Ransomware

HE-HELP Ransomware (Normanzak Ransomware) is a type of malware that encrypts files of users or business holders. Ransomware is considered to be the most dangerous piece since your files get locked forever unless you pay them a certain fee. Unfortunately, because HE-HELP popped in June 2020, security experts have not found a crack to decrypt users’ data for free. Like other infections, the virus assigns new extensions to normal files - either ._HE or ._HE._LP. For instance, 1.mp4 will appear like 1.mp4._HE or similarly after the encryption process is done. Thereafter, the ransomware triggers an automatic opening of a text file called READ_ME_.txt, which is dropped on the victim's desktop. In this note, people can see the encryption report including instructions on how to revive your data. They say that you should contact them via one of the attached e-mails and mention your company name. Cybercriminals also offer a free option to decrypt up to 3 files as a proof sign towards their honesty. Furthermore, they terrify you with threats of publishing your data worldwide. However, if you do not have anything precious to worry about, then you can simply delete it from your computer. In other cases, there is no feasible option to retrieve the affected files with the help of third-parties tools. Either way, we recommend you to wait some time until security experts find a way to handle HE-HELP Ransomware.

PL is a ransomware infection recently found by cyber experts. The malware of this type encrypts files and demands a fee to get them back. Developers of PL Ransomware simply assign the .encoded_PL, unlike others that use complex combinations of ID numbers with random characters. For instance, a file like 1.mp4 will be changed to 1.mp4.encoded_PL and reset its icon as well. After this, the ransomware script creates a text note (!ALL_YOUR_FILES_ARE_ENCRYPTED) that explains how to decrypt your data. To do so, you should contact them via e-mail to get further instructions for buying a decryption key. It also provides an ability to restore a couple of files for free to prove their integrity. Unfortunately, the research is still underway because security experts have not found a way to decrypt files just yet. However, we can help you with the uninstallation of PL Ransomware to secure further protection in the article below.

Outsider is a ransomware family that has developed multiple versions of file-encrypting malware. This specific version (Outsider) encrypts files located on servers and users' PCs. Recently, Outsider has been identified as GarrantyDecrypt-Outsider because it looks very similar to another ransomware called GarrantyDecrypt with minor differences. The range of extensions that can be assigned to encrypted files includes .protected, .gomer, .edab, .crypt, .popotic1, .popoticus, .sguard, .guarded, .mapo, .sivo, and .mbit. To illustrate, the original file 1.txt will be altered to 1.txt.protected or similarly. After this, the virus creates a usual txt file called HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt.

Being part of the Dharma family, Dharma-Pgp Ransomware is a dangerous infection that puts your data under a lock and demands to pay a ransom. During the encryption process, all files get altered according to such pattern 1.mp4.id-1E857D00[openpgp@foxmail.com].pgp. Following this, the ransomware creates a text file called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt representing encryption notes. In this note, users are alerted against using third-parties tools since they can lead to permanent loss. To buy your files back, you should contact cyber criminals via e-mail, attach personal ID that is given in the note, and pay for the decryption software eventually. You are also offered to try test decryption by sending one small file which must be less than 1 MB and non-archived as well.

Kupidon is a type of crypto-malware that popped up on 5th May 2020. This ransomware encrypts a variety of files including images, ZIP archives, text files, documents, and other regular data. To highlight them from original files, it adds the .kupidon extension at the end of each file. For example, 1.mp4 that was previously non-encrypted, will be retitled to 1.mp4.kupidon after encryption. After successful encryption, the virus drops a text file called !KUPIDON_DECRYPT.txt that reflects ransom information. In order to get your files back, you should make a very harsh decision - pay 1200$ (for commercial users) or 300$ (for regular) in BTC which is not affordable for many people. To finish the payment, you are asked to open the attached link in the Tor browser and follow on-screen instructions. Whatever the case, it is risky to trust cybercriminals and pay a ransom, especially when it exceeds all the limits. Kupidon Ransomware also uses a crafty trick - it allows users to decrypt up to 3 files (not more than 10MB) by sending it to their e-mail.

Avaddon is a ransomware-type infection discovered by GrujaRS. It strengthens its encryption with AES and RSA algorithms so that regular users could not unlock their data. Affected files will be altered with the .avdn extension that is assigned at the end. For example, a file like 1.mp4 will experience an immediate change after encryption to 1.mp4.avdn. This change makes the file inaccessible and requires paying a ransom to decrypt it. Instructions on how to do so are presented in an HTML file ("[random_numbers]-readme.html") that is generated after the encryption process is complete.

HR is a malicious program categorized as ransomware that infects users via NAS servers. In fact, ransomware is created for earning money by encrypting data and demanding a ransom. Likewise other file-encryption malware, HR blocks various files and assigns .hr extension. Thereafter, the virus drops a text file (RANSOM_NOTE.txt) on your desktop to notify that your data has been encrypted. It also displays a list of steps that you should do to restore files. The following information says that you have to purchase a special key that costs 0.1130 BTC (1030$). Once payment is completed, you are asked to send them your ID number via the attached e-mail to check whether you have done the payment or not. Moreover, extortionists claim that using third-parties decryption tools is useless since they are obsolete and cannot handle ciphers generated by their ransomware. They try to incept you that they will not fool you and bring your files back in safety.

Vash-Sorena is a ransomware virus that encrypts files and demands to pay a fee to decrypt it. Some rumors say that it is another version developed by Dharma(CrySiS) or Banks1 family. Likewise, Vash-Sorena encrypts files according to this pattern -.[].crypto which has not been that popular around extortionists. Here is an example of compromised files reported by one of the victims - eula.1041.txt.Id-JGPXXOBN.[yourfile2020@protonmail.com].crypto. ID numbers with random hexadecimal characters are used presumably to highlight the relevance and identify victims. After successful encryption, the virus creates a text file called How_To_Decrypt_Files.txt. In this note, users are said that none of the tools can decrypt Vash-Sorena since it uses military-grade algorithms (AES and RSA 256). However, one of the victims managed to decrypt them via Kaspersky RannohDecryptor only losing file names. But, as it turned out later, you can decrypt only small files (PDFs, documents, images, etc.). Not excluded that further updates of Vash-Sorena will rectify that flaw soon. For now, there is no need in contacting them via e-mail or Telegram channel to buy their software unless you need to decrypt bigger data and do not have any backup of it. Either way, you can find all instructions and tips upon decryption in the article below.