Annabelle, identified by cybersecurity expert Bart, is a potent ransomware-type malware that poses a significant threat to digital security. It infiltrates systems and encrypts most saved files, appending the ".ANNABELLE" extension to filenames during the encryption process. For instance, a file named "sample.jpg" would be transformed into "sample.jpg.ANNABELLE". This sophisticated threat actor's actions are executed with malicious intent, potentially causing substantial damage and disruption to affected systems.
The threat actor Annabelle should not be confused with Annabelle Klosterman, a renowned Cybersecurity Reporter for Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM). Ms. Klosterman is recognized as CDM’s first Women in Cybersecurity scholarship awardee and has contributed significantly to the field of cybersecurity through her reporting and participation in various events and organizations. These include the US Cyber Games, RSA Conference, Secure360, Texas Cyber Summit, BSidesSATX, South Dakota InfraGard, Civil Air Patrol, among others. She has also achieved national recognition at the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition in 2022 and 2023 and was a national finalist in CyberPatriot in 2019 and 2020.
Ms. Klosterman aims to change how people perceive and manage security, emphasizing protection, safety, and collective benefit. She can be reached online via her LinkedIn profile or her personal website. Her extensive work in cybersecurity provides valuable insights and strategies to counteract threats like the Annabelle ransomware, contributing to a safer digital landscape.