Ransomware

Crynox Ransomware, a notorious threat in the realm of cybercrime, is a malicious software variant designed to encrypt a victim's files and demand a ransom for their release. This ransomware is based on the Chaos ransomware variant, using sophisticated encryption algorithms to ensure that the victim's data is inaccessible. Once infiltrated, Crynox appends the .crynox extension to the affected files, drastically impacting a user's ability to access their crucial documents, spreadsheets, photos, and more. The encryption process usually employs a combination of RSA and AES, both recognized for their robust security, which presents a significant challenge to reverse engineer or decrypt without the correct keys. Victims typically encounter a ransom note titled read_it.txt placed on their desktop or in all folders containing encrypted files. This note provides instructions from the attackers, often demanding payment in Bitcoin to retrieve the decryption key, and urging victims to follow specific instructions to avoid data loss.

Black (Prince) Ransomware is a malicious software variant designed to manipulate victims through file encryption and extorting ransom payments. Emerging from the Prince ransomware family, it maliciously encrypts files on the victim's computer system, making them inaccessible to users. Upon encryption, it appends a distinct .black extension to the affected files, rendering them unrecognizable to commonly used software. Files like document.pdf or image.jpg become document.pdf.black and image.jpg.black, respectively, signaling the encryption. Targeted file encryption serves as a powerful and disruptive force, leveraging either symmetric or asymmetric cryptographic algorithms to ensure victims are locked out of their own data. This ransomware leaves a comprehensive ransom note titled Decryption Instructions.txt on the desktop, instructing victims on how to regain access to their files by paying a ransom through unspecified cryptocurrency. It strongly advises victims against renaming or manipulating the encrypted files, as this could lead to permanent data loss and further complicate data recovery.

X101 Ransomware is a hazardous form of malware known to encrypt files on affected systems, rendering them inaccessible without a decryption key. This malicious software specifically targets stored files by appending the extension .X101 to each. During the encryption process, it uses a robust algorithm called TermCryptV101 combined with RSA2048 for heightened security, making the decryption process particularly challenging without the correct key. Victims are typically met with a ransom note labeled !!!HOW_TO_DECRYPT!!!.TXT, placed conspicuously in folders containing encrypted files to ensure it grabs attention. The note details instructions demanding a ransom payment of $250 in Bitcoin to recover the data, providing contact details via Telegram and Jabber for negotiations. It discourages using third-party tools or services and warns against renaming files, cautioning that these actions might cause irretrievable data loss. Despite the temptation to comply with the attackers' demands, paying the ransom does not guarantee data recovery, as these criminals may fail to provide the necessary decryption keys even after payment.

Starcat Ransomware is a malicious program identified as a form of ransomware that targets computer systems, encrypting files to extort money from victims. Once this ransomware infiltrates a system, it appends a specific extension, .starcat, to each encrypted file, rendering the user unable to access their personal data without a decryption key. Utilizing the advanced CHACHA20+RSA4096 encryption algorithm, Starcat ensures that decrypting affected files without the attackers’ designated key becomes virtually impossible. Victims of this ransomware will notice a change in their desktop wallpaper, along with the creation of a ransom note titled recover files,view here.txt. This note, written in multiple languages including English, Russian, and Chinese, demands a hefty sum of $5,000 in XMR (Monero) to decrypt the files and threatens victims with public exposure of their files if they fail to comply in a timely manner.

Help_restoremydata Ransomware is a malicious software program designed to encrypt files on an infected computer, rendering them inaccessible without a specific decryption key. This ransomware appends the .help_restoremydata extension to the names of the files it encrypts, effectively locking the user out of their data. For example, a file originally named document.docx would be renamed to document.docx.help_restoremydata. The encryption process utilized by Help_restoremydata employs robust cryptographic algorithms, specifically RSA-4096 and AES-256, which makes it difficult to decrypt without the appropriate decryption key. Upon completing the encryption, the ransomware leaves a HOW_TO_RECOVERY_FILES.html file as a ransom note, both on the desktop of the infected computer and within the folders containing the encrypted files. This note demands payment in cryptocurrency, typically Bitcoin, and warns users not to attempt file recovery using third-party software, as this could result in permanent data loss.

Gengar Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt files on an infected system, making them inaccessible to the user until a ransom is paid. Upon infection, it appends the .gengar file extension to all encrypted files, effectively locking them away from access. For instance, a file such as photo.jpg would be renamed to photo.jpg.gengar, indicating it has been compromised. The ransomware employs the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) algorithm, known for its robust security, making decryption without a key practically impossible. To communicate with victims, Gengar Ransomware leaves a ransom note named info.txt in affected directories. This note instructs victims to contact the attackers through a specific email address provided, warning them against attempting to decrypt the files using third-party software. The attackers often offer to decrypt a few files for free as "proof" of their capabilities, while emphasizing that they hold the exclusive decryption keys needed to restore access.

RedLocker Ransomware is a particularly malicious form of software designed to encrypt files on an infected system, effectively locking users out of their data until a ransom is paid. This ransomware appends the .redlocker extension to each file, making it evident to victims that their data has been compromised. In execution, the ransomware employs sophisticated cryptographic algorithms, typically asymmetric encryption, which are notoriously difficult to break without the decryption key. Once the encryption process concludes, the ransomware leaves behind a ransom note titled redlocker.bat, usually placed on the desktop. This note contains instructions for the victim on how to proceed with payment to supposedly restore access to their files. The ransom demand is typically in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, ensuring anonymity for the attackers. Victims are warned against using third-party decryption tools, suggesting that such actions could cause permanent data loss.

Deoxyz Ransomware is a menacing strain of malware that infiltrates systems, encrypts the victim's files, and demands a ransom payment for their decryption. Derived from the notorious Chaos ransomware, it targets a wide variety of file types, ensuring that users notice the effects almost immediately. Upon encryption, the ransomware appends an extension made up of four random characters to each file, like transforming document.docx into document.docx.0ae1, effectively rendering them inaccessible. The encryption used by Deoxyz is robust, built on advanced algorithms that are virtually impossible to crack without a decryption key. Post-encryption, the malicious software not only locks files but also alters system settings to reinforce its grip, notably changing the desktop wallpaper to alert victims of the attack. It then deposits a ransom note named read_it.txt in affected directories and as a pop-up on the desktop, instructing users on how to pay the ransom, typically in cryptocurrency, to retrieve their files.