6ix9 Ransomware

The 6ix9 Ransomware is another variant from the Dharma family that has been used in encryption attacks. The 6ix9 Ransomware is designed to affect a large number of file types and render them unusable via an uncrackable cryptographic algorithm. Victims will notice that nearly all of their personal or business files - PDFs, documents, photos, archives, databases, and more, are no longer accessible. The goal of the hackers is to extort their victims for money in exchange for providing them with a decryption key that could potentially restore the data.

Threat Details

Each file encrypted by the 6ix9 Ransomware will have its name changed. This is a typical characteristic of Dharma variants who usually append an ID number, email address, and new file extension to the original names of the files they lock. The email address used in this case is '6ix9@asia.com' while the file extension is '.6ix9.'

The threat will drop two ransom notes on the infected devices. The full set of instructions will be shown to the victims in a pop-up window while a shorter version will be delivered inside a text file named 'FILES ENCRYPTED.txt.'

Ransom Note's Overview

Victims of the 6ix9 Ransomware are told that they will have to pay a ransom using the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. However, to get additional details, they will have to first initiate communication via the email addresses mentioned in the note - '6ix9@asia.com' and '9ix6@usa.com.'

Before the payment is made, the cybercriminals offer to decrypt a single file for free. The file, however, must be less than 1MB in size and shouldn't contain have any important data. The note concludes with numerous warnings.

The message shown in the pop-up window is:

'All your files have been encrypted!

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail 6ix9@asia.com
Write this ID in the title of your message 1E857D00
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:9ix6@usa.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.

Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.'

The text file delivers the following message:

'all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
Write email 6ix9@asia.com or 9ix6@usa.com.'