Barak Ransomware

Cybersecurity researchers spot new ransomware threats on a daily basis. An increasing number of people with questionable morals are taking up the 'business' of ransomware as it is widely believed that it is an easy way to get some quick cash. Among the newest uncovered data-locking Trojans is the Barak Ransomware.

Infection and Encryption

Upon discovering and studying the Barak Ransomware, malware researchers concluded that it is a variant of the Phobos Ransomware. The propagation methods employed in the spreading of the Barak Ransomware are still unknown. Some malware experts speculate that the creators of the Barak Ransomware may be using mass spam email campaigns, fake software updates, and pirated bogus variants of popular applications as infection vectors to spread this nasty threat. Once the Barak Ransomware infects a host successfully, it will make sure to scan it. This is done so that the Barak Ransomware will locate all the files, which its creators have programmed it to target. Next, it will start locking the files in question using an encryption algorithm. When the Barak Ransomware encrypts a file, it will alter its name by adding either '.id[].[captainpilot@cock.li].barak’ or' '.id[].[onlyfiles@aol.com].Barak.'

The Ransom Note

When the encryption process is completed, the Barak Ransomware will drop a ransom note called either 'info.hta' or 'info.txt.' In the note, the attackers provide the following email addresses as means of contacting them – 'captainpilot@cock.li' and 'onlyfiles@aol.com.' It is not known what the exact ransom fee is but the authors of the Barak Ransomware make it clear that they would like the payment to be in the shape of Bitcoin. Cybercriminals tend to prefer Bitcoin as a means of payment, as this keeps their anonymity safe.

We would strongly advise you against any dealings with cyber crooks like the ones responsible for the Barak Ransomware. Such people hold up their end of the deal rarely but will take your hard-earned cash happily and ride into the sunset with it. A better approach is to download and install a legitimate anti-virus software suite and use it to remove the Barak Ransomware safely from your PC.