During the phase of assessing the extent of ransomware impact, it is crucial to conduct a

thorough analysis of the network and systems to determine the scope and reach of the
ransomware. Elastic Stack, consisting of Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana, can be
effectively utilized to aid in this process.
1. Collect Relevant Logs: Gather different types of logs that can provide insights into the
ransomware incident. These logs can include file access logs, system event logs, network
traffic logs, and any other relevant log sources. Logstash can be used to collect and process
these logs from various sources.
2. Index Logs in Elasticsearch: Use Logstash to process and send the collected logs to
Elasticsearch for indexing. Elasticsearch is a distributed search and analytics engine that
provides fast and scalable searching capabilities. By indexing the logs, you can easily search
and analyze the data stored in Elasticsearch.
3. Search and Analyze Data: Utilize Kibana, the visualization component of Elastic Stack, to
search and analyze the indexed logs in Elasticsearch. Kibana provides a user-friendly
interface to create visualizations, dashboards, and perform ad-hoc searches.
- File Access Logs: Analyze file access logs to identify any unusual or unauthorized activity,
such as a large number of file modifications, deletions, or access from unknown sources.
- System Event Logs: Review system event logs, including logs from antivirus solutions,
firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, to identify any suspicious activities or alerts that
might indicate the presence of ransomware.
- Network Traffic Logs: Analyze network traffic logs to identify any unusual communication
patterns or connections to known malicious IP addresses or domains. Look for any significant
spikes in network traffic, particularly outbound traffic, which could be an indication of data
exfiltration.
4. Identify Indicators of Compromise (IOCs): Look for IOCs that can help identify affected
systems and files:
- File Extensions: Check for file extensions commonly associated with ransomware, such
as .encrypted, .locked, or random file extensions appended to the original file names.
- Ransom Notes: Search for ransom notes left by the ransomware, typically containing
instructions for payment and contact information.
- Encrypted Files: Identify files that have been encrypted by the ransomware. Look for files
with modified file extensions or those that are no longer accessible.
By leveraging Elastic Stack, you can search, visualize, and analyze the collected logs in a
centralized and efficient manner. This allows you to identify affected systems, determine the
extent of the ransomware impact, and gather the necessary information to proceed with
remediation and recovery efforts.
It's important to note that while Elastic Stack provides powerful capabilities for log analysis,
the effectiveness of the extent assessment phase also relies on the availability and quality of
the collected logs. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that logging systems are properly
configured and maintained to capture relevant information for analysis.
After conducting a digital forensic investigation using Elastic Stack, the stakeholder
communication stage involves documenting and presenting the relevant findings and
evidence to the appropriate stakeholders. This stage is crucial for sharing information,
providing updates, and facilitating decision-making regarding the incident response and
mitigation efforts.
Forensic team created a comprehensive incident report that included all relevant details
related to the ransomware incident. The report covered the time of the attack, the identified
ransomware variant, initial findings, and key observations from the investigation. The report
provided a clear and concise summary of the incident for stakeholders to understand the
severity and impact. Also, evidence such that included screenshots or recordings of unusual
system behaviours, error messages, or other noteworthy observations made during the digital
forensic investigation was filed. Visual evidence can help stakeholders visualize the impact
of the ransomware and understand the potential risks associated with the incident.
Furthermore, evidence in relation to the attack was stored for potential forensic analysis or
for legal purposes. This included phishing emails, ransom notes, network traffic logs, and any
other artifacts that could be used to provide insights into the attack vectors, tactics, or
techniques employed by the threat actors. Elastic Stack helped in preserving and archiving
this evidence by storing and indexing the relevant logs and files.
Based on the documented incident details and evidence, prepare communication materials to
effectively convey the findings to the stakeholders. This included presentations, executive
summaries, or written reports tailored to the needs of different stakeholders, such as
executives, IT teams, legal departments, or external authorities. We also scheduled meetings
to share the findings and updates with stakeholders so as to provide a clear overview of the
incident, impact on Wakanda and our recommended actions moving forward.

