Ransomware

CrypticSociety Ransomware is a malicious threat that targets users' data by encrypting files on infected systems, effectively holding them hostage until a ransom is paid. It operates by appending a unique file extension, .crypticsociety, to each encrypted file, disguising the nature and accessibility of the original data. This addition makes files like document.txt transform into abcd1234.crypticsociety, rendering them unusable until decrypted. The encryption algorithm utilized by CrypticSociety is sophisticated, involving advanced cryptographic techniques that make unauthorized decryption highly unlikely without an appropriate key. Victims quickly encounter a ransom note named #HowToRecover.txt, which is typically left in every directory containing encrypted files. The note outlines the attackers' demands, often requiring a significant amount of Bitcoin in exchange for the decryption software needed to restore file access. Victims are warned against using third-party data recovery tools or services, as these can damage files or result in permanent data loss.

BLASSA Ransomware is a type of malware that specifically targets the personal data of its victims, employing encryption techniques to render files inaccessible. Like many ransomware variants, it attacks individual files, appending the distinctive .blassa extension to each file's original name. This extension signifies that a file has been encrypted and cannot be accessed without the correct decryption key. The ransomware employs robust military-grade encryption methods, making manual decryption attempts exceedingly difficult, if not impossible. Upon completing the encryption process, BLASSA generates a ransom note in the form of a text file. This file, named RESTORES_FILESDESKTOP-[random_string].txt, is strategically placed on the victim's desktop. The note informs the victim of the encryption and demands a ransom payment of 400 USD in exchange for the decryption key. It also typically includes contact information for the attackers, discourages contacting authorities, and warns against altering the encrypted files.

NotLockBit Ransomware poses as a dangerous cyber threat masquerading as the popular LockBit ransomware. Targeting both Windows and Mac operating systems, it encrypts and exfiltrates essential data, rendering files inaccessible and making data recovery challenging. Once it infiltrates a system, it renames the files by appending a distinctive extension, which is .abcd, to the original filename. For instance, a file named document.pdf might be renamed to document.pdf.[random_string].abcd. This process obliterates the original identifiers of the files, making the victims painfully aware of the attack's severity. Furthermore, NotLockBit employs a robust encryption algorithm to secure its hold over the files, making straightforward decryption a Herculean task without access to the correct keys. In addition to file encryption, the ransomware also alters the desktop wallpaper to further emphasize its malicious presence. Instructions for ransom payment and communication are conveyed through a ransom note, typically called README.txt, strategically placed in folders housing encrypted files and replacing the desktop wallpaper, gravely notifying users of their predicament.

FIOI Ransomware is a malicious software variant belonging to the notorious Makop family, primarily designed to target individual and corporate systems by locking users' files and demanding a ransom for their decryption. Once this ransomware infiltrates a system, it swiftly encrypts files using a robust encryption algorithm, rendering them inaccessible without the proper decryption key. As it goes about its malicious duties, it appends the .FIOI extension to the filenames, which is followed by a string of random characters and an email address—such as changing document.pdf to document.pdf.[B3FJ0LP4].[help24dec@aol.com].FIOI. In addition to encryption, the ransomware alters the desktop wallpaper, signaling a successful breach, and disseminates its ransom demand through a file titled +README-WARNING+.txt, placed in various directories. This note informs affected users of their files' encryption status and provides two contact email addresses for negotiations, stressing that cooperating with the attacker's demands is the sole path to data recovery.

NK Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files on an infected system, demanding a ransom for their decryption. Identified by its association with the Chaos ransomware variant, NK Ransomware appends a distinctive file extension composed of four random characters to each encrypted file, such as transforming 1.jpg into 1.jpg.we2b. Upon completing the encryption process, it alters the desktop wallpaper and creates a clear ransom note titled read_it.txt. This note explicitly informs victims that their files are encrypted and instructs them to purchase decryption software from the attackers for 5 LTC (Litecoin cryptocurrency), approximately equal to $360, contingent on current exchange rates. Victims are typically given a strict deadline of 24 hours to meet these demands. The note does not guarantee decryption even if the ransom is paid, as cybercriminals are notorious for not providing the decryption tools even after payment.

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.