Boss Ransomware

More members of the Makop Ransomware family have been observed in the wild. One of the latest variants belonging to the Makop Ransomware family is named Boss Ransomware. The threat infiltrates computers and then deploys a powerful cryptographic algorithm to lock the files stored there effectively. Users will be unable to access any of their personal or work-related files. The hackers will then extort their victims for money in exchange for the decryption key and tool that could supposedly restore the data. 

Files affected by the Boss Ransowmare will have their names modified significantly. The threat uses a complex naming pattern - [Original File Name].[Victim's ID].[Hackers' Email address].[Ransomware Extension]. In this case, the extension used to mark the encrypted files is '.Boss' while the email address is 'pay_btc2021@protonmail.com.' After the threat is done locking the user's files, it will proceed to deliver its ransom note inside files named 'readme-warning.txt.'

The instructions from the hackers clarify that the ransom must be paid using Bitcoin, arguably the most popular cryptocurrency. The cybercriminals also offer to decrypt up to two files for free. The files, however, must have simple extensions such as .doc, .lxls, .jpg and should not exceed 1MB in size. As contact points, victims are left with two email addresses. The first one is the same as the email found in the encrypted file's names - 'pay_btc2021@protonmail.com,' while the other is 'paybtc2021@msgsafe.io.'

The full text of Boss Ransomware's instructions is:

'::: Greetings :::

Little FAQ:
.1.
Q: Whats Happen?
A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the "Boss" extension. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.

.2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins.

.3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities - nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc… not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.

.4.
Q: How to contact with you?
A: You can write us to our mailbox: pay_btc2021@protonmail.com or paybtc2021@msgsafe.io

.5.
Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?
A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.

.6.
Q: If I don’t want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you will not cooperate with our service - for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice - time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::
DON'T try to change encrypted files by yourself!
If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions - please make a backup for all encrypted files!
Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.'