'.Merry File Extension' Ransomware
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| Ranking: | 14,631 |
| Threat Level: | 80 % (High) |
| Infected Computers: | 408 |
| First Seen: | January 27, 2017 |
| Last Seen: | August 7, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware is a ransomware Trojan that is a variant of the 'Merry X-Mas' ransomware Trojan that first appeared in Christmas season of 2016. The '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware is an updated version of this ransomware Trojan and marks the files that are affected during the attack with the extension '.Merry.' Like other ransomware Trojans, it demands the payment of a ransom after taking the victims' files hostage after encrypting them with a strong encryption algorithm. The '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware delivers its ransom note in an .hta file named 'MERRY_I_LOVE_YOU_BRUCE.HTA,' as well as including an image of the Terminator dressed like Santa Clause. The '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware is distributed using corrupted email attachments and bogus software updates. Trojan downloaders associated with the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware include a corrupted file distributed as 'Chrome_Font (1).exe.' Malware analysts advise computer users to exercise caution when using any online content or downloading any files. Computer users should be especially careful when handling email attachments.
The '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware Infection Process
The '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware will target a large number of different file types, including more than 1110 different file extensions during its attack! The '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware uses BAT scripts during its infection process, which sets it apart from various other ransomware Trojans. A closer look at the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware method of attack has led malware researchers to conclude that the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware may be targeting small and medium-sized businesses in its attacks.
The '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware carries out its encryption process in the background, making the encrypted files inaccessible. This process may take some time on computers with large databases, such as a server for a business. The files that have been encrypted during the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware attack will no longer be accessible and will show up in the Windows Explorer as blank icons. The files that have been encrypted during the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware attack will be identified with the addition of the extension '.Merry' to the file's name. After the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware has finished encrypting the victim's files, the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware will display its HTA ransom note. The full text of the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware's ransom note is reproduced below:
'YOUR CLIENT-ID: [32 RANDOM CHARACTERS]
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED!
Discovered a serious vulnerability in your network security. No data was stolen and no one will be able to do it while they are encrypted. For you vie have automatic decryptor and instructions for remediation.
To restore files and retrieve decryptor contact us
TELEGRAM F@comodosecurity
EMAIL comodosec@india.com
ALL FILES WILL BE DESTROYED AFTER
[COUNDOWN TIMER OF 7 DAYS]
Attention! Do not attempt to remove the program or run the anti-virus tools Attempts to self-decrypting files will result in the loss of your data Any attempts to return your files with the third-party tools will be fatal'
Recovering from a '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware Attack
Although the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware is an updated version of the 'Merry X-Mas' Ransomware Trojan, the decryptor that exists for victims of this attack is ineffective in dealing with the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware infection. Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to recover files that have been affected by the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware infection. Because of this, take preventive measures to limit the extent of the damage in a '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware attack. PC security researchers advise the use of a reliable security application that is fully up-to-date to prevent the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware from being installed. Having backups of all files on the Cloud or an external memory device can help computer users store images of their computers and recover quickly from the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware attacks without needing to pay the '.Merry File Extension' Ransomware ransom, which can be expensive in the case of attacks on businesses or other higher profile targets prohibitively.
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