Ransomware

Anonymous France Ransomware emerged as a menacing threat to digital files and personal data, designed specifically to extort money by encrypting user files and demanding ransom for the decryption keys. Once this ransomware infiltrates a system, it begins encrypting files using a robust encryption algorithm, rendering them inaccessible without a specific decryption key possessed by the attackers. It appends a unique extension, .AnonymousFrance, to the encrypted files, indicating their compromised status. For instance, document.docx becomes document.docx.AnonymousFrance, signifying that the file has been locked. Victims discover the attack through various ransom notes labeled from README1.txt to README10.txt across their desktops, urging them to pay $100 in Monero cryptocurrency to a provided wallet address, with threats of permanently losing their files if demands are not met within a specific timeframe.

PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt personal files on an infected system, effectively locking users out of their own data. This ransomware appends the .PLBOY extension to the filenames of the encrypted files, turning something like document.docx into document.docx.PLBOY. It uses complex encryption algorithms that make it nearly impossible to decrypt the files without a specific decryption key, which only the attackers purportedly possess. Upon infecting a system, the ransomware not only encrypts files but also generates a ransom note. This ransom note is typically saved as a text file named INSTRUCTIONS.txt, which is placed in each folder containing encrypted files. Additionally, the ransomware often modifies the desktop wallpaper of the infected computer, providing a visual reminder of the attack and directing the victim to follow specific instructions contained in the note to contact the attackers.

Ztax Ransomware is a malicious program from the Dharma ransomware family, known for encrypting victim's files and demanding a ransom for their decryption. Once this ransomware infiltrates a system, it appends a unique identifier, the attackers' email address, and the file extension .Ztax to the filenames, effectively locking the user out of their data. For instance, a file named image.jpg would be altered to image.jpg.id-[unique ID].[email].Ztax. This ransomware employs sophisticated encryption algorithms, making decryption without the attacker's involvement extremely challenging. Victims usually find ransom notes both in a pop-up window and in text files named manual.txt scattered across encrypted folders and the desktop. These notes instruct victims to contact the attackers through specified email addresses to negotiate a ransom payment, which is typically demanded in Bitcoin. The perpetrators often caution against using third-party decryption tools, emphasizing the risk of permanent data loss.

HaroldSquarepants Ransomware is a malicious threat designed to encrypt files on infected systems, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for decryption. Part of the GlobeImposter ransomware family, this malware targets a variety of file types, rendering them inaccessible by appending a distinctive .247_haroldsquarepants extension. For instance, a file previously named document.docx would be altered to document.docx.247_haroldsquarepants, effectively locking the user out of their own data. Employing robust cryptographic standards, such as RSA and AES encryption algorithms, HaroldSquarepants ensures that decrypting the files without the provided decryption key is highly unlikely. Typically, after the encryption process is complete, victims will find a ransom note created in an HTML file named how_to_back_files.html within the affected directory. This note outlines the predicament, instructs victims on how to contact the attackers, and warns against using third-party recovery tools, emphasizing the risk of permanent data loss.

GonzoFortuna Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt data on compromised systems, primarily targeting businesses through sophisticated double-extortion tactics. Identified as a member of the MedusaLocker ransomware family, it utilizes powerful RSA and AES cryptographic algorithms for encryption. Files affected by this ransomware are appended with the distinctive .gonzofortuna extension, making previously accessible files unusable without a decryption key. Once the encryption process is complete, the ransomware generates a ransom note in the form of an HTML file titled How_to_back_files.html, typically placed in various locations on the victim's system, urging victims to contact the attackers via provided email addresses or Tor chat for instructions on how to regain access to their data. The ransom note often stresses the urgency by threatening data exposure if contact is not established within a strict 72-hour window.

Annoy Ransomware represents a severe threat designed to encrypt users’ files, leaving them inaccessible and compelling victims to pay a ransom to potentially regain access. Upon infecting a system, Annoy Ransomware alters the filenames of encrypted files, adding an extension formatted as {victim's_ID}.annoy, such as 1.jpg transformed into 1.jpg.{FBDC1672-D8E4-6322-BAAA-BCC19668745C}.annoy. This sophisticated piece of malware utilizes complex cryptographic algorithms, potentially symmetric or asymmetric, making it difficult to reverse-engineer without the decryption key held by the attackers. Once the encryption process is complete, a ransom note is generated in a text file titled README.TXT, typically located in multiple directories, including the desktop. The note threatens increased ransom fees if victims do not respond within a specified timeframe and warns against contacting recovery professionals.

DarkDev Ransomware is a pernicious type of malware that encrypts valuable data and demands payment for decryption, significantly affecting large organizations rather than individual users. When this ransomware is executed on a system, it goes through files and rebrands them, appending the .darkdev extension, thus rendering the affected data inaccessible. For instance, a document originally titled report.doc will appear as report.doc.darkdev. This malicious software employs complex cryptographic algorithms, making decryption exceedingly difficult without the proper key, which is held by the attackers. After completing its encryption cycle, DarkDev generates a ransom note named How_to_back_files.hta, placed in various system locations to ensure the victim is aware of the demand. The attackers leave contact details, typically insisting on secured communication channels like qTox, to negotiate the decryption key's handover upon ransom payment.

Destroy Ransomware is a type of malicious software belonging to the MedusaLocker ransomware family, designed to encrypt vital data and then demand a ransom for decryption. Upon infection, this ransomware specifically targets files by locking their access and modifies their filenames by appending a distinct extension, which in this case is .destroy30. The encryption technique used combines RSA and AES algorithms, which are state-of-the-art cryptographic measures guaranteeing that without the proper decryption key, the files remain inaccessible. After the encryption process is completed, a ransom note is generated, typically labeled as How_to_back_files.html. This file is placed in every directory containing encrypted data. The note conveys to victims the dire state of their compromised files and the demands for a ransom payment, frequently warning against using third-party decryption tools, which, as attackers claim, could lead to irreversible data loss.