Once encrypted, files become unusable since the victim cannot open them, no matter what program is used. That is the whole point of the ransomware attack – to prevent the user from accessing personal files, cause frustration and then demand a ransom payment for FATE file decryption tools. However, another danger posed by this ransomware is that it often arrives together with information stealers, namely VIDAR, Azorult or RedLine. Below, you can see how encrypted files look like as well as the ransom note contents....

Another essential functionality of this ransomware is to create and save text files, widely known as “ransom notes” named as _readme.txt in each data folder it affects during the system scan. This ransom note contains instructions from malware operators on how the victim can decrypt locked files. In short, the ransomware leverages encryption algorithms that are typically used to secure data in transit and rest to take victim’s files hostage and then demands a ransom for access to them....

According to information stated in _readme.txt ransom note, all victim’s data such as documents, audio and video files, images and other important data was encrypted with strongest encryption algorithms. The way the encryption works can be explained shortly as this: victim’s files are encrypted using Salsa20 encryption, which is then additionally secured with RSA-2048 master public key. The only way to recover files back to their original state is to use a decryption tool and private decryption key matching the encryption key, however, the private key is held by the cybercriminals....

To provide the computer user with information on what happened, the ransomware drops _readme.txt file in each folder. This file is often referred to as ransom note when it comes to ransomware attacks. In short, it explains that all data on the computer was encrypted with robust algorithms and the criminals behind it expect the user to pay a ransom in exchange for JHGN decryption tool and key. Overview of the ransom note contents The message in the _readme....

This cyber threat acts similarly to its precursors, such as REPL, MAAS, ZIDA, ERIF, and others. All of the versions of this ransomware family use a disguise to hide their presence at first. Usually, the encryption process is hidden by opening a fraudulent Windows Update screen to stop people from interfering with the encryption procedure. Victims of KUUS ransomware see a legitimate-looking OS update window and are tricked to believe that their systems are not infected....

LOKF ransomware converts files useless using RSAThreat SummaryData decryption is nearly impossibleDistribution operates via software crack and keygen downloadsRemove LOKF virus and recover files encrypted by the ransomware It is a well-known fact that LOKF ransomware infects computers and computer networks if the victim downloads and opens a malicious software crack or keygen. Once installed, the virus disables active firewalls, deletes volume shadow copies (to prevent data recovery), installs Azorult Trojan on the system and creates dozens of other problems on the system....

REPP ransomware is the 203rd version of DJVU file-encrypting malwareThreat SummaryThe offline and online encryption casesRansomware spreads in tools used to hack software licensesBest way to remove REPP ransomware virus REPP virus is a specific malware designed for Windows operating systems. It is capable of bypassing weak security programs and deleting essential system restore components. This way, the virus creates an environment which allows easy data corruption and prevents its restoration for the victim....

The sole aim of RIGJ ransomware virus is to lock your files using a technology that’s typically used to secure information transmission. The cybercriminals put it to bad use and therefore encrypt your files illegally, harassing you to keep your files encrypted forever if you refuse to pay up. In addition, they introduce the pricing of RIGJ decryption tool. The price of it, according to _readme.txt contents, ranges between $490 and $980....

Safe Finder hijacks web browsers to promote Yahoo searchUser-spying activities explainedThreat SummaryAvoid browser hijackers in generalRemove Safe Finder virus manually or automatically Safe Finder redirect virus is capable of infecting Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and other browsers. It typically changes homepage and new tab page settings to load search.safefinder.com and sets the default search engine to feed.safefinder.com. When the user enters a search query via browser’s URL bar or via the fake search box available on the new homepage, he/she will get redirected to Yahoo search results page....

SearchLee browser hijacker pushes its own search engineDistribution of Mac threats explainedRemove SearchLee browser hijacker from Mac The primary aim of browser hijackers like Searchlee.com is to promote a specific search engine, thus causing redirects to ad networks before landing the user on fake or customized search results page. While typical hijackers falling into Yahoo redirect or Bing redirect categories serve altered versions of popular search engine results, SearchLee tends to provide its own ones....

