Ransomware

Moon Ransomware is a sophisticated strain of malicious software that targets computer systems to encrypt user data, rendering it inaccessible. This ransomware specifically appends a unique identifier followed by the .moon extension to affected files, thus complicating attempts to open or use these files without the proper decryption keys. For example, a file named document.docx could be altered to document.docx.{unique_identifier}.moon. This pattern disrupts the file structure, making it clear when files have been compromised. The encryption method employed by Moon Ransomware is highly secure, often based on strong cryptographic algorithms that are nearly impossible to break without specific keys held by the attackers. Once encryption is completed, the ransomware generates a ransom note titled README.txt and typically places it in directories where encrypted files reside, as well as on the desktop for high visibility. This note explains the ransom demand, the method of payment (usually in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin), and provides contact information for the attackers while discouraging victims from using third-party decryption tools by threatening permanent data loss or increased ransom fees.

Discovered in 2024, King Ransomware is a notorious ransomware variant stemming from the Proton family, designed to encrypt files on infected systems. Once it infiltrates a computer, it appends the .king file extension to encrypted files along with an email address, effectively rendering them inaccessible. For instance, a file named document.docx would be transformed into document.docx.[king_ransom1@mailfence.com].king. This ransomware uses sophisticated encryption algorithms, making file recovery challenging without specific decryption keys. An ominous ransom note named #Read-for-recovery.txt is created on the infected system and also changes the desktop wallpaper to instruct victims on how to reclaim their files. The note directs victims to contact the cybercriminals through the provided email addresses and await further instructions.

DennisTheHitman Ransomware is a malicious program that falls under the notorious GlobeImposter ransomware family. It compromises victim systems by encrypting valuable data and demands a ransom for their decryption. The infection typically appends filenames with the extension .247_dennisthehitman, transforming a file named example.jpg to example.jpg.247_dennisthehitman. This extension may vary based on the specific variant of the ransomware. Once the encryption process is complete, the ransomware creates a ransom note in an HTML file titled how_to_back_files.html. This note informs the victim that their company network has been infiltrated, data has been encrypted using RSA and AES cryptographic algorithms, and sensitive information has been stolen and stored on a private server. The note deters victims from renaming or modifying the encrypted files and warns against using third-party recovery tools, which it claims will permanently corrupt the files.

Defi Ransomware represents a significant threat in the realm of cybersecurity. This particular ransomware, part of the Makop family, operates by encrypting the victim's files and appending a distinctive extension to their names. For instance, original filenames are modified by adding a unique ID, the attackers' email address, and a .defi[random] extension, making the files inaccessible. On our test system, a file named photo.jpg was transformed into photo.jpg.[random-ID].[wewillrestoreyou@cyberfear.com].defi1328. Post encryption, the ransomware drops a ransom note in a text file named +README-WARNING+.txt, which typically appears on the desktop. The cybercriminals behind Defi ransomware request a ransom payment for the decryption key, promising to provide the decryption tool and warning against using third-party software, which they claim could result in permanent data loss.

The Bully Ransomware is a severe malware strain identified by cybersecurity researchers. This ransomware is rooted in the Chaos ransomware variant, and its primary objective is to encrypt files on the victim's computer and demand a ransom for their decryption. Once inside a system, The Bully Ransomware modifies filenames by appending the .HAHAHAIAMABULLY extension—changing, for example, document.docx to document.docx.HAHAHAIAMABULLY. The ransomware also generates a ransom note named read_it.txt, which typically appears on the desktop or in directories containing encrypted files. This note informs victims that their data has been encrypted and stolen, while warning against using third-party decryption tools under the threat of permanent data loss.

NoDeep Ransomware is a highly dangerous malware variant from the Proton family designed to encrypt files on infected systems, appending specific file extensions and demanding a ransom for decryption. Upon infection, the ransomware renames files by appending an email address, such as nodeep@tutamail.com, along with the unique extension .nodeep. This process effectively locks users out of their own files. For instance, a file named 1.jpg would be renamed to 1.jpg.[nodeep@tutamail.com].nodeep. Additionally, #Read-for-recovery.txt ransom notes are left in affected directories, instructing victims on how to contact the attackers through the provided email addresses and detailing the ransom payment process. Typically, the attackers request payments in cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, to maintain anonymity and evade law enforcement.

Dark Eye Ransomware is a malicious software belonging to the Xorist family, designed to encrypt files on an infected system and demand a ransom for their decryption. Upon infection, this ransomware appends the .darkeye extension to all encrypted files. For example, a file named 1.jpg will be altered to 1.jpg.darkeye. The ransomware then prompts a detailed ransom note, altering the desktop wallpaper, displaying a pop-up window, and generating a HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt file. This note informs the victim about the encryption, warning that only five attempts are allowed to enter the correct decryption password, after which decryption will be impossible. The note instructs victims to contact the provided email address and pay $60 in Bitcoin to receive the decryption password.

Shadaloo Ransomware is a type of malicious software classified as ransomware, designed to encrypt user files and demand a ransom for their decryption. Once it infects a system, it encodes various file types and appends a new extension, .shadaloo, to each affected file. For instance, an image initially named photo.jpg would be renamed to photo.jpg.shadaloo following encryption. The ransomware uses advanced cryptographic algorithms, typically either symmetric or asymmetric, to ensure that unauthorized decryption is nearly impossible. Following the encryption process, it alters the desktop wallpaper and leaves a ransom note named HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt, which informs victims about the encryption and provides instructions for contacting the attackers.