Threat Database Ransomware ByteLocker Ransomware

ByteLocker Ransomware

The ByteLocker Ransomware is a file-locking Trojan that's a modified version of Hidden Tear, an open-source 'educational' Trojan. The ByteLocker Ransomware locks files by encrypting their internal data and displays a pop-up alert with its ransom demands for restoring them. Users should reject ransom requests whenever practical and use a combination of security solutions and backups for removing the ByteLocker Ransomware and reversing its effects.

Data Getting Locked, Byte by Byte

Threat actors who block files and pray for ransoms have countless choices in 2021. Between freeware Trojans like the Xorist Ransomware or Hidden Tear, or Ransomware-as-a-Services like the Dharma Ransomware and the STOP Ransomware, there are many resources at hand. Although Utku Sen's Hidden Tear has more to keep up with than ever, some attackers still prefer it. For example, the ByteLocker Ransomware's campaign: a Hidden Tear update with extra bells and whistles.

The ByteLocker Ransomware includes more features than usual for its family, as readers might tell through other cases like the Israbye Ransomware, the ABANTES Ransomware, the SymmyWare Ransomware and the Black Worm Ransomware. However, its fundamental ones are the most consistent and vital: locking files with an encryption algorithm. It targets most digital media formats, such as documents, movies, music, spreadsheets, or pictures, and converts them into non-opening versions of themselves.

Unlike most file-locking Trojans, the ByteLocker Ransomware has no extension appending that marks the files – users only can tell that they're 'locked' by their not opening. However, it makes up for this absence with other features, including a pop-up alert with a countdown and a bundled unlocker or decryptor. Unfortunately, the latter has password protection. Malware experts recommend that users quarantine and retain samples of ByeLocker for submission to security researchers in case the program's password lacks protection from more in-depth analysis techniques.

Dodging Trojan Attacks from the Far Future

The ByteLocker Ransomware includes a falsified creation date of 2070, but there aren't any corresponding elements that provide tangible clues on its circulating and infecting users. As usual, malware researchers warn that most Windows users are at risk from the ByteLocker Ransomware attacks particularly. They should always back any valuable files up to secure devices regularly and employ common-sense security steps for avoiding infection.

Most users can heighten their security while browsing the Web with the following:

  • Using strong passwords (that resist brute-force attacks)
  • Installing security patches (especially for removing publicly-known vulnerabilities) promptly
  • Disabling features like JavaScript, Java, and Flash while on non-secure websites
  • Staying alert to possible tactics and phishing lures, such as fake e-mailed invoices, fraudulent updates for media players and inaccurately-named torrents

Ultimately, most users invite file-locking Trojans onto their systems through unsafe practices, both at home and in work environments. These recommendations apply with particular emphasis to network administrators or other users with admin privileges.

Although the ByteLocker Ransomware has some advantages over other Hidden Tear forks, it lacks sophisticated obfuscation. Traditional security programs will flag, block, and remove the ByteLocker Ransomware, in most cases.

The ByteLocker Ransomware knows that victims might panic after exposure to Trojans with a clock counting down nearby. Instead of doing what it says, reconsider every recovery option since most ransom alternatives are cheaper and more effective.

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