Tutorials

BlackDream Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data on a victim's computer and demands payment for its decryption. It was discovered by researchers while investigating new malware submissions to VirusTotal. The ransomware appends a unique ID, the cybercriminals' email address, and the .BlackDream extension to the filenames of encrypted files. For example, a file initially named 1.jpg would appear as 1.jpg.[G7H9L6ZA].[Blackdream01@zohomail.eu].BlackDream. After the encryption process is completed, a ransom note titled ReadME-Decrypt.txt is dropped. BlackDream ransomware uses an unspecified file encryption method. The note reassures the victim that their files have not been damaged but have been encrypted. It warns that seeking aid with recovery outside the attackers (i.e., using third-party tools or services) may render the data undecryptable. The note implies that decryption will require paying a ransom in Bitcoin cryptocurrency, although the exact sum is not specified.

The "You've Been Hacked!" email scam is a type of phishing attack where scammers send emails claiming to have stolen personal information from recipients. The scammers then demand payment, often in the form of Bitcoin, in return for not publishing the stolen details. These emails frequently claim that the scammers have stolen login credentials for payment systems, social networks, email accounts, and other sensitive data. However, these claims are typically false and are designed to scare the recipient into complying with the scammer's demands. Spam campaigns can infect computers in several ways. One common method is through phishing emails. These emails regularly appear to come from reputable companies and contain links or attachments that, when clicked or opened, can install harmful malware on the recipient's computer. Another common technique used by cybercriminals is creating malicious Office macros. These macros, which are typically enabled by default to run commands, can be used to execute malicious code and provide cybercriminals with a way to gain control of a computer.

"Your Account Was Hacked" is a type of email scam, also known as a spam campaign, used by cybercriminals to trick people into paying them. The scammers send an email claiming that the recipient's computer has been infected with a malicious program, allowing them to record a compromising video and steal personal data. The scammers then threaten to share the video if their demands are not met by a given deadline. However, these claims are false, and such emails should be ignored. There are two versions of this spam campaign, but they are essentially identical. The scammers claim to have hacked the user's email account and use the 'spoofing' method to forge email addresses, making the scam seem genuine. They also claim to have installed special software on adult video sites, which they allege the recipient visited.

Adobe Invoice email spam is a type of phishing scam where the spam email is disguised as an invoice detailing an Adobe subscription for a year. The email often includes a telephone number for "customer support" and a sum of 312.49 USD. However, this invoice is fake and is in no way associated with Adobe Inc. or any of its products/services. The goal of such schemes is to deceive victims into disclosing private data or making monetary transactions. Spam campaigns typically infect computers through malicious attachments or links embedded in the emails. These attachments usually carry trojans that are capable of stealing passwords, banking information, and other sensitive information. If a potential victim falls for the lure and opens the attachment, their computers get infected, and cybercriminals can collect a lot of sensitive information.

Zput is a type of ransomware that belongs to the Djvu ransomware family. It is a malicious program designed to encrypt files and demand ransoms for their decryption. The Zput ransomware targets various types of files, such as videos, photos, documents, and more. It alters the file structure and appends the .zput extension to each file, making them inaccessible and unusable without decryption. For example, a file initially named 1.jpg appears as 1.jpg.zput, 2.png, as 2.png.zput, and so forth. Zput Ransomware uses Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. This robust ciphering method makes it quite difficult, if not impossible, to pick the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers. After encrypting the files, Zput ransomware drops a ransom note titled _readme.txt. This note informs the victim that their data has been encrypted and that recovering the locked files necessitates meeting the attackers' demands – paying a ransom to obtain the decryption key/software.

Zpww Ransomware is a type of malware that belongs to the STOP/Djvu family. Its primary objective is to extort money from victims by encrypting their files and demanding a ransom for their decryption. The ransom typically ranges from $490 to $980, payable in Bitcoins. Upon successful infiltration, Zpww Ransomware scans each folder for files it can encrypt. It then creates a copy of the target file, deletes the original, encrypts the copy, and leaves it in place of the removed original. The encrypted files are appended with the specific extension .zpww. The ransomware uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm, which, while not the strongest method, still provides an overwhelming number of possible decryption keys. After the encryption process, Zpww Ransomware creates a ransom note named _readme.txt in the folder where the encrypted file is located.

Zpas is a file-encrypting ransomware infection that belongs to the STOP/DJVU ransomware family. It restricts access to data such as documents, images, and videos by encrypting files with the .zpas extension. The ransomware then attempts to extort money from victims by asking for a "ransom", typically in the form of Bitcoin cryptocurrency, in exchange for access to data. When a computer is infected with Zpas ransomware, it scans the system for images, videos, and important productivity documents and files such as .doc, .docx, .xls, .pdf. When these files are detected, the ransomware encrypts them and changes their extension, rendering them inaccessible. Zpas ransomware uses a robust cipher - Salsa20, which is impossible to "hack". Once the Zpas ransomware has encrypted the files on a computer, it displays a ransom note named _readme.txt on the desktop. The ransom note contains instructions on how to contact the authors of this ransomware via the support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc email addresses. The victims of this ransomware are asked to contact these malware developers. The ransom demanded ranges from $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins).

Halo Ransomware is a type of malware designed to encrypt data and demand ransoms for decryption. It appends the .halo extension to the filenames of encrypted files. For example, a file initially titled 1.jpg would appear as 1.jpg.halo. After encrypting the files, Halo Ransomware creates a ransom-demanding message named !_INFO.txt. The note states that the victim's files have been encrypted and can only be recovered by paying a ransom. The note warns against shutting down the system, renaming files, attempting manual decryption, or using third-party recovery tools, as these actions may render the data undecryptable. The specific file encryption algorithm used by Halo Ransomware is not known. However, ransomware programs typically use symmetric or asymmetric cryptographic algorithms to encrypt files.