Ransomware

MarioLocker is a malicious software categorized as ransomware, a type of malware that encrypts victims' files, rendering them inaccessible. The primary goal of ransomware attackers is to demand a ransom from the victims, typically in exchange for a decryption key necessary to unlock the encrypted files. MarioLocker Ransomware appends a unique extension to the encrypted files. It renames files by adding the .wasted extension followed by a sequential number, such as .wasted1, .wasted2, and so on. This renaming convention serves as a clear indicator of the ransomware's presence on the system. The ransom note is a critical component of the ransomware's strategy, providing victims with instructions on how to proceed. MarioLocker creates a text file named @Readme.txt, which contains a ransom message. This file is typically placed in the same directories as the encrypted files or in a prominent location such as the desktop. The note instructs victims to open a file named "WastedBitDecryptor" and follow the steps outlined within. Additionally, it directs victims to a file called YourFiles.txt located in the "C:\Windows\Temp" directory, which contains a list of encrypted files.

RTM Locker Ransomware, also known as Read The Manual Locker, has emerged as a significant threat in the cybersecurity landscape. This malicious software is part of a Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) model, where affiliates are charged a percentage of their profits for using the RTM Locker infrastructure to launch their attacks. This model has facilitated the spread of RTM Locker, making it a prevalent threat to individuals and organizations alike. Upon infection, RTM Locker appends a unique 64-character extension to the filenames of all encrypted files, rendering them inaccessible to the users. This extension is a combination of random characters, significantly complicating the identification and recovery of affected files. The encryption method used by RTM Locker involves a combination of asymmetric and symmetric encryption, making it virtually impossible to decrypt the files without the attacker's private key. RTM Locker drops a ransom note named How To Restore Your Files.txt on the victim's desktop. This note informs victims of the encryption and demands contact within 48 hours to prevent the public release of the encrypted data. The note warns against attempting to decrypt the files independently, as this could lead to permanent data loss.

Water Ransomware is a type of crypto-virus, a malicious software designed to encrypt files on a victim's computer and demand a ransom for their decryption. It belongs to Phobos ransomware family. This cyber threat is particularly insidious as it not only restricts access to important data but also carries the risk of permanent data loss and financial demands. Once a computer is infected, Water Ransomware encrypts the user's files with a sophisticated encryption algorithm and renames the files by adding a unique extension. The new file name includes the victim's ID, the attacker's email address, and the .water extension, effectively marking the files as inaccessible. For example file 1.txt will be changed to 1.txt.id[random-ID].[aquaman@rambler.ua].water. The ransomware generates a ransom note, which is typically found in files named info.hta and info.txt. This note instructs victims on how to contact the attackers to pay the ransom. It cautions against self-decryption attempts or the use of third-party software, warning that such actions could lead to irreversible data loss. The note also advises against seeking help from intermediary companies, which could lead to increased ransoms or fraudulent schemes.

Looy Ransomware is a malicious software that belongs to the STOP/DJVU ransomware family, which has been notorious for targeting individual users and businesses alike. It is designed to encrypt files on the infected computer, rendering them inaccessible to the user, and then demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. Upon encrypting the files, Looy Ransomware appends the .looy extension to the filenames, which is a clear indicator of the infection. Looy Ransomware uses a robust encryption algorithm to lock files. While the specific type of encryption is not detailed in the provided sources, it is common for ransomware like Looy to use AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or a similar secure method to encrypt files. After encryption, Looy Ransomware creates a ransom note named _readme.txt and places it on the desktop or in folders containing encrypted files. This note contains instructions for the victim on how to contact the attackers and pay the ransom to potentially receive the decryption key.

Vook Ransomware is a malicious software that belongs to the STOP/Djvu ransomware family, known for its widespread impact on personal and organizational data. This ransomware variant encrypts files on the infected systems, rendering them inaccessible to the users, and demands a ransom for decryption. Once Vook Ransomware infects a computer, it employs the Salsa20 encryption algorithm to lock files, appending the .vook extension to each encrypted file. This makes the files inaccessible and easily identifiable as being encrypted by this particular ransomware strain. Following the encryption process, Vook Ransomware generates a ransom note named _readme.txt and places it in folders containing encrypted files. This note contains instructions for the victims on how to contact the attackers via email and the ransom amount, typically demanded in cryptocurrencies. The note may also offer the decryption of a single file for free as a "guarantee" that the attackers can decrypt the files upon payment.

Rocklee Ransomware is a variant of the Makop family of ransomware that targets computers to encrypt data and demand a ransom for the decryption key. Upon infection, Rocklee Ransomware encrypts files and modifies their filenames by appending the victim's ID, the attacker's email address, and the .rocklee extension. For instance, a file named 1.jpg would be renamed to 1.jpg.[random-ID].[cyberrestore2024@onionmail.org].rocklee. The specific encryption algorithm used by Rocklee Ransomware is not detailed in the provided sources. However, ransomware of this nature typically uses strong encryption algorithms that are difficult to crack without the unique decryption key held by the attackers. Rocklee Ransomware drops a ransom note named +README-WARNING+.txt in the directories with encrypted files. This note informs victims that their files have been encrypted and provides instructions on how to pay the ransom to recover the files. It also includes contact information for the attackers and warns against attempting to decrypt files without the proper key, as this could lead to further damage.

Kool Ransomware is a type of malicious software that belongs to the broader category of ransomware. It is designed to infiltrate a user's computer, encrypt files, and demand a ransom for the decryption key. Kool Ransomware is part of the STOP/Djvu ransomware family, which is known for targeting Windows users and encrypting files with various extensions. Once Kool Ransomware has infected a computer, it encrypts files and appends a specific file extension to the encrypted files, which is .kool in this case. The encryption used by Kool Ransomware is generally a symmetric or asymmetric algorithm that makes files inaccessible without the unique decryption key. After encrypting the files, Kool Ransomware generates a ransom note, typically named _readme.txt or similar, and places it in folders containing the encrypted files. This note contains instructions for the victim on how to pay the ransom and often includes a deadline and warnings about the consequences of failing to comply. In this article we show how to remove Kool Ransomware and decrypt .kool files for free in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7.

Proton Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt files on a victim's computer, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Proton Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on the infected computer, adding specific extensions to the filenames and demanding a ransom from the victim to restore access to the encrypted files. It has been discovered in various forms, with some variants appending extensions such as .c77l, .ZENEX or .SWIFT extensions to the affected files along with emails (.[decrypt.computer@gmail.com].c77L, [decrypthelp0@gmail.com].ZENEX, .[swift_1@tutamail.com].SWIFT). Basically, SWIFT Ransomware and ZENEX Ransomware are just variations of Proton Ransomware. This variations create following ransom note files: #Zenex-Help.txt, #SWIFT-Help.txt or #Restore-files.txt. The ransomware uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) algorithms to encrypt files, ensuring that the encryption is strong enough to prevent unauthorized decryption without the unique key held by the attackers. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Proton Ransomware, including its infection methods, the file extensions it adds, the encryption algorithms it uses, the ransom note it creates, and the possibilities for decryption.