Ransomware

Warning Ransomware, part of the infamous GlobeImposter family, is a malicious software that encrypts files on infected systems, holding them hostage until a ransom is paid. This ransomware appends the .warning!_16 extension to each encrypted file, which is a tell-tale sign of this specific malware variant. It utilizes robust RSA and AES encryption algorithms to lock the victim's files, making them inaccessible without the decryption key held by the attackers. Following encryption, the ransomware generates a ransom note titled HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html in each affected directory. This note informs the victim that their files are encrypted and warns against using third-party recovery solutions, as they could irreversibly damage the files. The note further instructs the victim on how to contact the attackers—via email or a Tor chat link—to negotiate the ransom payment, with a scare-tactic warning that the ransom will increase if contact is not made within 72 hours.

CryptData Ransomware is a notorious strain of malware known for its ability to encrypt victims' files, rendering them inaccessible, and then demanding a ransom for their release. This malicious software is part of the MedusaLocker family, which employs sophisticated file encryption techniques. When it infiltrates a system, it methodically encrypts a wide range of files and appends the .cryptdata extension to each affected file, altering filenames such as document.txt into document.txt.cryptdata. This adds an additional layer of complexity for the victim, as accessing these files without the correct decryption key becomes impossible. CryptData Ransomware uses a combination of RSA and AES encryption algorithms, both of which are exceedingly difficult to crack without the decryption key usually held by the attackers. Intrusions are accompanied by a ransom note typically named RETURN_DATA.html, placed prominently on the desktop of the compromised device.

PowerLocker Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt victim's files, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. This type of malware appends a specific file extension, in this case, .PowerLocker, to each affected file, effectively renaming them in a manner that signals their compromised status, such as turning example.doc into example.doc.PowerLocker. Utilizing the AES-256 encryption method, a robust and secure cryptographic algorithm, PowerLocker ensures that these files cannot be easily decrypted without specific decryption keys, which the attackers hold. Once files are encrypted, victims will find a ransom note created in the form of a text file, IMPORTANT.txt, placed conspicuously on their desktop. The ransom note typically instructs victims to contact the attackers, often through a provided email address, to negotiate payment for the decryption tool that theoretically restores access to the files.

Pres Ransomware is a malicious program that belongs to the Dharma family, notorious for its file-encrypting capabilities. Once it infiltrates a system, it targets a wide range of file types, making them inaccessible to users. It achieves this by encrypting the data and appending the .pres extension to the compromised files. For example, a file named document.docx would be modified to document.docx.id-[unique_ID].[contact_email].pres. This meticulous file renaming method is engineered to distinguish the newly encrypted files from their original state. The ransomware utilizes robust encryption algorithms, common in many high-tier ransomware strains, which renders the data inaccessible without the specific decryption key, usually retained by the cybercriminals. The presence and nature of the encryption used make it nearly impossible to decrypt the files through simple means, necessitating either the involvement of the attackers or the use of specialized decryption tools. Violating the victim's digital space further, Pres Ransomware generates a ransom note, typically as a pop-up window and within a text file named info.txt.

Encountered in the wild by cybersecurity researchers, Lyrix Ransomware is a formidable threat designed to encrypt a user's files and subsequently demand a ransom for restoration. Typically, this ransomware appends an extension consisting of ten random characters to the filenames of encrypted files, transforming them beyond recognition. For instance, a file named document.docx might appear as document.docx.EFsndfh after encryption. Utilizing sophisticated encryption techniques, such as AES or RSA, Lyrix ensures that the affected files cannot be effortlessly decrypted without a specific decryption key—a key possessed solely by the attackers. Following the encryption, the ransomware plants its ransom note in a straightforward text file named README.txt, which can be found among the encrypted files or the desktop. The note's message, albeit varying slightly between different versions, ominously informs the victim of the data's encryption and the extraction of sensitive information, advising against using third-party decryption tools in fear of data corruption.

PLU Ransomware is a malicious software recently identified in the cybersecurity landscape, designed specifically to encrypt critical user files and demand ransom for their decryption. Operating under the guise of a sophisticated threat, it appends the .PLU extension to the affected files, transforming ordinary file names into a series of unintelligible characters, such as 1.jpg becoming 1e6e6c21-04b5-4487-b233-f201db8507be.PLU. This ransomware leverages "military-grade" encryption methods, making it virtually impossible to access the files without the unique decryption key held by the threat actors. Once the attack is complete, it delivers a ransom note titled IMPORTANT.txt, providing victims with detailed instructions on how to contact the attackers via email at pluransom@tutamail.com for negotiations over the decryption fee. The note also changes the desktop wallpaper, creating a constant visual reminder of the hostage state of one's files.

LockZ Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt files on a victim's computer and demand payment for their release. Once it infiltrates a system, it appends the file extension .lockz to each encrypted file, rendering them inaccessible. For example, a file named document.docx would be renamed to document.docx.lockz. The ransomware employs complex encryption algorithms to ensure that victims cannot easily decrypt the affected files without the key. After the encryption process is complete, LockZ changes the desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note titled @HELP_HERE_TO_RESCUE_YOUR_FILES@.txt. This note informs the victim of the attack and provides instructions on how to pay the ransom to recover their files, typically demanding 1 Bitcoin as payment and threatening to double the ransom if not paid within 48 hours.

AnarchyRansom Ransomware is a malicious program classified under the notorious ransomware category, which targets computers by encrypting data and demanding ransom payments for decryption solutions. When it infiltrates a victim's system, it immediately proceeds to encrypt files, making them inaccessible. This ransomware appends the .ENCRYPTED extension to the compromised files, altering their original filenames and thus rendering them unrecognizable. For example, a document like report.doc becomes report.doc.ENCRYPTED. AnarchyRansom utilizes sophisticated encryption algorithms—either symmetric or asymmetric—to lock the files, making it nearly impossible to reverse the encryption without the unique decryption key held solely by the attackers. Following encryption, AnarchyRansom alters the desktop wallpaper with a demand message and additionally drops a ransom note titled READ-ME!.txt on the victim's desktop. This note warns against using third-party decryption tools and advises immediate contact with the cybercriminals via the provided email, coercing victims into paying the demanded ransom.