2. Capture Unusual Behaviors and Error Messages: Include screenshots or recordings of any
unusual system behaviors, error messages, or other noteworthy observations encountered
during the digital forensic investigation. Visual evidence can help stakeholders visualize the
impact of the ransomware and understand the potential risks associated with the incident.
3. Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the attack for potential forensic
analysis or legal purposes. This includes phishing emails, ransom notes, network traffic logs,
and any other artifacts that can provide insights into the attack vectors, tactics, or techniques
employed by the threat actors. Elastic Stack helped in preserving and archiving this evidence
by storing and indexing the relevant logs and files.
4. Prepare Communication Materials:
Based on the documented incident details and evidence, prepare communication materials to
effectively convey the findings to the stakeholders. This included presentations, executive
summaries, or written reports tailored to the needs of different stakeholders, such as
executives, IT teams, legal departments, or external authorities. We also scheduled meetings
to share the findings and updates with stakeholders so as to provide a clear overview of the
incident, impact on Wakanda and our recommended actions moving forward.
5. Present Findings: Schedule meetings or presentations to share the findings and updates
with the stakeholders. Use the prepared communication materials to provide a clear overview
of the incident, the impact on the organization, and the recommended actions moving
forward. Be prepared to answer questions, address concerns, and provide guidance on the
next steps to be taken.
6. Collaborate and Coordinate: Foster collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to
ensure a cohesive response to the ransomware incident. This includes engaging relevant
teams such as IT, security, legal, and executive management to collectively assess the
situation, make informed decisions, and allocate necessary resources for remediation and
recovery efforts.
By effectively communicating the findings and recommendations derived from the digital
forensic investigation using Elastic Stack, stakeholders can gain a comprehensive
understanding of the incident's impact and make informed decisions to mitigate risks, allocate
resources, and strengthen the organization's security posture.

The stage of incident documentation involves contacting local law enforcement agencies and
providing them with the necessary information about the ransomware incident. It is important
to collaborate with law enforcement authorities to report cybercrime incidents and potentially
assist in the investigation. While Elastic Stack itself does not directly play a role in this stage,
it can be utilized to gather and provide relevant information to law enforcement.
1. Contact Law Enforcement: Reach out to local law enforcement agencies, such as the police
or the appropriate cybercrime unit, to report the ransomware incident. Provide them with an
overview of the incident, including the date and time of the attack, initial findings, and any
evidence or indicators of compromise (IOCs) that have been identified.
2. Gather Relevant Information: Utilize Elastic Stack, specifically Elasticsearch and
Logstash, to gather and document relevant information that can support the investigation.
This includes collecting and preserving logs, network traffic data, system event logs, and any
other evidence that can aid in understanding the nature and impact of the ransomware attack.
3. Provide Information to Law Enforcement: Share the gathered information and evidence
with law enforcement authorities in a documented and organized manner. This can include
providing access to the Elasticsearch instance where the relevant logs are indexed, sharing
reports generated through Kibana, or providing specific log files or screenshots that can assist
in the investigation.
4. Follow Law Enforcement Guidance: Follow the guidance and procedures provided by the
law enforcement agency for reporting and assisting with the investigation. They may request
additional information, ask for clarification, or provide instructions on how to proceed. It is
important to cooperate and provide any requested assistance as required.
5. Maintain Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with law enforcement
throughout the investigation process. Be responsive to their inquiries, provide updates on any
new findings or developments, and collaborate with them to ensure a thorough and effective
investigation.
While Elastic Stack itself is not directly involved in the communication with law
enforcement, it can serve as a valuable tool for gathering, organizing, and presenting the
relevant information and evidence. By using Elastic Stack to document and provide the
necessary information, organizations can contribute to the investigation and support law
enforcement in their efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the ransomware
attack.