Threat Database Ransomware '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware

'.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware

By GoldSparrow in Ransomware

Threat Scorecard

Ranking: 16,963
Threat Level: 80 % (High)
Infected Computers: 1,705
First Seen: December 20, 2016
Last Seen: August 16, 2023
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware is a strong encryption Trojan that is used to force computer users to pay large amounts of money. Like other encryption Trojans, the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware will take the victim's files hostage by encrypting them with a strong encryption algorithm. After encrypting the victim's files, the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware demands the payment of a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. PC security researchers advise computer users to take preventive measures to protect their data from threats like the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware.

How the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware Encrypts Your Files

The '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware uses a strong encryption method, combining the AES and RSA encryption algorithms to encrypt files on the infected computer. The '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware searches for certain file types, encrypting the files with extensions that match a list contained in the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware's configuration files. The files that have been encrypted by the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware become inaccessible and can only be opened with the decryption key. Unfortunately, the people responsible for the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware have control of the decryption key and demand the payment of a ransom in exchange for it. After encrypting the victim's files, the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware drops a text file on the victim's Desktop. This file, named '!!! READ THIS - IMPORTANT !!!.txt', contains a ransom note that asks the victim to contact the people responsible for the attack. The files that have been encrypted by the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware may be recognized easily because the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware will add the extension '.aes256' to the end of the affected files' names.

The Threats Contained on the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware Ransom Note

The '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware's ransom note alerts the victim not to use a free decryption tool since they could end up making the files unrecoverable. According to the people responsible for the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware attack, the only way to recover the files is to email them at either aes-ni@protonmail.com or aes-ni@tuta.io or by using BitMessages to contact the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware's developers. The amount of the ransom associated with the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware is unknown currently. It is likely that it varies depending on the amount and value of the affected files. In most cases, PC security analysts suspect that the amount ranges between 0.5 and 1.5 Bitcoins since this is the average amount demanded by similar attacks. This can be close to $1500 USD at the current exchange rate, making this a potentially devastating attack to most computer users. It is a must do, therefore, to take preemptive measures to avoid the monetary loss associated with these attacks.

Dealing with the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware

Unfortunately, there is no way to decrypt the files attacked by the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware currently. However, PC security analysts do not advise computer users to pay the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware ransom. Apart from the fact that it is a large amount of money, research has shown that, in most cases, computer users cannot trust these people to keep their word and deliver the decryption key after the ransom is paid. They are equally likely to ask for more money, ignore the victim, or deliver a decryption key that does not work. Malware researchers strongly advise computer users to prevent the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware attacks by having backups of all files. Backing up files on the cloud or an external memory device can be free or very inexpensive and is the best protection against the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware and attacks that use a similar method. If computer users can recover their files from a backup copy, then there is no reason to pay the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware ransom. A reliable security application should also be used to intercept and remove threats like the '.aes256 File Extension' Ransomware.

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