Ransomware

SAGE 2.2 Ransomware represents a potent and evolving cyber threat, building on its predecessor by encrypting critical data and demanding payment in exchange for decryption. This malicious software primarily targets Windows operating systems. Upon infiltrating a system, it encrypts user files, adding the distinctive .sage extension, effectively barring any access to the infected files. For instance, a file named document.txt would be renamed to document.txt.sage. The ransomware utilizes complex encryption algorithms that incorporate elliptic curve cryptography, making the decryption of files without the appropriate key exceedingly difficult. Victims first encounter the ransomware through a commandeered desktop wallpaper and a crafted ransom note named !HELP_SOS.hta. Presented in both audio and text formats, the ransom note is multilingual, targeting a wide audience by including languages like English, German, and Spanish. This message declares that data has been encrypted and insists that the only method to recover these files is by obtaining a unique decryption key in addition to the "SAGE Decrypter" software.

Anomaly Ransomware emerges as a pervasive threat in the digital landscape, encrypting users' files and demanding a ransom for their decryption. Borne from the Chaos ransomware family, this malware modifies filenames by appending a distinct extension composed of four random characters, such as .gswo or .xlzj, concealing the true nature of the files. Utilizing a complex encryption algorithm, Anomaly Ransomware renders user files inaccessible without the proper decryption key, which remains solely in the possession of the cybercriminals. Upon infecting a system, it dramatically alters the desktop wallpaper and places a ransom note in a text file named read_it.txt. This file informs victims that their data is now encrypted, emphasizing the acquisition of the decryption key as the only means of data recovery, with the demand set at 0.05 BTC. While paying the ransom might seem like a solution, there is no guarantee that the attackers will fulfill their promise of delivering the decryption key, as history shows many victims are left out in the cold even after payment.

Sspq Ransomware is a malicious software variant that belongs to the notorious Djvu ransomware family, known for encrypting files on the infected system and demanding a ransom for their decryption. Once executed, this ransomware appends the .sspq extension to all affected files, rendering them inaccessible. For example, a file named document.pdf would be transformed into document.pdf.sspq. The ransomware also generates a ransom note in the form of a text file named _readme.txt, typically placed in each directory containing encrypted files. This note informs victims that their files have been encrypted with a strong encryption algorithm and provides instructions on how to contact the attackers via email. Victims are warned that they must pay a ransom within a specific timeframe to receive a decryption tool and unique key, with a higher fee imposed if the deadline is missed.

LucKY_Gh0$t Ransomware is an insidious form of ransomware based on the well-known Chaos ransomware family. This ransomware is designed to encrypt a wide range of file types on the victim's computer, rendering them inaccessible. Upon successful encryption, it appends a unique extension consisting of four random characters to each file's name. For instance, a file named document.docx might become document.docx.ab12. The encryption method used by LucKY_Gh0$t typically involves complex cryptographic algorithms, making it exceptionally difficult to decrypt the files without the proper decryption key. Once the files are encrypted, the ransomware alters the infected computer's desktop wallpaper and creates a ransom note—titled read_it.txt—demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key. This ransom note usually provides instructions on how to contact the attackers through specific messaging services and emphasizes the urgency and importance of not modifying or deleting the encrypted files.

Aptlock Ransomware emerged as a significant threat in the cyber security landscape, utilizing sophisticated tactics to compromise data integrity. This ransomware operates by encrypting files on the victim’s system, making them inaccessible, and then appending the .aptlock extension to signify that the files have been locked. Example transformations include changing document.docx to document.docx.aptlock. The encryption method used by Aptlock is robust, leveraging high-grade cryptographic algorithms, which effectively renders the files unusable without the corresponding decryption key. Victims typically find out about the attack when they see that their desktop wallpaper has been changed and notice a new file titled read_me_to_access.txt on their desktop. This file serves as the ransom note, notifying victims that their files have been encrypted, detailing the demands of the cybercriminals, and providing instructions on how to pay the ransom in exchange for a decryption tool.

FunkLocker (FunkSec) Ransomware represents a recent strain in the ongoing waves of sophisticated ransomware attacks. This malware encrypts victim files, altering their extensions with a distinctive .funksec suffix, rendering them inaccessible. For instance, a typical image.jpg file metamorphoses into image.jpg.funksec after encryption. Using advanced cryptographic methods, typically asymmetric encryption, FunkLocker ensures that decrypting the affected files without the correct decryption key is nearly impossible. Upon infection, the ransomware dramatically alters the system's desktop wallpaper and places a ransom note titled README-[random_string].md on the infested device. This note details a chilling ultimatum where attackers demand a ransom, often in the form of 0.1 Bitcoin, to supposedly provide a decryption key. Victims are typically cautioned against engaging with law enforcement or third-party mitigation efforts and often find limited resolution routes without succumbing to the criminals' demands.

YE1337 Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts files on an infected system, demanding a ransom from victims in exchange for a decryption key. Upon executing its payload, this ransomware appends the .YE1337 extension to files, effectively rendering them inaccessible. For instance, a file named document.pdf would be renamed to document.pdf.YE1337, marking it as encrypted. The cryptography underlying YE1337 is typically sophisticated, employing strong encryption algorithms that make decrypting the files without the perpetrator's key nearly impossible. After encryption, a file named YE1337_read_me.txt is dropped into various directories, including the desktop, containing the ransom note that outlines the payment instructions. This note often warns victims against using recovery tools, claiming they won't work, and cautions that file loss could be permanent if instructions aren't followed.

Contacto Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt files on a victim's computer, demanding a ransom for the decryption key. Once it infiltrates the system, it appends the .Contacto extension to all affected files, rendering them inaccessible to the user. As is typical with ransomware, Contacto uses sophisticated encryption algorithms, which makes decrypting the files without a key nearly impossible. To inform victims of their predicament, it generates a ransom note titled Contacto_Help.txt. This note is strategically placed on the victim's desktop and in folders containing the encrypted files, providing instructions for contacting the attackers via email and detailing the payment process to supposedly retrieve the decryption tool.