CoronaCrypt0r Ransomware

As the coronavirus continues to sweep across the physical world, so too does coronavirus-themed malware continue to sweep across the digital world. It seems like the number of malware adopting the name of this vicious disease only continues to grow, as evidenced by CoronaCrypt0r.

What is CoronaCrypt0r?

The CoronaCrypt0r ransomware is a form of ransomware designed to encrypt data on a personal computer. The virus also changes the names of files, locks the screen, and displays a ransom note explaining the situation to victims. Files are renamed with a new ".lock" extension to make them inaccessible. The new malware was discovered by the MalwareHunterTeam.

CoronaCrypt0r Ransom Note

The CoronaCrypt0r ransom note reads like the following:

CoronaCrypt0r
Hello i am CoronaCrypt0r i have infected your computer and i have encrypted all your impotertant!

To get them back you need to pay 20 $ in bitcoin to the following address: 13am4vw2dhxygxeqepohkhsquy6ngaeb94 and contact us CoronaDecrypt0r@protonmail.com

If you don't pay in 1 hour you won't be able to recover files forever

The ransom note explains that files on the computer are encrypted. The only way for a victim to get access to their data – and operating system – again is to send the attacker $20 in bitcoin to the address in the note. They should contact coronaDecrypt0r@protonmail.com after doing so. Victims have up to one hour to make the payment. If the payment isn't made on time, then the decryption key is deleted, and victims have no way to get their data back.

Unfortunately, there is no way to decrypt the data encrypted by the CoronaCrypt0r virus without access to tools created by the criminals behind the ransomware. There are currently no third-party tools to decrypt the ransomware. The only way to recover files without assistance is to restore data using a backup.

Security experts recommend against trusting cyber criminals and paying the ransom. Victims rarely receive the decryption tools they are promised after making their payment. Take the time to remove the ransomware from your computer to prevent further encryption, and then use a backup to get your data back.

Ransomware, in general, is designed to prevent users from accessing their files by encrypting them and demanding a ransom. The ransomware displays a note explaining how victims can contact developers to pay the ransom. The key difference between different variations of ransomware is the cryptographic algorithm used to encrypt files and the size of the ransom demand. More often than not, decrypting ransomware is impossible without assistance from the attackers. Protecting against data loss is the main reason to keep secure backups of your important files.

Ransomware like this can spread through several methods. Spam emails are the most popular, but it isn’t the only way. The thing to know is that all means to spread ransomware are particularly stealthy and designed to make people fall for their tricks. Here are the most common ways malware is spread;

1. Spam email attachments

   Spam email attachments are the most common method. Criminals create malspam campaigns and spread spam emails using bots. The criminals send out tens of thousands of emails in the hope that even a fraction of them will be accessed. The messages are created to look authentic and appear to be from a reliable source. They may pretend to be from government organizations or delivery companies, for example. Either way, the email contains an email attachment or a link for readers to click. Interacting with the link or attachment downloads the payload for the virus on computers.

2. Cracks and Keygens

   Pirated software is typically bundled with a “crack” or “keygen” to make it work. These cracks are commonly bundled with malicious software that executes when people attempt to access them. This is just one reason to not download illegal software, outside of the fact that it is – of course – illegal.

3. Phishing websites

   Phishing websites are hacked websites criminals use to spread malware. Just visiting one of these websites can be enough to cause trouble. People are redirected to these websites through suspicious links.

How to Protect Against Ransomware Attacks

One of the most important things you can do to protect against malicious programs is not to download and install software through unofficial websites and installers, third-party downloaders, and peer-to-peer networks such as torrent sites. You should always use official channels to get your software and avoid using pirated software. Illegal software is packed with “cracks” that activate the software. More often than not, these tools install malware instead of, or along with, activating the software. Programs and operating systems should be updated whenever possible, but make sure these updates come from official channels.

You should avoid interacting with website links and attachments in emails sent from suspicious and unknown addresses. There is the chance that these emails have been sent by cybercriminals to spread their malicious programs and catch you in a trap.

Last but not least, you should keep an antivirus program on your computer. Make sure this program is updated regularly with all the latest virus databases, detection, and removal methods. Be sure to run a virus scan regularly to detect infections like ViluciWare to keep your computer safe.