UNLOCK INSTRUCTIONS.txt text file, Tor websiteĠ.00480337 in Bitcoins (the price can vary) They simply download/install malware rather than activating any licensed software free of charge. Unofficial software activation tools (also known as 'cracking' tools) are used to distribute malicious programs. These are malicious programs that, if installed, cause chain infections - they often download and install high-risk viruses. Another way to proliferate malware is through trojans. Fake/unofficial updaters infect systems by exploiting bugs/flaws of outdated software or by downloading and installing malicious software rather than updates, fixes, and so on. Cyber criminals upload malicious files (such as executables) that are disguised as harmless files.īy downloading and opening them, unsuspecting users inadvertently cause computer infections. Some examples of files used are Microsoft Office documents, PDF documents, archive files such as RAR, executables (.exe) and JavaScript files.įurthermore, malicious programs can be proliferated through Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrents, eMule, freeware download websites, free file hosting websites and other similar download sources. Their main goal is to trick people into downloading and opening the attachments, which then download and install malicious programs. To proliferate malware through spam campaigns, they send emails that contain attachments. In most cases, people who develop ransomware or other malware proliferate these programs through spam campaigns, untrustworthy software download sources, unofficial software updating tools, trojans and software activation ('cracking') tools. Therefore, maintain data backups and store them on unplugged storage devices or remote servers. Ransomware-type programs can sometimes be 'cracked', however, only if they are still in development, have flaws/bugs, and so on. Victims are encouraged to contact ransomware developers, since only they have the tools that can decrypt data. Common differences are cost of decryption and cryptography algorithm used to lock data. Generally, these programs are designed to encrypt data (lock files) and keep them encrypted until a ransom is paid (decryption tool or key is purchased). Dome examples are Vesad, Poop, and Armageddon. There are many ransomware-type programs online. Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data: Therefore, it is impossible to decrypt the files without the correct decryption tool or a specific key held only by the ransomware developers. Unfortunately, most ransomware-type programs encrypt files with strong cryptography algorithms. The best option in these situations is to recover files using a data backup. Typically, ransomware developers provide no decryption tools or keys, even after payment. This key should decrypt files by entering it into the decryption program.ĭespite this information, do not trust or pay these cyber criminals. Once payment is made, the key will supposedly appear on this website. Victims can send "support questions" to developers, however, this will increase the cost of a decryption key by 50%. Payment must be made using a cryptocurrency, by transferring money to the provided address (Bitcoin wallet). The message states that the cost of decryption is 0.00480337 in Bitcoins, which is about $38.99 at time of writing. The website contains information about how to download and launch a fresh copy of the decryption tool and make payment. If the program is still does not work, they should open the website provided using the Tor browser. If it is has not started, victims should try to restart their computers and disable any installed anti-virus suites. The message states that it can be ignored if the program (used for a decryption) has already started. "UNLOCK INSTRUCTIONS.txt" is a ransom message that is translated into various languages. Instructions about how to unlock files can be found in a text file called " UNLOCK INSTRUCTIONS.txt". Like most programs of this type, renames all encrypted files, in this case, by adding the " " string to the filename.įor example, " 1.jpg" becomes " 1.jpg ". To decrypt their files, victims are encouraged to buy a decryption tool. This malicious program is designed to block access to files stored on a computer by encrypting them. Ransomware was discovered by Michael Gillespie.
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