Boot Ransomware
Most cybercriminals tend to use already available code to build new threats as writing a whole piece of malware from scratch is certainly not an easy task that anyone can do. Many authors of ransomware tend to borrow the code of already established data-locking Trojans and change it slightly to fit their purposes.
Propagation and Encryption
One of the most recently uncovered ransomware threats is the Boot Ransomware, which belongs to the notorious STOP Ransomware family, which has been very active all throughout 2019. Malware experts do not know what infection vectors are involved in the propagation of the Boot Ransomware. It is highly likely that the authors of this file-encrypting Trojan are applying the most common propagation methods like bogus application updates and spam emails containing infected attachments. The first step of the attack is running a scan on the data present on the infiltrated system. This is used to locate all the files, which the Boot Ransomware has been programmed to go after. The list of targeted file types is usually very long and contains all the popular files so that maximum damage is ensured. Then, the encryption process will be triggered. As soon as the Boot Ransomware locks a file, it also changed its name. This Trojan adds a '.boot' extension at the end of the filenames of all affected files. This means that a file, which was called 'hazel-eyes.jpeg' initially will be renamed to 'hazel-eyes.jpeg.boot' once the encryption process is completed.
The Ransom Note
When this phase of the attack finished, the Boot Ransomware drops a ransom note on the desktop of the user. The note, which is called '_readme.txt’ reads:
’ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-NrkxzoMm4o
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
gerentoshelp@firemail.cc
Your personal ID:’
The authors of the Boot Ransomware state that the ransom fee is $980 but all users who manage to contact them within 72 hours will get a 50% discount, meaning that the ransom fee will 'only' be $490. To prove to the users that they have a working decryption key, the attackers offer to unlock one file for free. The Boot Ransomware creators give out two email addresses where users are supposed to contact them – ‘gorentos@bitmessage.ch' and ‘gerentoshelp@firemail.cc.'
There is no use trying to reason with cybercriminals like the ones behind the Boot Ransomware. They are likely to lie through their teeth and promise you a decryption tool but may never deliver on this promise. It is far safer to remove the Boot Ransomware from your computer using a reputable anti-virus solution. You also can attempt to recover some of the lost data using a third-party file recovery application.
