Ransomware

Optimus Ransomware is an insidious ransomware strain emerging from the cybercriminal landscape that encrypts victims' files, holding them hostage for a ransom. Drawing its foundation from the Chaos ransomware family, Optimus operates by renaming file extensions to seemingly random combinations of four characters, such as '.zm3i' or '.gexv', effectively rendering the files inaccessible without a decryption key. Upon infection, this ransomware alters the victim's desktop background and drops a ransom note in the form of a text file titled OPTIMUS_readme.txt. The ransom note ominously informs the victim that their system is under complete control, with all files encrypted by "unbreakable" methods. It demands a payment of $50 in Bitcoin within 24 hours to avoid permanent data deletion, yet notably omits contact details, suggesting either developmental incompleteness or oversight by the attackers.

MattVenom Ransomware constitutes a nefarious strain of malware that encrypts user data and demands payment for decryption. Discovered during an analysis of malware submissions, it is akin to other ransomware types like RdpLocker and CATAKA. Upon execution, it encrypts files, appending random extensions such as ".31jPB" or ".3c45b", rendering them inaccessible to the victim. The ransomware adopts robust encryption methods, often making it impossible for users to recover files without the attackers' decryption tools. Once the files are locked, the ransomware alters the computer's desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note titled Readme.txt on the system. This note directs victims to transfer $500 in Bitcoin to a specified wallet and contact the attackers via email or Tox ID for further instructions. It explicitly warns that if the ransom is not paid within 72 hours, the cost will increase, with the threat of permanent data loss after seven days.

Anonymous (Xorist) Ransomware is a part of the Xorist ransomware family, designed to encrypt user files and demand a ransom for decryption. When it infects a computer, it alters the filenames by appending a unique extension, .LO0KC1ZHDFI, rendering files such as documents, images, and other vital data inaccessible. This ransomware uses robust encryption algorithms, usually either symmetric or asymmetric, to lock the data, making it particularly difficult for victims to retrieve their files without the specific decryption key held by the attackers. Once encryption is complete, victims are presented with a ransom note, both in a pop-up window and as a text file titled HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt, which details the payment instructions. Victims are typically instructed to pay $1500 in Bitcoin, with a possible reduction if they contact the attackers within a specified timeframe. Intriguingly, despite the hefty ransom, the decryption tool's provision is not guaranteed once the ransom is paid, as cybercriminals often fail to fulfill their promises.

Moscovium Ransomware is a highly damaging type of malware that operates by encrypting data and demanding a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. This devious program appends a unique extension, .m0sC0v1um, to the encrypted files, making them inaccessible to users without the proper key. Typically, a file that was once named document.docx would be altered to document.docx.m0sC0v1um, signifying the encryption. The ransomware uses advanced cryptographic algorithms to secure the files, albeit the specifics of which algorithm are employed, whether symmetric or asymmetric, are not immediately disclosed by the attackers. After encrypting the victim's data, Moscovium leaves a ransom note in the form of a text file named !!!_DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS_!!!.txt on the desktop, providing the unfortunate user with instructions for recovery.

Mamona Ransomware is a severe type of malicious software designed to encrypt a victim's files and demand payment for their decryption. This cyber threat specifically appends the .HAes extension to each affected file, transforming them into unusable and inaccessible versions of their former selves. Users encountering this ransomware might notice files like image.jpg turned into image.jpg.HAes, indicating a successful attack. Encryption is achieved using robust cryptographic algorithms that render it nearly impossible for victims to access their data without the decryption key held by the attackers. Upon completion of the encryption process, victims find their desktop wallpaper changed, coupled with a text file labeled README.HAes.txt as the ransom note. This note is a grim reminder of the attackers' demands, warning against seeking external help or contacting law enforcement, and usually providing a pathway to communicate with the criminals for instructions on payment.

Data Ransomware is a dangerous encryption malware discovered during routine analysis of malware samples uploaded to VirusTotal. It belongs to the Proton ransomware family and is designed to encrypt files on an infected computer. Victims will notice that their files are inaccessible and appended with an email address and a distinctive extension, .data3, indicating they have been encrypted. This ransomware changes the desktop wallpaper and creates a ransom note named #Read-for-recovery.txt, instructing victims to contact the attackers via an email address provided within. The presence of this ransomware renders files unusable unless a specific decryption key is applied, which is held by the cybercriminals behind the attack. Unfortunately, paying the ransom does not guarantee file recovery, as attackers may not provide the decryption tools after payment.

SuperBlack Ransomware, identified as a notable threat in the cybersecurity landscape, is a ransomware-type program developed to encrypt data and demand ransom payments from victims in exchange for decryption keys. Typically associated with the LockBit ransomware family, SuperBlack Ransomware uses asymmetric cryptographic algorithms to render files inaccessible. Once it infiltrates a system, this malware appends encrypted files with a unique and random character string as an extension, transforming a file named document.jpg into something like document.jpg.hN7fLm29a. In addition to file encryption, the ransomware alters the desktop wallpaper and generates a ransom note named [random_string].README.txt. This note, strategically placed in various system locations, aggressively informs victims of their encrypted data and demands monetary payment to prevent data leakage and file loss. The note also warns against attempting any self-recovery or modification of the encrypted data, claiming it would result in permanent data loss.

Anubi Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts files on an infected computer, demanding a ransom payment from victims to restore access to their data. Like many ransomware variants, it operates by appending a new extension, in this case, .Anubi, to the filenames of encrypted files, making them inaccessible without a decryption tool. Typically, this ransomware uses advanced encryption algorithms, which can be difficult to break without the decryptor provided by the attackers. Anubi further ingrains itself into a victim's system by changing desktop wallpapers and displaying a pre-login screen message indicating that files are both stolen and encrypted, guiding victims to seek recovery instructions. A crucial component of its strategy is the creation of a ransom note named Anubi_Help.txt, which is deposited in multiple folders on the system. This note contains email addresses for contact with the attackers and explicit instructions for ransom payment, often accompanied by threats against tampering with the encrypted files or seeking third-party assistance.