Operating under a closed affiliate model, the Play ransomware group emphasizes secrecy and employs a double extortion strategy, which includes data exfiltration prior to file encryption.

Notably, Play ransomware shares similarities with other ransomware groups such as Hive and Nokoyawa, suggesting potential affiliations and a common technical infrastructure with Quantum ransomware.

On June 4, 2025, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), along with the FBI and the Australian Cyber Security Centre, updated their Cybersecurity Advisory to incorporate new Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) related to the Play ransomware group.

The initial Cybersecurity Advisory was released on December 18, 2023, detailing Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) linked to Play ransomware, which were identified through FBI investigations as early as October 2023.

Play ransomware has refined its techniques by exploiting vulnerabilities such as ProxyNotShell and Microsoft Exchange Server RCE, and has introduced new tools like Grixba and AlphaVSS into its arsenal.

To bolster defenses, security controls should prioritize the detection of excessive file modifications and the deletion of shadow copies, which are often precursors to ransomware attacks.

Effective detection and mitigation strategies include monitoring for scheduled tasks used to deploy ransomware, preventing file encryption, and identifying suspicious data exfiltration activities.

Organizations are urged to review CISA's recommendations for defending against ransomware and to utilize tools such as Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) for improved detection capabilities.

The updated Cybersecurity Advisory serves as a vital resource for threat intelligence and is part of CISA's ongoing #StopRansomware initiative, aimed at helping organizations defend against various ransomware variants.

AttackIQ has launched an updated attack graph aimed at assisting security teams in validating their defenses against the behaviors associated with Play ransomware.

This updated attack graph, along with its related scenarios, is specifically designed to enhance the effectiveness of security controls and improve incident response processes against Play ransomware and similar threats.

Active since June 2022, Play ransomware emerged as one of the most prolific ransomware groups in 2024, impacting around 900 organizations across North America, South America, and Europe by May 2025.