Qilin
Intelligence Profile
Qilin ransomware, initially observed in July 2022 under the name “Agenda,” operates on a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model. This model allows core developers to provide their malicious software and infrastructure to affiliates in exchange for a percentage of the profits generated from attacks. The name “Qilin” references a Chinese mythological creature symbolizing power and prosperity, a fitting metaphor for the group’s perceived influence and financial objectives. Despite the Chinese name, the group is linked to Russian-speaking cybercriminals, often recruiting affiliates on Russian-language forums and notably excluding Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries from its targets.
Threat Analysis
Qilin is a malware family tracked by threat intelligence researchers and catalogued in the Malpedia dataset. It represents a distinct malicious software lineage with identifiable code characteristics, behaviors, and victimology.
Financially motivated threat actors like Qilin prioritize monetary gain through methods such as ransomware deployment, banking trojans, cryptocurrency theft, BEC scams, or credential harvesting for resale on underground markets.
With high sophistication, Qilin is capable of targeted intrusions using adapted commodity tools alongside custom implants, maintaining operational security and evading standard detection mechanisms.
Ransomware Victims (267)
CTIWATCH tracks 267 organizations claimed as victims by Qilin on its data leak site, with attack dates, sectors and countries.
View full victims list →Known Campaigns
QILIN ransomware campaign 2026 - 16 victims across MY, FR, US, MA, CH, MX