Ransomware

VerdaCrypt Ransomware is a sophisticated form of malware designed to encrypt a victim's files, rendering them inaccessible unless a ransom is paid. It employs the .verdant file extension, which is appended to compromised files, indicating that they have been encrypted and are inaccessible to the user. This type of ransomware typically uses advanced cryptographic algorithms to lock data, making decryption without the cybercriminals' unique key virtually impossible. The ransomware delivers its demand and instructions through a text file titled !!!_READ_ME_!!!.txt, which is generally placed in prominent locations such as the desktop or within folders containing encrypted data. This note informs victims of the encryption, threatening data exposure or destruction if payment is not made in Bitcoin. The ransom note often includes contact information, urging the victim to communicate via protected channels like Protonmail for further instructions.

ComboCleaner Ransomware is a malicious program categorically classified as ransomware. Its primary function is to encrypt user files, append an extension, and subsequently demand payment for decryption keys. Once activated, this ransomware employs advanced encryption algorithms, commonly utilizing either symmetric or asymmetric cryptography, to ensure files remain inaccessible without decryption keys. After encryption, the malware alters the file names by prepending them with .PCRISKyCOMBOCLEANER, significantly disrupting file access for victims. Following this encryption process, ComboCleaner Ransomware drops a series of ransom notes into infected directories. These notes, numerically labeled from PCRISKyCOMBOCLEANER.Read.Me.1.tXt to PCRISKyCOMBOCLEANER.Read.Me.20.tXt, outline the terms for ransom and provide contact information for the attackers. Typically, the ransom demand starts at 5000₹ and doubles after a week if not received, creating pressure for quick payment.

XIAOBA 2.0 Ransomware is a malicious program designed to encrypt the files of its victims and demand a ransom for decryption. Operating as a crypto virus, this ransomware appends the .XIAOBA extension to the affected files, obscuring their original names by restructuring them into a format like [xiaoba_666@163.com]Encrypted_[random_string].XIAOBA. By utilizing robust encryption algorithms, typically RSA 4096, XIAOBA 2.0 secures the data such that only the decryption key can unlock the content. The hackers behind this malware demand the equivalent of 0.5 Bitcoin, which could amount to thousands of USD, clearly aiming for financial gain. Upon encryption, the ransomware generates a ransom note in the form of an HTML application named HELP_SOS.hta, providing information on how the victim can purchase the decryption tool, and it can be found alongside the encrypted files.

HellCat Ransomware, a potent cyber threat, stealthily infiltrates systems, rendering victims’ files inaccessible by encrypting them and appending the .HC extension. It operates by utilizing advanced encryption algorithms, making unauthorized decryption efforts nearly impossible without the attacker’s decryption key. Victims typically find their desktop wallpaper altered, a stark indicator of the breach, and a ransom note dropped in each folder where files are encrypted. This note, usually titled _README_HELLCAT_.txt, contains demands and instructions for contacting the attackers, often highlighting a deadline for payment to prevent data leaks or permanent encryption. The note is designed to create urgency, with threats of repercussions if any attempts to decrypt the files without authorization are made.

Sarcoma Group Ransomware represents a significant cybersecurity threat, specifically classified within the category of ransomware, that encrypts personal and business files rendering them inaccessible. Upon infection, it modifies file extensions by appending seemingly random identifiers such as .xp9Mq1ZD05, transforming familiar files like report.docx into report.docx.xp9Mq1ZD05. This ransomware utilizes advanced encryption algorithms, making it virtually impossible to decouple the files from the applied encryption without a designated decryption key. In addition to encryption, victims are presented with a ransom note, typically encapsulated in a PDF file named FAIL_STATE_NOTIFICATION.pdf, which is generally placed in easily accessible locations such as the desktop, to ensure it catches the victim's attention. This document details the demands; usually, a monetary payment in exchange for the decryption software purportedly capable of restoring access to the affected files.

Cyb3r Drag0nz Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt the files on a victim's computer and demand a ransom for their decryption. As part of its signature, it appends a distinct extension, .Cyb3rDrag0nz, to the filenames of the encrypted files. For example, a file named document.pdf becomes document.pdf.Cyb3rDrag0nz once it is encrypted. This ransomware employs strong cryptographic algorithms that are either symmetric or asymmetric, making it extremely difficult to decrypt the files without cooperation from the cybercriminals who distributed it. A unique feature of Cyb3r Drag0nz is its capacity to display a ransom note on the victim's desktop, titled Cyb3rDrag0nz_ReadMe.txt, warning the victim not to attempt manual file decryption and demanding a ransom payment of $1000 in Bitcoin or Tether USDT TR20 for file recovery. Despite its menacing facade, paying the ransom does not guarantee file restoration, as victims often do not receive the decryption key even after meeting the demands.

SKUNK Ransomware is a type of malicious software developed to encrypt a victim's files and disrupt their access, adding a layer of complexity to digital security issues. When it infects a system, it appends a distinctive file extension, .SKUNK, to the names of all encrypted files, thereby marking them as compromised and inaccessible. For instance, a document named report.docx would appear as report.docx.SKUNK after encryption. The ransomware employs robust encryption algorithms, often utilizing either symmetric or asymmetric cryptography to secure the data, thus making the decryption process without the proper key a formidable challenge. Infected systems display a ransom note to the user, commonly found in a text file named READ_THIS.TXT and within desktop wallpaper and pop-up notifications. These notes detail the attacker’s demands and claim the malware attack as a protest against the prosecution laws related to malware development, rather than explicitly demanding a monetary ransom. Despite this, the threat remains as files cannot be accessed without complying with the given conditions.

ZasifrovanoXTT2 Ransomware is a member of the Xorist ransomware family, known for encrypting personal data on victims' computers and demanding a ransom for decryption. Once it infiltrates a system, it appends a distinctive .zasifrovanoXTT2 extension to each encrypted file, effectively rendering them inaccessible unless decrypted. The ransomware employs sophisticated cryptographic algorithms, ensuring that files remain locked without the attackers' decryption key. After completing the encryption process, it delivers its ransom demand through a prompt message and an identical text document titled HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt, typically placed in every affected directory, and sometimes, even altering the desktop wallpaper to reinforce the victim's awareness of the breach. This note demands a payment of 0.039 BTC within a set timeframe typically with instructions and threats to permanently lock the files should the demands not be met.