In samples of the LockBit 2.0 ransomware, which was discovered by MalwareHunterTeam, a new version of LockBit 2.0 was found, which automates the encryption of a Windows domain using Active Directory group policies.

After they have broken through a network and gained control of the domain controller, threat actors use third-party software to deploy scripts that disable antivirus and execute the ransomware on the computer in the network.

In samples of the LockBit 2.0 ransomware discovered, threat actors automate the process to ensure that the ransomware distributes itself in a domain when run on a domain controller.

This creates new group policies for the domain controller, which are then transferred to every device in the network.

These policies can then disable Microsoft Defender’s real-time protection, trigger alerts, submit samples to Microsoft, and take default actions to detect malicious files.

For more information, read the original story in BleepingComputer.