Ransomware

Lucky Ransomware, part of the MedusaLocker family, is a notorious type of malicious software that encrypts data on the infected device and demands a ransom for the decryption key. Once executed, it appends the .lucky777 extension to the locked files, altering their original formats and rendering them inaccessible. For instance, a file named document.txt will become document.txt.lucky777. The ransomware employs advanced encryption algorithms, typically RSA and AES, to secure the victim's files, forcing many to consider paying the demanded ransom due to the impracticality of breaking this encryption without the original decryption keys. Even after payment, there is no assurance that the cybercriminals will provide the proper decryption key or tool. Upon encryption completion, READ_NOTE.html is dropped onto the desktop as a ransom note, informing victims about the encryption and the steps needed to restore their files.

NailaoLocker Ransomware is a malicious program that encrypts users' files to demand a ransom for decryption. Identified in ransomware infections, it uses the .locked file extension to lock up victim files. When a file is encrypted by this ransomware, its name is appended with a .locked extension, signifying it has been compromised. Developed using the C++ programming language, NailaoLocker employs a symmetric encryption algorithm, which is notorious for being complex and secure. The attacker's goal is to make it virtually impossible for victims to decrypt their files without the corresponding decryption tool that they claim to provide upon payment. This encryption means that reversing the effects requires a specific key stored by the attackers, making unauthorized decryption highly challenging. Victims of this ransomware are greeted with a ransom-note.txt file after their files have been encrypted.

ETHAN Ransomware is a malicious software threat classified under the MedusaLocker ransomware family. It is specifically designed to infiltrate computer networks, encrypt files, and demand ransom payments from victims in exchange for file decryption. This ransomware uses a combination of RSA and AES cryptographic algorithms, which are often employed to ensure that once data is encrypted, decryption becomes exceedingly difficult without the correct key. In a typical attack, files on an infected system are targeted for encryption, and as part of this process, their original filenames are altered by appending the extension .ETHAN — for instance, a file named document.docx becomes document.docx.ETHAN. Following the encryption, READ_NOTE.html, a ransom note file, is generated and placed in various locations on the affected system, often accompanied by changes to the desktop wallpaper to further alert the user to the breach. This ransom note informs victims that their files have been encrypted and that personal or company data might have been exfiltrated, thus exerting additional pressure to comply with the payment demands.

CipherLocker Ransomware is a malicious software program designed to encrypt files on an infected computer, effectively rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Victims will notice that encrypted files have the extension .clocker appended to their original filenames, indicating that they are under the ransomware's lock. For example, a file named example.docx would appear as example.docx.clocker once encrypted. Typically employing robust encryption algorithms, CipherLocker Ransomware makes decryption without a specific key practically impossible. This ransomware drops a ransom note titled README.txt in the infected directories, which informs the victim of the situation and demands a payment of Bitcoin to restore access to the files. The note often includes detailed payment instructions, a deadline, and a warning against attempting to decrypt the files using unauthorized software, underscoring the potential loss of data.

Qqqw Ransomware is a malicious software variant that belongs to the notorious Djvu family of ransomware. This malware is specifically designed to encrypt files on a victim's computer, rendering them inaccessible without a decryption key. Once it infiltrates a system, it appends the .qqqw extension to the affected files, effectively locking users out of their own data. For instance, a file named document.txt would be renamed to document.txt.qqqw. This ransomware uses a sophisticated encryption algorithm, making it extremely difficult for victims to regain access to their data without the cybercriminals' intervention. After encryption, the ransomware generates a ransom note titled _readme.txt, which is typically placed in every folder containing encrypted files. This note provides instructions on how victims can contact the attackers to pay the ransom, which is often demanded in Bitcoin, in exchange for a decryption key.

Vgod Ransomware emerges as a notorious ransomware variant that encrypts user files, rendering them inaccessible to extort money from unsuspecting victims. This malware typically appends the .Vgod extension to all encrypted files, making them instantly recognizable to their unfortunate owners. Users might find familiar files such as photo.jpg transformed into photo.jpg.Vgod, highlighting the extent of the encryption. Ransomware like this usually employs complex encryption algorithms, often relying on advanced cryptographic techniques to ensure that decryption without the appropriate keys is virtually impossible. When victims discover their systems compromised, they encounter a ransom note named Decryption Instructions.txt, strategically placed in various folders across the infected system, including the desktop. This note informs victims of the encryption, provides a unique decryption ID, and demands that they contact the attackers via email, typically including instructions to pay a ransom in exchange for the recovery tool and key.

Pe32s Ransomware is a nefarious malware type that specifically targets and encrypts data on infected systems, altering the filenames to make them inaccessible. Upon infiltration, it appends a unique identifier and a .pe32s extension to each file, transforming filenames to appear in a format like [original_filename].[victim's_ID].[format].pe32s. This systematic alteration poses significant challenges for the victim's accessibility to their files. The encryption employed by Pe32s is typically robust, utilizing advanced cryptographic algorithms which make the process of decryption exceedingly difficult without the key managed by cybercriminals. Affected individuals discover a README.txt file strategically placed across various system locations, particularly on the desktop, serving as the ransom note. This note demarcates the attack's aftermath by informing victims of the encryption and demanding separate payments for decryption of their data and to prevent the leak of exfiltrated content. Payments are demanded in Bitcoin, reflecting the cybercriminals' attempts to retain anonymity and mitigate traceability.

FXLocker Ransomware is a menacing type of malware that infiltrates systems with the primary aim of encrypting user files to extort a ransom. Once installed, it systematically targets files on an infected machine, locking access and appending a particular extension to indicate the encryption—this notorious ransomware appends the .fxlocker extension to the affected files, transforming them into unreadable formats at the user level. For file encryption, FXLocker Ransomware utilizes complex cryptographic algorithms that are nearly impossible to decipher without the unique key held by the perpetrators. Victims of this ransomware find a pop-up along with a document titled README.txt placed within numerous folders, both laying out the instructions for cryptocurrency payment to procure the decryption key. These ransom notes typically demand 0.75892 BTC, while ominously warning against tampering with files or shutting down systems to avoid permanent data loss.