Ransomware

Determined by Michael Gillespie (ransomware researcher), Mr.Dec Ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that makes money on desperate users who have their data locked. This virus exploits randomly-generated extension according to this pattern: [ID]victim's_ID[ID]. Extensions are meant to highlight encrypted files from normal ones. All files stored on your system including photos, videos, text documents, and other regular information, will be changed to 1.jpg[ID]gh839ag14hiol4ag[ID], for example. This makes your data impossible to open because of the generated gateway. After this, the ransomware drops a ransom note in the form of an HTML file (Decoding help.hta). In this message, you can see that extortionists prompt you to make a fast-pace decision on purchasing the decryption key. Otherwise, it will be destroyed and you will not be able to decrypt your data once the countdown is finished. To decode the compromised files, you should contact them via e-mail attached on top of the note. Most cybercriminals actively use cunning techniques to prompt users on buying the key by allowing them to send a couple of files for free decryption. Although it may seem like truth, you should never follow criminals' instructions unless you want to empty your pocket.

Xorist-EnCiPhErEd shed some light on the ransomware world a couple of years ago and still targets users until these days. Being part of the Xorist family, it encrypts data by using XOR or TEA algorithms and assigning .EnCiPhErEd extension to all files. For instance, 1.mp4 will suffer the change to 1.mp4.EnCiPhErEd. If you try to open any of the infected files, you will see a pop-up error window that displays ransom information. Unlike other ransomware, its developers ask victims to send an SMS message to the mentioned number. Besides that, the virus drops a text file called HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt which is identical to the pop-up window. If you fail to enter the code within 5 attempts, your files will be deleted completely, as extortionists claim. Once done, you will more likely get a browser-based link to pay for the decryption software. However, there is no need to meet ransom demands because Fabian Wosar of Emsisoft has found a way to decrypt files encrypted by Xorist.

Locky is a ransomware virus that encrypts you files using the RSA-2048 and AES-1024 algorithms and demands 0.5 BTC (bitcoins) (equivalent to $207) for receiving "Locky Decrypter" to allow user decrypt his documents and images. This is a very dangerous blackmailing virus and there are currently only a few ways to decrypt your files. In this guide, we collected all information available that can help you remove Locky ransomware virus and restore infected files.

RedRum Ransomware is a malicious piece that encrypts your data and demands to pay a ransom. Once the penetration reaches success, all stored data including images, videos, and text files will be encrypted with .redrum or .grinch (another version of RedRum family) extension. Case in point, if 1.mp4 got attacked by this virus, it will transform itself into 1.mp4.redrum or 1.mp4.grinch. As soon as encryption completes, RedRum will drop a text file (decryption.txt) with ransom information. According to the note provided by RedRum, you should pay for the decryption key. For this, you are purposed to send them an e-mail message and get further instructions. Unfortunately, ransomware is indeed very stubborn and does not give any sign of relief due to strong algorithms that make the decryption process almost impossible. However, you should certainly remove it from your PC to protect other files and apply all of the necessary measures to no let it happen again.

If you are unable to open your files, then more likely it is because Hakbit Ransomware attacked your PC. Developers of this piece use AES algorithms to cipher the stored data (e.g. images, videos, documents, text files, etc.). In other words, everything that is located on your disks will be completely locked. There are a couple of extensions used by Hakbit to alter files - .crypted, .ravack, .part or .gesd. Examples of encrypted files look like this 1.mp4.crypted, 1.jpg.ravack, 1.doc.part or 1.xls.gesd. After this, Hakbit drops a text file called HELP_ME_RECOVER_MY_FILES.txt and wallpaper.bmp, that replaces desktop wallpapers in some cases. Both of them contain information on how to get your files back. To do so, users should pay 300 USD in Bitcoin through the attached address and ring creators via e-mail. Unfortunately, buying decryption software is the only way to decrypt your data since none of the third-parties tools can handle it. However, we strongly advise you against spending your money on this because there is no guarantee that your data will be brought back.

Also known as Mimicry, ShivaGood Ransomware has by far no good intentions at all because it is designed to encrypt users' data and demand ransom payment in bitcoin. This malicious piece uses special cryptographic algorithms and assigns ".good" extension to multiple files (PDFs, documents, images, videos, etc.). For instance, 1.mp4 will be renamed to 1.mp4.good, and similarly. Once ShivaGood completes the encryption procedure, it will create a text file called HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt. This note contains information about data encryption. To decrypt it, extortionists ask you to contact them via e-mail and attach your personal ID that is mentioned in the note as well. Once done, frauds will reach back to you with payment instructions to obtain the decryption key. Additionally, cybercriminals propose to unlock 3 files (less than 10 MB) for free. This is a trick to prove their integrity since reality can differentiate significantly. They can simply extort money and forget about their promises.

Soldier Ransomware is a malicious piece that encrypts user's data and gouges their money to decrypt files. It was first discovered by security researcher Amigo-A. During the encryption process, all files get changed with the .xsmb extension that is attached at the end of a file. For instance, something like 1.mp4 will change its name to 1.mp4.xsmb and reset its icon. After all, the ransomware generates a text file (contact.txt) or image (contact.png) on the victim's desktop. As stated in these files, users have to send 0.1 BTC or 4 ETH through the linked address. Additionally, you can send up to 3 files to their e-mail for free decryption. It is also worth mentioning that Soldier Ransomware seems to be created and operated by a single person as the note suggests. Unfortunately, Soldier Ransomware is impossible to decrypt without the involvement of cybercriminals.

Roger is another form of Dharma family that encrypts data with unbreakable ciphers and demands victims to pay a ransom. When it infiltrates your system, all stored data will be retitled with the victim's ID, cybercriminal's e-mail, and .roger extension. To illustrate, a file like 1.mp4 will upgrade to 1.mp4.id-1E857D00.[helpdecoder@firemail.cc].ROGER". Note that IDs and e-mails may vary individually. After the virus finishes the file encryption, it will create a text file called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt on your desktop. In this note, people can familiarize themselves with the steps to unlock their data. For this, you should click on the attached link in the Tor browser and they will get back to you in 12 hours to instruct you on purchasing their decryption software. If not, then you should write to them by using a backup e-mail. Unfortunately, paying for the software might be a trap that will putt your finances under a risk.