Ransomware

Kasper Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files on a victim's computer, demanding a ransom for their decryption. When this ransomware infiltrates systems, it encrypts files and appends them with the .kasper extension, significantly altering their format and rendering them inaccessible until decrypted. For instance, a file named document.docx would be renamed to document.docx.EMAIL=[kasperskyrans@gmail.com]ID=[unique_ID].kasper. The encryption employed by Kasper is typically strong, often leveraging sophisticated algorithms that are nearly impossible to crack without the appropriate decryption key. After encrypting the files, Kasper generates a ransom note, usually titled README kasper.txt, which is placed in several directories across the system. This note contains instructions on how to contact the cybercriminals, typically listing email addresses and sometimes a Telegram ID, alongside a unique victim ID necessary for further communication.

Weaxor Ransomware is a particularly malicious type of malware designed to encrypt files on an infected computer, leading users to a predicament where they must pay a ransom to supposedly regain access to their files. Operating with a malevolent efficiency, this ransomware targets a broad spectrum of file types when launched, appending its distinctive .rox extension to signify encryption. For example, files that were once document.docx or photo.jpg will transform into document.docx.rox or photo.jpg.rox. This alteration of file extensions is an immediate sign of a Weaxor infection, leaving victims unable to open or use their files. The encryption it employs is robust, often making decryption nearly impossible without the allocated cipher key held by the cybercriminals. Victims find themselves confronted by a ransom note, typically presented within a file entitled RECOVERY INFO.txt, urging them to reach out via specified TOR web pages or direct email to the attackers to negotiate the release of their files.

Nyxe Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files on an infected computer, rendering them inaccessible to the user until a ransom is paid. It specifically targets files by appending the .nyxe extension to filenames, effectively altering them and marking them as encrypted. For instance, a file named document.docx would become document.docx.nyxe, signaling it has been compromised. While the exact encryption algorithms used by Nyxe are not always disclosed, ransomware of this nature typically employs highly secure encryption protocols, such as AES or RSA, making it extremely difficult to decrypt the files without the corresponding decryption key. This ransomware also creates a ransom note titled Decryption Instructions.txt, which is placed prominently on the victim's desktop and sometimes within affected directories. This note informs victims that their files have been encrypted and provides instructions on how to allegedly restore access through ransom payment, usually demanded in cryptocurrency. The lack of clear payment instructions in some Nyxe variants suggests that the ransomware might still be under development, potentially lacking full functionality compared to more established threats.

Heda Ransomware is a malicious software variant designed to encrypt files on infected computers, rendering them inaccessible to users. This specific strain is known for appending the .Heda extension to the filenames, a clear indicator that the file has been compromised. For instance, a typical file named document.txt would be transformed into document.txt.[Victim-ID].[hedaransom@gmail.com].Heda. Beyond just encrypting files, Heda also alters the desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note titled #HowToRecover.txt in folders containing encrypted data. The note communicates the attackers' demands, warning victims that their data has been stolen and encrypted, and provides contact information for ransom payment in exchange for a decryption tool. The attackers threaten to leak or sell sensitive data should victims refuse to cooperate, and they aim to dissuade the use of third-party decryption tools by warning of potential damage to the files.

VXUG Ransomware is a malicious program that falls under the category of ransomware, specifically a variant of CryLock that is designed to encrypt files on a victim's computer and demand ransom for their decryption. Originating from analyzes conducted on samples submitted to VirusTotal, this ransomware, once it infects a system, appends a distinctive filename extension pattern to the encrypted files. It alters original filenames by appending an email address such as staff@vx-underground.org, a number, and a unique victim's ID. For example, document.docx might be renamed to document.docx[staff@vx-underground.org][1].[L98795R6-8Q7BPO517]. The encryption is done using the AES cryptographic algorithm, which is notorious for its security and complexity, making it nearly impossible to decrypt without the specific decryption key held by the attackers. Upon completion of the encryption process, a ransom note named how_to_decrypt.hta is generated and presented to the affected user, detailing the condition of the files and the steps required to potentially restore them.

Blue (SHINRA) Ransomware is a sophisticated strain of malware that falls under the category of ransomware, designed to encrypt a victim's data and demand a ransom for decryption. Once it infiltrates a system, it systematically encrypts files using advanced cryptographic algorithms, effectively locking users out of their personal or business data. During encryption, the ransomware appends a new file extension, .blue, to each file it processes, thereby altering not just the content accessibility but also the file's recognizable identity by the system's default programs. For instance, a file originally named document.docx would appear as randomcharacters.blue after the encryption process. Evidence of infection is further solidified by the presence of a ransom note, #HowToRecover.txt, which is typically deposited in every folder containing encrypted files. This note contains a message to the victim, stating that their files have been encrypted and outlining the steps to recover access, including a demand for payment, usually in cryptocurrencies. The ransomware creators caution against using third-party decryption tools and often provide contact information for negotiations.

Hawk Ransomware is an aggressive form of malicious software designed to encrypt victims’ files, rendering them inaccessible. This ransomware appends the .hawk extension to the encrypted files, which is a key indicator of its presence. On infection, it generates a ransom note titled #Recover-Files.txt, usually placed in directories containing encrypted files. The ransomware employs sophisticated encryption algorithms, which are often a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods, making it nearly impossible to decrypt files without the attackers' involvement. Victims are instructed to contact the attackers via email to negotiate the decryption of their files, with a warning that the ransom amount will double if they do not respond within a specified timeframe. Unfortunately, as with many modern ransomware variants, there are currently no publicly available decryption tools that can reliably reverse Hawk ransomware’s encryption without involving the cybercriminals.

ZipLOCK Ransomware is an insidious malware variant that diverges from the typical ransomware behavior. Instead of encrypting files using complex algorithms, it aggregates the victim's data into password-protected ZIP archives. This unconventional approach results in original files being renamed with a prepended "ZipLOCK" and an appended .zip extension, transforming example.jpg into [ZipLOCK]example.jpg.zip. This unique file modification method indicates that the ransomware is designed to mislead the victim into believing their data has been irreparably encrypted when, in reality, the files are archived and protected by a password. Ransom demands are made through a note titled [ZipLOCK]INSTRUCTIONS.txt, deposited in various affected directories. This ransom note encourages victims to refrain from using recovery software, threatening that such actions may damage files. It provides email addresses for contact and offers to decrypt five files for free as proof of the cybercriminals' ability to restore the remaining data.