Ransomware

RCRU64 Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on a victim's computer and demands a ransom for the decryption key. It is primarily spread through email attachments in phishing attacks, malicious software downloads, and exploitation of vulnerabilities, particularly through weak Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) passwords. RCRU64 changes the names of encrypted files by appending the victim's ID, email address, and a specific extension. The known extensions associated with RCRU64 include .HM8 and other variants like ".TGH", ".03rK", ".q6BH", and ".IalG. The ransomware uses strong encryption algorithms to lock files on the infected computer. While specific details about the encryption method are not provided in the search results, ransomware typically uses a combination of symmetric (e.g., AES) and asymmetric (e.g., RSA) encryption to secure files, making decryption without the key nearly impossible. RCRU64 creates ransom notes named Restore_Your_Files.txt and ReadMe.hta, which inform victims that their files have been encrypted and provide instructions for payment. The notes warn against attempting to decrypt files independently and offer to decrypt a few files as proof before payment is made.

Proton is a ransomware infection. The purpose of this virus is to run encryption of potentially critical pieces of data and then demand money for its complete decryption. While doing so, Proton also changes the files visually - an affected file with acquire kigatsu@tutanota.com email address, victim's ID, and .Proton or .kigatsu extension to encrypted files. For instance, a file like 1.pdf will turn to look something like 1.jpg.[kigatsu@tutanota.com][719149DF].kigatsu. Following this change, victims will no longer be able to access their files, no matter what modifications are made. After this, the virus drops the README.txt text note, which contains decryption instructions. It is said victim's data has been encrypted (using AES and ECC algorithms) and stolen by cybercriminals. The word "stolen" likely suggests that the encrypted data has been copied to cybercriminals' servers and can be abused anytime unless the ransom is paid. Threat actors encourage their victims to reach out to them via Telegram or e-mail and purchase the decryption service. In addition, victims are also allowed to send one file (less than 1MB) and get it decrypted for free. This way, cybercriminals demonstrate their trustworthiness as well as their capability of returning access to the blocked data. At the end of the ransom message, extortionists state a couple of warnings regarding risks of attempting to decrypt files without the help of ransomware developers.

Reload Ransomware is a form of malware that targets individuals and organizations by encrypting their files and demanding a ransom for decryption keys. It is part of Makop Ransomware family. The ransom note typically begins with a declaration that all files have been encrypted and now have the .reload extension appended to them. The ransomware uses robust encryption algorithms to lock the files, making them inaccessible without the corresponding decryption key. The specific type of encryption used by Reload Ransomware is not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources, but ransomware typically employs AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or RSA encryption, which are both highly secure and difficult to crack without the unique decryption key. The ransom note created by Reload Ransomware is typically a text file (+README-WARNING+.txt) that is dropped into folders containing encrypted files. This note clearly states that the files have been encrypted and provides instructions on how to pay the ransom to recover the files. The note may include details such as the amount of ransom demanded, usually in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, to ensure anonymity of the transaction.

CryptNet Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on infected computers and demands a ransom payment for the decryption key. It is a new ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) that emerged in April 2023 and is known for its efficiency in file encryption. The ransomware is written in the .NET programming language and is obfuscated using .NET Reactor to evade detection. Upon encrypting files, CryptNet appends a random five-character extension to the original filenames, making them easily identifiable as being compromised by this specific ransomware. CryptNet uses a combination of 256-bit AES in CBC mode and 2048-bit RSA encryption algorithms to lock files. This dual encryption method ensures that the files are securely encrypted and cannot be decrypted without the unique keys held by the attackers. After encryption, CryptNet drops a ransom note named RESTORE-FILES-[random_string].txt on the victim's desktop. The note informs victims of the encryption and provides instructions on how to pay the ransom to recover the files. It also includes a unique decryption ID and may offer a free decryption test to prove the attackers' ability to decrypt the files.

DoNex Ransomware is a type of malicious software that falls under the category of ransomware, which is designed to encrypt data on a victim's computer, rendering files inaccessible until a ransom is paid. This particular variant of ransomware has been identified by information security researchers as a threat that encrypts user data and demands payment for the possibility of decryption. DoNex appends a unique victim's ID to the file extensions of encrypted files. For example, a file named myphoto.jpg would be renamed to something like myphoto.jpg.5GlA66BK7 after encryption by DoNex. While specific details about the encryption algorithm used by DoNex are not yet known, ransomware typically employs strong cryptographic algorithms, either symmetric or asymmetric, to lock files. DoNex leaves a ransom note named Readme.[victim's_ID].txt on the victim's computer, which contains instructions on how to contact the attackers, usually through a specific communication channel like Tox messenger, and the demands for payment.

Nood Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts files on a victim's computer, rendering them inaccessible without a decryption key. This key is typically held by the attackers, who demand a ransom in exchange for its release. Understanding the mechanics of NOOD ransomware, its infection methods, the specifics of the encryption it employs, and the possibilities for decryption is crucial for both prevention and remediation. Once Nood Ransomware infects a computer, it encrypts files using sophisticated encryption algorithms. Ransomware of this nature typically employs strong asymmetric encryption, making unauthorized decryption extremely difficult without the unique key held by the attackers. Encrypted files are appended with the .nood extension, signifying their inaccessibility. Upon completing the encryption process, Nood Ransomware generates a ransom note (_readme.txt), instructing victims on how to pay the ransom to potentially recover their files. The note typically includes payment instructions, usually demanding payment in Bitcoin, and emphasizes the urgency of making the payment to retrieve the decryption key.

Duralock Ransomware is a type of malicious software identified by information security researchers as a significant threat. It belongs to the MedusaLocker ransomware family and is designed to encrypt data on infected computers, rendering files inaccessible to users. Once a computer is infected, Duralock encrypts the user's files and appends a distinctive extension, .duralock05, to the filenames. This marks the files as encrypted and prevents users from accessing their content without the decryption key. Duralock Ransomware creates a ransom note named HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html on the infected computer. This note typically contains instructions for the victim on how to pay a ransom to the attackers in exchange for the decryption key needed to unlock the encrypted files. This article features removal methods, removal tools and possible ways to decrypt encrypted files without negotiating with malefactors.

RSA-4096 Ransomware is a variant of the Xorist ransomware family, which is known for encrypting victims' data and demanding a ransom for the decryption key. This particular strain uses the RSA-4096 encryption algorithm, which is a part of the asymmetric RSA cipher with a key size of 4096 bits, making it very secure and difficult to crack. When RSA-4096 ransomware encrypts files, it appends the .RSA-4096 extension to the filenames. For example, a file originally named 1.jpg would be renamed to 1.jpg.RSA-4096. After encrypting files, RSA-4096 ransomware drops a ransom note titled HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt on the victim's desktop or within encrypted directories. This note explains that the files have been encrypted and provides instructions on how to pay the ransom to receive the decryption key. Victims are instructed to pay 2 BTC (about $124,000 at the time of writing) within 48 hours for the decryption key. However, paying does not guarantee file recovery, and removal of the ransomware does not decrypt the files. The only reliable recovery method is from backups.