Ransomware

Zeppelin was discovered by GrujaRS, which is a malicious piece that infects computers and encrypts user's data. Programs of such are typically designed to make money on desperate users who got their files locked. As usual, with the encryption, comes a significant change in the file's extension - it renames them using the hexadecimal numeral system to something like this 1.mp4.126-A9A-0E9. In fact, the extension may vary by symbols since the virus can generate random values. Once the encryption is completed, Zepellin creates a text file called !!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT on your desktop. In this note, extortionists offend you with ransom abuse calling you to contact them and buy a specific key. Unfortunately, there is no proven method that could decrypt your data for free at this point. The only way to do so is by following their instructions which is a huge risk. Although the decision lies on your shoulders, we recommend you to delete Zeppelin Ransomware in the guide below.

MOSN is categorized as a ransomware infection that demands money from victims after encrypting data. Normally, such infections strike all potentially important files like photos, videos, documents, databases, and more that comprise some value to victims. The encryption can be spotted by new extensions that are assigned to each compromised piece. For instance, a file named 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.MOSN at the end of encryption. The same will be seen with other data according to this pattern. Then, soon after this, MOSN installs new wallpapers stretched out across the entire screen that displays a short ransom summary. It states victims should contact developers via walter1964@mail2tor.com e-mail address and pay 300$ in Bitcoin for data redemption. Additionally, MOSN Ransomware creates a text file called INFORMATION_READ_ME.txt that explains the same but also mentions the number of encrypted files and unique ID that should be attached whilst contacting extortionists.

Divinity, Matafaka, and Army are three ransomware infections released by the development group known as Xorist. After your system becomes successfully infected, a virus forces most of the stored files to change their names. Depending on which version attacked your PC, any image, video, music, or document file like 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.divinity, 1.pdf.matafaka, or 1.pdf.army. After each file ends up visually changed, the above-mentioned versions display a text message in pop-up windows or notepad files (HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt). The text differs for each version. To illustrate, Matafaka and Army show barely any information about data decryption. They mention your PC is hacked, but provide zero information or payment instructions to restore the data. The reason for that may be that these versions are still in development and testing. Not excluded that there are complete versions with full-fledged instructions already circulating around the web. Divinity is the only version out of the list having contact details to pay for the ransom. For this, users are asked to write a direct message to @lulzed Telegram or @dissimilate on Twitter. Note that the Xorist Ransomware family uses XOR and TEA algorithms to encrypt personal data. Data encrypted by such ciphers are less likely to be decryptable without the involvement of cybercriminals. Despite this, it is expressly advised against meeting the demands of fraudulent figures.

Herrco is categorized as a malicious ransomware program. Malware of such type searches for important data stored on a PC and blocks access to it using cryptographic algorithms. The main target of Herrco developers centers around business owners that earn supposedly enough money to pay for the decryption of files. Extortionists behind Herrco Ransomware set up their software to change all relevant data with the .herrco extension. For instance, a file named 1.pdf will change its look to 1.pdf.herrco at the end of encryption. Such a change is therefore followed by the creation of How to decrypt files.txt. This is a text file meant to explain decryption in detail. It is said the only way to recover your data on the infected network is to contact developers and pay the so-called ransom. The price is kept secret and depends on how fast you reach out to cybercriminals. To get the conversation with cybercriminals underway, victims are asked to open the Tor link and fill in their personal ID, which is stated on top of the ransom note. Before doing so, it is also proposed to send a couple of files that do not contain valuable information for free decryption.

Keversen is a ransomware-type virus that targets strong encryption of data. This is meant to tug victims into paying the so-called ransom in order to decrypt the blocked files. All instructions on the recovery process get revealed after your files end up encrypted. The Keversen virus renames a wide range of personal data (photos, videos, documents, databases, etc.) with the .keversen extension. To illustrate, a file like 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.keversen straight after encryption. All of this happens in a blink of an eye, so there is no way to prevent it unless you have a special anti-ransomware program installed. Then, right after this stage of infection gets to a close, Keversen Ransomware moves next to creating the !=READMY=!.txt note, which sheds some words on how to regain your data.

Infa is an example of ransomware infection, which ciphers different kinds of personal data stored on a system. After this process ends up officially over, victims will no longer be able to access their data. Infa Ransomware assigns one common extension (.infa) to all compromised files. This means a file like 1.pdf will be changed to 1.pdf.infa or similarly depending on the original name. Straight after all files have been renamed, the virus forces a text note called readnow.txt to drop on your desktop. This contains general information on how to recover your data. As stated down the note, files like photos, videos, documents, and other formats have been encrypted. To erase the appended ciphers, victims are desired to contact cyber criminals (via stevegabriel2000@gmail.com) and buy a special decryption key. The price equals 0.0022 BTC, which is about 95$ the time we are writing this article. It is also mentioned there are 2 days allocated for file decryption. Unless you complete the payment in time, your files will be wiped out of the system. Choosing to pay decryption is up to your own decision.

MedusaLocker is one of the biggest ransomware aggregators that spreads a number of malware infections. Just like other ransomware programs, the virus is meant to encrypt PC-stored data and demand a monetary ransom in exchange for decryption software. .krlock, .L54, and .ever101 are the most recent versions published by MedusaLocker Ransomware. They are also the extensions assigned to each compromised piece. For instance, a file like 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.krlock, 1.pdf.L54, or 1.ever101 depending on which version hacked your system. There is no real difference in which version pounced your network. All of them use a combo of AES and RSA algorithms to write secure ciphers over the data. The only aspect that varies is ransom text notes created after encryption is done. Although the content may differ but still contain more-less the same message to infected victims. You may face ransom notes named Recovery_Instructions.html, HOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html, or similar leading to browser pages.

Venomous is a ransomware-type virus that puts most of the stored data under lock and demands the so-called ransom to get it back. This process is more known as file encryption as there are cryptographic ciphers applied by malware with the help of AES-256 algorithms. Besides encrypting files on the configuration level, Venomous also changes them visually. It combines original file names, victims' IDs, and .venomous extension to rename compromised data. For instance, a file like "1.pdf" will emerge as 1.pdf.FB5MMSJUD2WP.venomous at the end of encryption. Soon after this, Venomous moves next to creating a text file called SORRY-FOR-FILES.txt that stores decryption instructions. The note states all data held on your system has been infected with strong algorithms. It is also forewarned to not rename or edit encrypted files as it may cause them to break. To ensure guaranteed and corruption-free recovery of data, victims are offered to buy decryption keys stored by cybercriminals. For this, users should send their personal ID to @venomous_support via the Telegram app or contact extortionists using venomous.files@tutanota.com e-mail address. On top of that, it is also proposed to test free decryption before paying the ransom. To do this, victims are guided to open a Tor link attached to the note and upload 1 encrypted sample of data.