologies, Colonial Hyundai
No public figure.
Leak-site victims2,262 posts · newest first
| Victim | Discovered | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Arch Street Capital Advisors | · Sep 5, 2024 | — |
| Turman | · Sep 3, 2024 | — |
| Risser Oil | · Aug 29, 2024 | — |
| Stiller Aesthetics | · Aug 29, 2024 | — |
| JM Thompson | · Aug 28, 2024 | — |
| codacinc.org | · Aug 27, 2024 | — |
| Mason City Recycling Center | · Aug 27, 2024 | — |
| Brookshire Dental - Hospitals & Clinics | · Aug 26, 2024 | — |
| dt-technologies | · Aug 25, 2024 | — |
| Penn Veterinary Supply INC | · Aug 25, 2024 | — |
| Meli (BCYF & Bethany) | · Aug 25, 2024 | — |
| Hiesmayr Haustechnik | · Aug 16, 2024 | — |
| promises2kids.org | · Aug 16, 2024 | — |
| Prefeitura do Jaboatão dos Guararapes | · Aug 16, 2024 | — |
| on365.co.uk | · Aug 16, 2024 | — |
| ccj.edu.lb | · Aug 16, 2024 | — |
| www.prinsotel.com | · Aug 15, 2024 | — |
| Patterson Health Center | · Aug 15, 2024 | — |
| Brookshire Dental | · Aug 12, 2024 | — |
| Amco Metal Industrial Corporation | · Aug 11, 2024 | — |
| New TSI Holdings, NYSC | · Aug 9, 2024 | — |
| www.srmedicalcenter.org | · Jul 31, 2024 | — |
| Network Communications Group | · Jul 30, 2024 | — |
| ayurcan | · Jul 27, 2024 | — |
| KMLG | · Jul 25, 2024 | — |
| EHS Partnerships | · Jul 25, 2024 | — |
| simple-solution-systems | · Jul 24, 2024 | — |
| Next step healthcar | · Jul 18, 2024 | — |
| ZSZAALEJI.cz | · Jul 17, 2024 | — |
| The Wacks Law Group | · Jul 6, 2024 | — |
| pomalca.com.pe | · Jul 5, 2024 | — |
| YKS | · Jun 26, 2024 | — |
| Ashtons Legal LLP | · Jun 21, 2024 | — |
| prinsotel.com | · Jun 21, 2024 | — |
| Wise Construction | · Jun 21, 2024 | — |
| Synnovis | · Jun 19, 2024 | — |
| kinslerfamilydentistry | · Jun 18, 2024 | — |
| northcottage.com | · Jun 17, 2024 | — |
| St Vincent de Paul Catholic School | · Jun 17, 2024 | — |
| Next Step Healthcare | · Jun 17, 2024 | — |
| svmasonry.com | · Jun 14, 2024 | — |
| EnviroApplications | · Jun 14, 2024 | — |
| Bock & Associates, LLP | · Jun 13, 2024 | — |
| hydefuel.com | · Jun 12, 2024 | — |
| a-agroup | · Jun 11, 2024 | — |
| Allied Toyota Lift | · Jun 8, 2024 | — |
| Above All Store Fronts | · Jun 3, 2024 | — |
| PFAM | · Jun 3, 2024 | — |
| Logimodal Operações Logísticas | · Jun 3, 2024 | — |
| Datanet | · May 27, 2024 | — |