HOMETHREATSWaterbear
APT / THREAT GROUP🕵️ ESPIONAGEADVANCED

Waterbear

4
aliases
Last seen:Mar 17, 2026

Intelligence Profile

Waterbear, also known as DbgPrint in its earlier export function, has been active since 2009. The malware is presumably developed by the BlackTech APT group and adopts advanced anti-analysis and forward-thinking design. These designs include a sophisticated shellcode stager, the ability to load plugins on-the-fly, and overall evasiveness should the C2 server fail to respond with a valid session key.

Threat Analysis

Waterbear is a advanced-sophistication threat actor of undetermined national origin, engaged in cyber operations with a primary motivation of espionage.

The group's espionage-oriented operations suggest a state-sponsored or state-aligned mandate, typically focused on stealing intellectual property, government secrets, or military intelligence. Targets are usually selected for strategic value rather than financial gain.

Classified as an advanced threat actor, Waterbear likely develops or acquires zero-day exploits, employs custom malware toolchains, and demonstrates long-term persistence capabilities — hallmarks of a well-resourced operation consistent with nation-state backing.

External References

Quick Facts

TypeAPT / Threat Group
Motivation🕵️ espionage
Sophisticationadvanced
Aliases4

Also Known As

DbgPrintWaterbearEYEWELLwin.waterbear

External Intelligence

Malpedia: win.waterbear

Research Links

Data sourced from Malpedia, Ransomware.live, RansomLook, and CTIWATCH OSINT collection. Actor attribution is based on available intelligence and may be incomplete.