UpdaterSync adware infects Macs to serve promotions dailyTHREAT SUMMARYAdload adware version distribution scheme explainedRemove UpdaterSync adware from Mac computer This adware-type application annoys mac users by displaying banners, pop-ups and pop-under ads, coupon codes and other promotional notifications during user’s browsing sessions. Such load of external resources can severely diminish user’s browsing experience and interfere with regular browsing activities. Besides, the origins of these ads can be both secure and dangerous, therefore it is not a very good idea to click on them or interact with their content carelessly....

Explanation of Windows Was Unable to Complete the Format ErrorThe most common causes of this errorBest Fixes for Windows Was Unable to Complete the Format Error1 Method. Create Partition for Unallocated space2 Method. Format the Drive that has RAW file system3 Method. Update SD Card Reader or USB Drivers4 Method. Use an USB stick with SD Card slot (common fix)5 Method. Use Windows 10 Troubleshooter6 method. Check file system to fix Windows was unable to complete the format7 Method....

Ignore Geek Squad Email Scam emails: the scammers are trying to swindle money from you by deceitWhat happens if you call phone number provided in Geek Squad Email Scam?Examples of Geek Squad Email Scam emailsThreat SummaryHow to identify and avoid phishing emails?Remove malware from your computer Geek Squad (Best Buy subsidiary) is a company that provides support through in-store, on-site, over the Internet via remote access, and also via telephone regarding all consumer electronics....

Scammers can find numerous ways how to misuse your data and generate revenue for themselves by manipulating such information. For example, it can be sold to third-parties or on dark web forums, because details such as your name and e-mail address can be added to e-mail lists used to send targeted spam. How to avoid installation of unwanted programs and running into Internet scams? The most typical origin of scams, deceptive pop-ups and other potentially dangerous content is shady-third party websites that usually provide illegal or questionable content such as copyright-protected material for free, pornography websites, adult-gaming or gambling sites....

Opening a deceptive email message can end in several scenarios – from landing on a phishing page or a domain serving a JavaScript file that downloads automatically. If the victim opens this file, the malicious script inside of it downloads DanaBot Trojan and executes it on the system. Similar email scam campaigns are widely used by attackers during Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas season as thousands of computer users shop online....

Drive-by exploit email claims to know victim’s passwords and moreDrive-by exploit isn’t real – learn whyThreat SummaryThe scammer knows one of your passwords due to data breachHow to Remove Drive-by exploit safely Such threatening Drive by Exploit Bitcoin Email might scare and leave the recipient in a hopeless situation – personal information seems jeopardized, and the only way out seems to be cooperation with the intruder. It is crucial to get acquainted to the context and possible solutions of this blackmailing scheme in order to secure your personal information and finances....

The ransom note (_readme.txt) suggests that all victim’s pictures, databases, documents and other important files were encrypted with extremely strong algorithm. According to the note, the only method of recovering FDCZ ransomware encrypted files is paying the specified ransom. The criminals suggest buying file decryption software as soon as possible (the note explains that victims who write within first 72 hours since the infection timestamp get 50% discount, resulting in $490 price rate)....

The majority of file-encrypting viruses from this family (ZIDA, USAM, VAWE, etc), including this current ransomware spread using deceptive techniques, such as fake Adobe update pop-ups. Once installed, it shows an imitation of a Windows update screen while encrypting almost all data on the computer with the AES-256 cryptographic algorithm. As soon as the encryption process is finished, users cannot open or use any of the encoded files that are marked with ....

NYPD ransomware locks personal files, demands $490-$980 as a ransom_readme.txt note explains what happenedSummaryStay away from suspicious and P2P websites to avoid ransomwareThe safest way to get rid of NYPD ransomware virus Most victims’ computers are infected via deceptive techniques when they accidentally install the ransomware themselves. The attackers have also created a disguise during the encryption process — people see a fake Windows update screen while the ransomware finishes encoding all information on the targeted system....

Ransomware-type infections tend to spread in a form of fraudulent software update pop-up screens or spam electronic letters. This particular variant of a file-encrypting virus uses a disguise while locking victim’s files — it opens a fake Windows update screen to trick people into believing that their computers are not infected. Unfortunately, this deceptive technique helps the virus to encrypt data with AES-256 algorithm and modify Windows hosts file to block the connection to security websites....