Suspicious Run Key Persistence Masquerading as Google Update

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1547.001Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder
Priv Esc
- T1547.001Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects creation of autorun Run key values named GupdateS or GupdateU, persistence entries dropped by The Gentlemen ransomware that impersonate the Google Update service. The false Google branding hides the malicious autostart from casual inspection while ensuring the encryptor relaunches at logon.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Run Key Persistence Masquerading as Google Update

Pivot detection · T1547.001 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.

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