Play Ransomware: What Businesses Should Know About This Active Threat Group
- Neil Hare-Brown
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
Play ransomware is one of the most aggressive and fast-moving ransomware groups currently active, known for targeting high-profile organisations across multiple sectors.
Also referred to as PlayCrypt, the group has been behind attacks on local governments, law firms, and large enterprises—often using stealthy techniques and customised malware to avoid detection.
At STORM Guidance, we help businesses prepare for and respond to complex ransomware threats like Play, combining technical expertise with real-world recovery strategies.
How Play Ransomware Works
Play ransomware uses a targeted attack model, often employing living-off-the-land (LotL) techniques and manually operated intrusions to maximise damage and ensure ransom payment.
Tactics include:
Initial access through compromised credentials, exposed RDP, or phishing
Custom malware for encryption, with unique markers like the .play file extension
Double extortion, stealing data before encryption and threatening to leak it
Use of a dark web leak site to publish non-paying victims’ data
Unlike some ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) models, Play is thought to operate more like a closed group, with a smaller team managing campaigns internally.
Who Is Being Targeted by Play?
Play’s attacks have impacted a wide variety of businesses and public institutions, including:
Government agencies and municipalities
Legal and professional services firms
Healthcare and financial organisations
Enterprises with internet-facing infrastructure (especially exposed RDP services)
They often prioritise organisations with large datasets, sensitive information, or weak perimeter security.
How to Defend Your Business Against Play Ransomware
Play uses hands-on techniques that require a multi-layered security strategy to counter. We recommend:
✅ Disabling unnecessary remote access services (especially RDP)
✅ Enforcing multi-factor authentication across all accounts
✅ Regularly patching internet-facing systems and firewalls
✅ Monitoring for suspicious behaviour and privilege escalation
✅ Maintaining secure, offline backups for critical systems
Play is known to bypass basic detection tools—so EDR/XDR solutions and human-led monitoring are essential.
What to Do If You’re Attacked by Play Ransomware
If your business is targeted by Play:
Disconnect affected systems immediately to contain the spread
Retain all ransom notes and logs for investigation
Avoid paying the ransom without expert and legal guidance
Contact a ransomware response team as soon as possible
At STORM Guidance, we offer:
✔ Immediate containment and technical investigation
✔ Secure data recovery and business continuity support
✔ Expert-led negotiation strategy, if required
✔ Compliance and regulatory reporting assistance
The Play Ransomware Group: Why It Matters
Play ransomware represents the evolving, professionalised nature of cyber extortion.
With rapid attack cycles and growing technical sophistication, businesses must be prepared for these high-pressure scenarios.
STORM Guidance is here to help your organisation defend against, respond to, and recover from today’s most serious ransomware threats.
