Ransomware is a computer malware virus that blocks access to your system and requires a ransom to allow access to your files. In essence, there are two varieties. First, “PC-Locker” locks up the entire computer, second “Data-Locker” can encrypt only certain data but allows the computer to function. The primary goal is to steal money from the user while typically demanding a ransom in cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin.

Identity and Decryption

It is essential to identify the family’s name that is associated with the ransomware that infected you. Identification isn’t as complicated as it sounds. First, you need to search for malware-hunter and download the ransom notice. It will find the family name and frequently help you decrypt the file. If you have the family member’s name matching the document, Teslacrypt 4.0 will decrypt files. It would help if you first established the encryption key. By selecting the added extension, encrypted files will permit the program to create the master key for you automatically. If you are unsure, choose this option.

Data Recovery

If this fails, you’ll need to try recovering your data yourself. In most cases, the system will become corrupted enough not to retrieve any data. It will depend on several factors like the operating system, partitioning, priority for data overwriting, disk space handling, etc. Recuva is likely to be one of the top tools out there. However, installing it with an external drive is recommended instead of using it in your OS drive. After installation, do a deep scan, and you’ll find Recuva will find the files you’re seeking.

The Latest Encryption Ransomware Targeting Linux Systems

Also known as Linux.Encoder.1, malware websites for business and personal use are under attack, and a Bitcoin-based $500 payment is requested to decrypt files.

Hackers swiftly exploited a security flaw in Magento CMS. Subsequently, there was a patch for the critical mark for Magento. However, it came too late for the web administrators who woke up to discover a message that contained the chilling words:

“Your files are encrypted!

Encryption occurs using a unique public key to decrypt files. Therefore, you need to obtain the private key you need to pay one bitcoin (~420USD).”

Many believe that the attacks may have occurred in other content management systems, so the total number of victims is undetermined.

How Malware Is Activated

The malware attacks execute at the level of an administrator. The directories for home use and the associated web-based files are affected by the damage performed with 128 bits of AES crypto. Directory damage alone is enough to trigger a tremendous amount of harm. Still, the malware does more by scanning the entire structure of directories and then encrypting certain types of files. Each file it reviews results in damage through encryption. It will also cause damage to a text file deleted, which is the first visual that an administrator can see upon logging in.

There are some elements that the malware is after, and they include:

• Apache installations
• Nginx installations
• MySQL installs are in the structure of targeted systems

From the reports, it appears that log directories aren’t safe from the attack, as is the case for the content of individual websites. The most vulnerable places, which are perhaps the most crucial – include:

• Windows executables
• Document files
• Libraries of program
• Javascript
• Active Server (.asp) File Pages

The result is an entire system is held at ransom by companies realizing that if they cannot unlock the files on their own, they must find either cave to the demands or experience severe disruption of business for a period of unknown time.

Ranson Demands 

In every directory encrypted, the malware attackers drop a text file called README_FOR_DECRYPT.txt. The demand for payment issues with the only way for decryption to occur through a hidden website by using an intermediary.

If the victim or company chooses to pay, the malware will begin decrypting the entire file, and after that, it begins to repair the harm. It appears that it interprets everything using the same method of encryption. The last goal is to erase all encrypted files along with the ransom note itself.

Contact the Experts

The new ransomware is likely to require the help of a data recovery expert. Be sure to let them know about the steps you took to retrieve the data yourself. Retrieving the data yourself could be crucial and can undoubtedly impact the chances of success.