Viruses

MuchLove is another example of file-encryption viruses classified as ransomware. After installation, it ruthlessly encrypts multiple files like MS Office, PDFs, Music, Images, Video, and others. Users get totally shocked once they realize that their data became inaccessible desperately trying to restore the data. Usually, decryption requires assistance from third-parties tools since all manual attempts are useless. Also, the encrypted data acquires a new extension that is .encrypted, in our case. To illustrate, the default 1.mp4 will be changed to 1.mp4.encrypted and reset its icon. Note that the ".encrypted" extension is more generic since it is used by multiple developers. This makes it a bit harder to match appropriate measures to combat the program because you cannot identify exactly which virus attacked your PC. Although, we can then grasp it according to the content of the ransom note (READ_IT.txt)that is created after encryption.

Data encryption and potential identity threat - all of these can be described as Dharma-Ncov Ransomware. Being part of the Dharma family, it vigorously blocks files stored on victim's PCs and pushes them into paying a ransom to get the files back. Dharma-Ncov targets multiple file formats (e.g. images, videos, music, office documents) that supposedly make up a big value for regular users. It ciphers data by assigning unique ID (appended to each victim), e-mail address and extension at the end. For example, the original 1.mp4 will be changed to 1.mp4.id-1E857D00.[coronavirus@qq.com].ncov and reset its icon as a result. The e-mail address and other details may vary since developers update their virus clearing up different bugs. After successful encryption, the program drops a text file onto a desktop with ransom information. Then, extortionists say that you should send a message with the attached ID to coronavirus@qq.com (or other) to get further instructions. They also inform you that any attempts to decrypt the files are useless and can result in a permanent loss. Unfortunately, this is true because of most of the ransomware use tough-to-decrypt algorithms which make files unrecoverable even with high-tech utilities.

Phobos Ransomware is a virus, that encrypts user files using AES encryption algorithm and demands ~$3000 for decryption. Ransomware adds .phobos, .mamba, .phoenix, .actin, .actor, .blend, .adage .acton, .com, .adame, .acute, .karlos or .Frendi extensions to encoded files and makes them inaccessible. In order to confuse users and researchers Phobos Ransomware uses file-modification patterns and ransom notes similar to very wide-spread Dharma Ransomware. Especially after design change in January 2019, when they started to look like identically. However, there are certain differences in file-markers and appearance. After contacting the developers via one of the provided e-mails, they demand $3000 in BitCoins for decryption to be paid in 6 hours. Otherwise, the cost of decryption will increase up to $5000. At the moment automated decryptors for Phobos Ransomware do not exist. There is no proof, that malefactors send decryptors to the victims, that is why we do not recommend paying the ransom. Instead, try using instructions on this page to recover encrypted files. File-recovery software can restore some files from your hard-drive.

Discovered in February 2020, Nomikon is a malicious piece classified as ransomware. Ransomware is a type of virus that encrypts users' data after penetration and demands paying a ransom. After installation, Nomikon will block all of the files stored on your system by changing their extensions to a random 5-letter set, for example, .cnmhr or .jrmcu. For instance, 1.mp4 will be replaced with 1.mp4.cnmhr or other randomly generated extension. They also intimidate that if you do not pay a ransom within the allocated period of time, the price will be doubled. In addition, victims are also offered to use trial decryption by sending one file (less than 5MB) to the attached e-mail. Extortionists warn you to not use third-party decryptors, otherwise, this may result in a permanent data loss. Unfortunately, most of the time, the locked files are unrecoverable, however, it does not mean that you should pay a ransom unless you have a lot of money.

Ransomware has been one of the most abused infections that endanger unprotected user's data. DecYourData developers did not trail behind and released their own piece as well. Using AES-256 algorithms it stalwartly ciphers multiple files found on your device. The range may vary from images, videos, music to simple text documents. Once encrypted, it, therefore, makes files inaccessible by appending new id-{random-set} [decyourdata@protonmail.com]_all-files-encrypted extensions to each file. For example, the original 1.mp4 file will be renamed into 1.mp4.id-{random-set} [decyourdata@protonmail.com]_all-files-encrypted meaning that the data is blocked. After the encryption, the ransom note will automatically appear on the screen with all the necessary information on how to decrypt your data. You will then realize that extortionists demand mind-blowing 5000$ for getting a unique decipher key that will unlock your data. The payment has to be processed solely in BTC and therefore sent to their Bitcoin wallet address that is mentioned in the note. They made everything possible to speed up the process and even presented a list of platforms where people can convert money into bitcoin. On top of that, they can also prove their integrity by decrypting one non-important file that can be sent through e-mail.

Ransomware has contributed to the fraudulent scheme base immensely and has become one of the most effective ways that hackers use to flush the finances out of innocent victims. Woefully, It is blooming up rapidly across the entire internet with the fact that all of the fraud's actions remain unpunished because of internet inaccessibility allowing to hide their atrocious activity so that nobody can detect them. And Afrodita Ransomware has also entered the game. It is used to encrypt user's files and other data with AES-256 and RSA-2048 encryption algorithms. Simply said, it totally restricts access to user's files until you pay a so-called ransom to get the files back to your legitimate ownership. After it is installed on your computer it immediately rushes down through your computer encrypting all of the images, videos, text files and other types of data that can make value for users. It, therefore, creates the __README_RECOVERY_.txt text document on the desktop with ransom note including the details on how to get a decrypting key to remove the blocking algorithm from your files. They can also offer you to decrypt a file by sending it via an email mentioned in the note to prove their integrity and be sure that your files will be delivered back in safety after you pay a specific fee. If you do not pay the ransom they might start threatening you that your files will be spread across the internet and utilized badly.