Posts

Ranstop blocks GandCrab v3 ransomware

Test subject – GandCrab v3 ransomware We already covered the first version of GandCrab, but since then, two new versions were released. The developers promised to come back after their first command & control servers were seized, and they also managed to add new features to their malicious creation. Some things didn’t change though, the […]

Ranstop blocks XiaoBa ransomware

Test subject – Xiaoba ransomware Xiaoba has evolved from a simple ransomware to a file destroying coinminer. This is mainly due to some bugs in the code, but now is back with yet another version, which only encrypts files and demands a ransom to get them back, as any other ransomware does. Discovered in October […]

Ranstop blocks Iron ransomware

Test subject –Iron ransomware Iron is an unsual combination of three popular ransomware variants: Maktub, DMA Locker, and Satan. It borrows elements from each of these, both operational and visual, making it difficult to classify. Original Maktub allowed the free recovery of one encrypted file, Iron, however, doesn’t. It encrypts 374 file extensions, including some […]

Ranstop blocks Bansomqare ransomware

Test subject Bansomqare ransomware “Bansomqare Wanna” is relatively new ransomware with some particularities, even though it has partly similar code with the infamous WannaCry. It is distributed using email campaigns and infected documents, and it disguises itself as the popular mobile app WhatsApp to trick the user into running the executable. Bansomqare ransomware test facts […]

Ranstop blocks ScammerLocker ransomware

Test subject ScammerLocker (Jodis) ransomware Based on the well known and publicly available HiddenTear ransomware code, ScammerLocker is relatively simple but highly efficient ransomware. HiddenTear is continuously improved, and because it is opensource, we should expect new variants to appear. Other variants of HiddenTear include Oxar, May, Krypton, MoWare, Franzi or Ultimo.  Distribution channels differ […]

Ranstop blocks Princess Locker v2 ransomware

Test subject – Princess Locker v2 ransomware Princess Locker represents a relatively known type of ransomware which seems to have evolved from the same family as Alma Locker. It was first discovered in 2016 and a second version was released relatively recently, and it is very active at present. Princess Locker ransomware test facts The […]

Ranstop blocks GrandCrab ransomware

Test subject – GrandCrab ransomware GandCrab (v1) is distinctive ransomware which was released at the end of January this year and infected around 50k PCs around the world. It is the first one to use the Dash cryptocurrency as payment, while Bitcoin being the first choice of most ransomware currently active. Dash is more privacy […]

Ranstop blocks Annabelle ransomware

Test subject – Annabelle ransomware As its name suggests, Annabelle is one of the most “horrific” ransomware of the last few months, probably inspired by the horror movie franchise with the same title. Its purpose is unlikely to produce revenues, but rather to create panic among its victims and to irreversibly damage data. Annabelle ransomware […]

Notable ransomware attacks in the first two months of 2018

After a tumultuous 2017, marked by notorious attacks like WannaCry, NotPetya, BadRabbit which caused severe disruption and losses of billion dollars, ransomware is expected to continue to hit businesses in 2018 as well. How 2018 looks so far The first two months of 2018 didn’t reveal any massive ransomware outbreak, but the year started with […]

Ranstop blocks Umaru, a Japanese ransomware

Test subject – Umaru, the Japanese ransomware Umaru or DriedSister is an unusual ransomware, in the sense that unlike most ransomware, this one encrypts files, but does not ask users to pay a ransom. The virus is relatively new, being reported in February 2018 and it seems it was conceived to attack Japanese users in […]