Threat Database Ransomware CA$HOUT Ransomware

CA$HOUT Ransomware

By GoldSparrow in Ransomware

The CA$HOUT Ransomware is an encryption ransomware Trojan. The CA$HOUT Ransomware first caught the attention of PC security researchers because its code is simply a complete mess, according to some researchers. The CA$HOUT Ransomware seems to be created by pasting together different bits of code from various other ransomware Trojans. The CA$HOUT Ransomware was first observed on June 13, 2017, and it is clearly developed by amateurs rather than by a well-funded programmer. However, the CA$HOUT Ransomware does carry out an effective encryption ransomware attack.

The CA$HOUT Ransomware may not Find Too Many Files to be Encrypted

The most common way of delivering the CA$HOUT Ransomware to its victims is through the use of corrupted documents attached to spam email messages. These will use corrupted scripts and macros to download and install the CA$HOUT Ransomware onto the victim's computer. The CA$HOUT Ransomware will not perform a scan of the victim's computer. Rather, the CA$HOUT Ransomware will search for the presence of specific folders on the victim's computer. If these directories are not present, then the CA$HOUT Ransomware will not carry out its attack. In some cases, the CA$HOUT Ransomware will not encrypt many files since the specific folders the CA$HOUT Ransomware looks for are not present on the affected computer.

However, the CA$HOUT Ransomware Attack is Very Effective

The CA$HOUT Ransomware uses a strong encryption algorithm in its attack. The CA$HOUT Ransomware connects to its Command and Control servers to deliver information about the infected computer and receive data. The CA$HOUT Ransomware will make the files unusable, altering their structure and making them inaccessible. The CA$HOUT Ransomware alters the affected files and demands victims to pay for a decryptor to restore access. Essentially, threats like the CA$HOUT Ransomware take the victim's files hostage until the victim agrees to pay a ransom. The CA$HOUT Ransomware displays its ransom note in the form of a lock screen which takes up the entire screen and prevents victims from accessing the infected computer's desktop. The following is the text of the CA$HOUT Ransomware's ransom note:

'YOUR COMPUTER IS LOCKED
All your files were encrypted
To get a key to decrypt all files on your computer you have to pay $100
Possible kinds of payment [LIST OF BITCOIN WALLETS]
Enter Key: [TEXT BOX] Pay
Your Mail adress: [TEXT BOX]
Your Key: [TEXT BOX] Copy
the CA$HOUT Ransomware'

Making Sure that Threats Like the CA$HOUT Ransomware cannot Affect Your Computer

The best protection against ransomware Trojans like the CA$HOUT Ransomware is to have backup copies of your files, either on a mobile memory device or the cloud. Having the ability to recover your files from a backup copy makes you invulnerable to the CA$HOUT Ransomware attack completely since it takes away any power that the con artists have to demand the payment of a ransom. PC security researchers believe, in fact, that once sufficient computer users have backup copies of their files as a matter of course, these attacks will die off completely since they will no longer be effective or profitable.

Unfortunately, if you don't backups of your files, it may not be possible to decrypt them currently. However, malware analysts strongly advise against contacting the con artists. Doing so can lead to additional infections, or being targeted for a higher ransom. Furthermore, even if the con artists follow through and decrypt the files, paying the CA$HOUT Ransomware fee allows con artists to continue carrying out these attacks.

Apart from having backup copies of your files, it is essential to have a reliable security program that is capable of intercepting and removing the CA$HOUT Ransomware and similar threats. Since the CA$HOUT Ransomware and other ransomware Trojans may be delivered to their victims through the use of corrupted email attachments, it also is necessary to handle this content safely and to never open unsolicited email attachments.

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