ANN Ransomware
The ANN Ransomware is another malware threat from the Matrix family of ransomware. It has very few modifications made to it aside from the criminals' specific email addresses and the extension it uses for the encrypted files. For encryption, ANN Ransomware uses a combination of AES-128 and RSA-2048 algorithms, ensuring that the locked files cannot be brute-forced. Every file that has been encrypted successfully will have its name changed according to the pattern - [Original Filename].[Email Address].[Victim ID].ANN.
The email used for the filenames is AskHelp@protonmail.com. The ransom note with instructions is dropped in every folder as a file named '#ANN_README#.rtf.'
The hackers demand that the ANN Ransomware victims write an email to all three of the provided addresses - AskHelp@protonmail.com, AskHelp@tutanota.co and AskHelp@india.com. There are also lengthy instructions on how to send a message to the criminals through Bitmessages if the affected users do not receive a response within 24 hours. Keep in mind that, according to the note, the decryption key needed for the restoration of the data will be deleted within seven days.
Most cybersecurity experts advise against even initiating communication with hackers. Instead, affected users are to remove any traces of the ANN Ransomware from their computers by using a legitimate anti-malware software and then look for an available backup from which to recover the encrypted files.
The entire note left by ANN Ransomware is:
'HOW TO RECOVER YOUR FILES INSTRUCTION
ATENTION!!!
We are realy sorry to inform you that ALL YOUR FILES WERE ENCRYPTED
by our automatic software. It became possible because of bad server security.
ATENTION!!!
Please don't worry, we can help you to RESTORE your server to original
state and decrypt all your files quickly and safely!
INFORMATION!!!
Files are not broken!!!
Files were encrypted with AES-128+RSA-2048 crypto algorithms.
There is no way to decrypt your files without unique decryption key and special software. Your unique decryption key is securely stored on our server. For our safety, all information about your server and your decryption key will be automaticaly DELETED AFTER 7 DAYS! You will irrevocably lose all your data!
* Please note that all the attempts to recover your files by yourself or using third party tools will result only in irrevocable loss of your data!
* Please note that you can recover files only with your unique decryption key, which stored on our side. If you will use the help of third parties, you will only add a middleman.
HOW TO RECOVER FILES???
Please write us to the email (write on English or use professional translator):
AskHelp@protonmail.com
AskHelp@tutanota.com
AskHelp@india.com
You have to send your message on each of our 3 emails due to the fact that the message may not reach their intended recipient for a variety of reasons!
In subject line write your personal ID:
2DA52A597276FC47
We recommed you to attach 3 encrypted files to your message. We will demonstrate that we can recover your files.
* Please note that files must not contain any valuable information and their total size must be less than 5Mb.
OUR ADVICE!!!
Please be sure that we will find common languge. We will restore all the data and give you recommedations how to configure the protection of your server.
We will definitely reach an agreement 😉 !!!
ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION
If yоu did nоt rеcеivе thе аnswеr frоm thе аfоrеcitеd еmаils fоr mоrе then 24 hours please sеnd us Bitmеssаgеs frоm а wеb brоwsеr thrоugh thе wеbpаgе hxxps://bitmsg.me. Bеlоw is а tutоriаl оn hоw tо sеnd bitmеssаgе viа wеb brоwsеr:
1. Оpеn in yоur brоwsеr thе link hxxps://bitmsg.me/users/sign_up аnd mаkе thе rеgistrаtiоn bу еntеring nаmе еmаil аnd pаsswоrd.
2. Уоu must cоnfirm thе rеgistrаtiоn, rеturn tо уоur еmаil аnd fоllоw thе instructiоns thаt wеrе sеnt tо уоu.
3. Rеturn tо sitе аnd сlick "Lоgin" lаbеl оr usе link hxxps://bitmsg.me/users/sign_in, еntеr уоur еmаil аnd pаsswоrd аnd click thе "Sign in" buttоn.
4. Сlick thе "Сrеаtе Rаndоm аddrеss" buttоn.
5. Сlick thе "Nеw mаssаgе" buttоn.
6. Sеnding mеssаgе:
Tо: Еntеr аddrеss: BM-2cUPmiEDYswzWC3ZmbtybDJeUNHqSpERL1
Subjесt: Еntеr уоur ID: -
Mеssаgе: Dеscribе whаt уоu think nеcеssаrу.
Сlick thе "Sеnd mеssаgе" buttоn.'
