Ransomware

Vulcan Ransomware is a malicious software known for encrypting files on a victim’s computer and demanding a ransom to restore access. It specifically targets a wide range of files, appending a unique .vulcan extension, effectively making them inaccessible without a decryption key. For example, a file named document.pdf would be transformed into {randomstring}.vulcan, rendering it unreadable without the proper unlock tool. The ransomware utilizes complex encryption algorithms, making it extremely difficult for victims to retrieve their files without complying with the attackers' demands. After encryption, the malware displays a ransom demand in a pop-up window or text file that often appears on the desktop and within affected folders, typically instructing victims to pay a specified amount in Bitcoin to a particular wallet address. The ransom note usually threatens that failure to pay within a certain timeframe will result in permanent loss of data.

Held Ransomware is a malicious software variant belonging to the STOP/Djvu ransomware family, known for targeting individuals and encrypting their files. This ransomware employs the Salsa20 encryption algorithm to lock files, rendering them inaccessible to the victim. Once it infects a system, it appends the .held extension to the encrypted files, signaling that they have been compromised. The encryption process involves scanning directories for files to encrypt, duplicating them, deleting the original files, and then encrypting the copies. This method is designed to prevent interference from open files due to Windows restrictions. After encryption, a ransom note is created, typically named _readme.txt, and placed in the same directory as the encrypted files. This note informs victims that their files have been encrypted and provides instructions for purchasing a decryption tool and unique key, often demanding a ransom between $499 and $999 in Bitcoin.

Discovered during an analysis of malware samples on VirusTotal, MRJOKERPALFINGER1984 Ransomware is a notorious type of malicious software that encrypts user files, demanding payment for their decryption. This ransomware appends files with the .MRJOKERPALFINGER1984 extension, completely altering file accessibility and functionality. For instance, if a file named document.pdf is encrypted, it will end up as document.pdf.MRJOKERPALFINGER1984, rendering it unusable by the victim. The encryption process employs a robust cryptographic algorithm, likely RSA, as noted in the ransom note, which makes decryption exceptionally challenging without the unique private key held by the attackers. Accompanying the file encryption is a ransom note named HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt, which is effectively a set of instructions placed in each folder containing encrypted files, and serves as the communication medium from the attackers to their victims. Victims are urged to pay a hefty sum of $10,000 in Bitcoin to a specific wallet address to recover their files, with a single file decrypted as proof offered as assurance to the victims.

Dark Intel Ransomware is a malicious program that aggressively targets personal data by encrypting files on infected devices. Upon attack, it appends the .encrypted extension to affected files, transforming them from accessible formats like .jpg or .png into unreadable files like 1.jpg.encrypted. This encryption technique prevents the victim from opening their files without a decryption key, effectively holding their data hostage. Dark Intel uses complex encryption algorithms, which are designed to be nearly impossible to break without the specific decryption key held by the attackers. Victims are left with dramatically altered file names and a ransom note ominously titled Ezz.txt, which typically appears on the desktop and inside encrypted directories. The note claims ownership of the hacked data and threatens its destruction if the ransom is not paid within a stipulated timeframe, often 48 hours, demanding a seemingly small ransom of 0.000010 BTC, which can add up across numerous victims.

In the realm of evolving cyber threats, AlienWare Ransomware emerges as a particularly insidious form of malware. This ransomware variant is based on the Chaos framework, and upon infiltrating a computer system, it encrypts various file types, rendering them inaccessible. It appends a unique set of four random characters as new file extensions, effectively altering and isolating each file from user access. For instance, a document such as report.docx might be transformed into report.docx.a1b2 after encryption, leaving its contents inaccessible without the appropriate decryption key. AlienWare's attack does not stop at mere encryption; it also alters the user's desktop wallpaper as a stark notification of the attack, increasing the psychological pressure on the victim. After encryption, the ransomware delivers a ransom note, read_it.txt, onto the desktop, further directing victims on how to pay the ransom for file decryption.

Xcvf Ransomware is a malicious software variant that belongs to the notorious Djvu ransomware family. Its primary function is to encrypt personal files on a victim's computer, rendering them inaccessible and essentially useless without a decryption key. Upon infection, the ransomware appends the .xcvf extension to each encrypted file, altering the original format and making it evident that the file has been compromised. For instance, a file previously named photo.jpg would be transformed into photo.jpg.xcvf. This encryption process is typically accompanied by the creation of a ransom note, which is commonly titled _readme.txt. This file is usually placed in every folder that contains encrypted files, serving as a grim notification to the victim. The ransom note details the demands of the cybercriminals, often requesting a payment in exchange for a decryption key, with prices generally set at $980, though it can be reduced to $490 if contact is made within a specified timeframe.

Bnrs Ransomware is a malicious software identified as part of the Djvu ransomware family that encrypts files on an infected system, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Upon infection, this ransomware appends the .bnrs extension to the names of encrypted files, effectively altering them and making them unusable without decryption. For example, a file named document.pdf would become document.pdf.bnrs after encryption. The ransomware employs sophisticated encryption algorithms, typically using a combination of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, which makes decrypting the files without the decryption key extremely challenging. After the encryption process, Bnrs Ransomware creates a ransom note titled _readme.txt in affected directories, detailing instructions for victims on how to recover their files by contacting the attackers and paying a specified ransom amount, usually in Bitcoin.

Locklocklock Ransomware is a malicious program designed to encrypt files on a victim's computer, demanding a ransom payment for their decryption. This type of malware targets a broad range of file types and appends a unique extension to them, making affected documents, images, and other files inaccessible to users. Specifically, it appends the .locklocklock extension to each encrypted file, for example, changing document.pdf to document.pdf.locklocklock. The ransomware employs sophisticated encryption algorithms that securely lock data, often leaving minimal chances for victims to retrieve their data without the encryption key. Upon encryption, Readme-locklocklock.txt, the ransom note, typically appears on the desktop or in the affected folders. This note informs victims about the encryption, demands a ransom payment in cryptocurrencies, and threatens data exposure on the dark web if the ransom is not paid.