Viruses

Qore is another file-encryptor developed and spread by the STOP/Djvu family. It copies all traits and capabilities of older versions issues by the STOP/Djvu group. The virus encrypts PC-stored data and demands crypto ransom for unique decryption software that will decipher this data. Most often, malware like Qore targets vital data like images, music, videos, and documents containing important information. After detecting such files, the ransomware program will generate unique ciphers and write them over the files to prevent users from accessing them. Apart from this, ransomware infections also append new extensions to highlight the encrypted data. In the case of Qore Ransomware, users will see their data changed with the .qore extension. This means a regular file like 1.pdf will change its look to something like this 1.pdf.qore. After this, Qore developers create a text note called _readme.txt that explain decryption instruction. Note that all of these changes happen in a blink of an eye, so it is impossible to track which part of encryption occurred first. This is what you can see written inside the text note with ransom demands.

BlackSuit is a ransomware-type virus that targets the encryption of data on both Windows and Linux operating systems. Victims of this infection will be restricted from accessing their files until the ransom is paid. To do so, victims are encouraged to read decryption instructions presented within the README.BlackSuit.txt text note. In addition, the virus also highlights the blocked data by adding the new .blacksuit extension to them. To illustrate, a file like 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.blacksuit, reset its original icon, and simultaneously become no longer accessible. The README.BlackSuit.txt file claims victims were attacked by an extortioner who alleges to have encrypted and uploaded crucial files onto a protected server. It is said that data like financial records, confidential information, personal files, and other sensitive materials are now at risk of getting leaked to the web unless victims obey the attackers' demands. The extortionist says it is possible to avoid all negative implications and restore access to data for some amount of money. To get in touch with the attackers, victims are urged to use the provided TOR browser link and further collaborate with the swindlers.

Qopz Ransomware is a high-risk file-encrypting computer virus, that belongs to notorious family of STOP/Djvu. This particular virus was released during the first days of May 2023. Here are some of its characteristics: it modifies files' extensions with 4-letter code .qopz; it encrypts those files with strong combination of AES-256 and RSA-1024 cryptography; it creates ransom note _readme.txt, where authors demand $980/$490 ransom for decryption. Unfortunately, full decryption is not possible if the virus used online key (your PC was online during the whole process of encryption). But do not despair, there are still chances to restore data partially or even completely with instructions provided on this page and certain portion of luck. The hackers offer to decrypt 1 file for free, and we recommend not to miss this opportunity. Although, they say file must not contain important information, send them 1 crucial file, most important document or memorable photo. However, that should be all communication with them. Do not pay the ransom, because, in most cases, malefactors just stop responding.

GAZPROM is a ransomware infection developed on the basis of another ransomware called CONTI. Similarly to other malware of this type, GAZPROM targets the encryption of personal files and then demands victims to pay a ransom for their decryption. Along with encryption, the virus creates two files containing decryption instructions (GAZPROM_DECRYPT.hta and DECRYPT_GAZPROM.html). Also, the encrypted data gets renamed with the .GAZPROM extension. As a result, restricted files start looking the following way: 1.pdf.GAZPROM, 1.png.GAZPROM, and so forth. To return the locked data, victims are instructed to contact cybercriminals on the Telegram messenger and pay for the decryption of data. Should victims fail to establish communication within the first 24 hours since the encryption, the price is said to increase. Threat actors assure they are capable of returning access to the blocked data and can provide all possible evidence to prove it.

Zhong is the name of a ransomware infection that runs encryption of system-stored data and then urges victims to pay money for decryption. While restricting access to data, the virus also assigns its own .zhong extension to highlight the encrypted data. Note that this change is purely visual and does not have anything direct with encryption. Unfortunately, simply removing the added extension will not return access to data. In order to do it, victims are encouraged to follow instructions within the Restore.txt text note that gets created after successful encryption. The message from the text note clarifies that victims have 48 hours to contact threat actors via e-mail and pay for decryption. Otherwise, the affected data will be made public on various resources (supposedly dark web ones). By saying this, cybercriminals attempt to intimidate users and basically force them into paying the ransom. While the decryption cost is unknown, various ransomware extortionists can require from hundreds to even thousands of dollars for complete file decryption.

H3r is a ransomware infection designed to render files inaccessible (using encryption) and demand payment for their recovery afterward. In addition to running secure cryptographic encryption, the virus also modifies affected filenames by appending a new extension that consists of the personal victim's identifier, cybercriminals' email address, and .h3r at the very end. For instance, an original file like 1.pdf after encryption will change to something like 1.pdf.id-9ECFA84E.[herozerman@tutanota.com].h3r and become no longer accessible. Following this, the ransomware will display a pop-up window and create the info.txt file, which present decryption guidelines to victims.

AttackSystem is a ransomware infection that has file-encrypting capabilities. This means that after getting infected by it victims will be restricted from accessing their own data until a ransom payment is made. In addition, the ransomware also alters the file appearance by adding the .attacksystem extension. For instance, a file previously named 1.pdf will change to something like 1.pdf.attacksystem and become no longer usable. Information on how to return the blocked data provided by swindlers in the How_to_back_files.html file that gets created after encryption. It is also worth noting that AttackSystem Ransomware has been discovered to belong to another malware family known as MedusaLocker.

Saba is a ransomware program belonging to the STOP/Djvu malware family. Alike previous ransomware versions released by this family, Saba encrypts personal data and demands victims to pay a ransom for its return. During this process, the virus modifies all restricted files using the .saba extension. For instance, a file named 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.saba and reset its original icon. Following this, Saba Ransomware creates a text note (_readme.txt) containing instructions on how to recover the files. As said in the note, victims should contact ransomware developers via e-mail communication (support@freshmail.top or datarestorehelp@airmail.cc) and pay 980 dollars for special decryption software. Cybercriminals also offer a 50% discount off the mentioned price if victims write a message to swindlers within 72 hours. In addition to this, infected users are also allowed to send 1 encrypted file to get it unlocked and fully working for free. Whether it is possible to decrypt your data without paying the ransom depends on how it was encrypted. Developers from the STOP family may use both offline and online ways of generating and storing assigned ciphers.