"'Thanos' Ransomware Weaponizes Research Tool Against Microsoft Windows Users"

Software intended to be used only as a testing tool has been turned into a new destructive strain of ransomware, called "Thanos." Research recently published by the threat intelligence firm, Recorded Future, revealed that hackers are selling this new ransomware on cybercriminal forums to those seeking to infiltrate computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system. The Thanos ransomware's operation is similar to that of other ransomware strains as it encrypts a victim's files and demands a ransom to restore access. However, Thanos is the first ransomware to be built based on proof-of-concept code developed by security researchers for use in legitimate tests, involving the circumvention of Windows 10 security protocols. This article continues to discuss the Thanos malware family concerning its operation, discovery, and weaponization of a research tool. 

CyberScoop reports "'Thanos' Ransomware Weaponizes Research Tool Against Microsoft Windows Users"