DarkBit Ransomware

The DarkBit Ransomware operates by encrypting data and demanding a ransom for decryption. During the encryption process, DarkBit alters the filenames of the affected files by renaming them with a random character string followed by the '.Darkbit' extension. For example, a file originally named '1.jpg' would appear as '5oCWq6Fp1676362581.Darkbit,' while '2.png' would appear as 'QV3xwMP11776363582.Darkbit' and so on.

Once the encryption process is completed, DarkBit generates a ransom note titled 'RECOVERY_DARKBIT.txt' and places it on the infected system's desktop. The note contains instructions for how the victims could pay the ransom and receive the decryption key to unlock their encrypted files.

DarkBit Ransomware's Demands

DarkBit's ransom note begins with a political or geopolitical message, implying that the ransomware targets large entities, such as companies, rather than home users. The message warns victims that their files have been encrypted using the strong AES-256 cryptographic algorithm and sensitive data has been collected or exfiltrated.

The note cautions victims that attempting to use third-party recovery tools or services could lead to permanent data loss. The only way to recover the encrypted files, according to the attackers, is to purchase the decryption keys or tools from them. The ransom amount demanded is stated as 80 Bitcoin (BTC), which at the current Bitcoin exchange rate is worth around 1.7 million US dollars. It should be noted that exchange rates fluctuate constantly, and this conversion may no longer be accurate.

The size of the ransom reinforces the assumption that DarkBit is typically not used to target home users. If no action is taken within 48 hours, the ransom amount increases by 30%, and after five days, the collected data will be put up for sale.

Recommended Steps Following an Attack from Threats Like the DarkBit Ransomware

Based on their experience analyzing numerous ransomware infections, cybersecurity professionals generally advise against paying any amount of money to the attackers. In most cases, decryption is rarely possible without the decryption keys or tools, which only the attackers possess. Some decryption may be possible in cases where the ransomware is either severely flawed or still in development, but this is the exception rather than the rule. As with any ransomware attack, victims are advised to report the incident to law enforcement and use a reputable cybersecurity and anti-malware solution to remove the malware and prevent future attacks.

The ransom note dropped by the DarkBit Ransomware reads:

'Dear Colleagues,
We’re sorry to inform you that we’ve had to hack Technion network completely and transfer “all” data to our secure servers.
So, keep calm, take a breath and think about an apartheid regime that causes troubles here and there.
They should pay for their lies and crimes, their names and shames. They should pay for occupation, war crimes against humanity,
killing the people (not only Palestinians’ bodies, but also Israelis’ souls) and destroying the future and all dreams we had.
They should pay for firing high-skilled experts.

Anyway, there is nothing for you (as an individual) to be worried.
That’s the task of the administration to follow up our instruction for recovering the network.
But, you can contact us via TOX messenger if you want to recover your files personally. (TOX ID: AB33BC51AFAC64D98226826E70B483593C81CB22E6A3B504F7A75348C38C862F00042F5245AC)

Our instruction for the administration:
All your files are encrypted using AES-256 military grade algorithm. So,

Don't try to recover data, because the encrypted files are unrecoverable unless you have the key.
Any try for recovering data without the key (using third-party applications/companies) causes PERMANENT damage. Take it serious.

You have to trust us. This is our business (after firing from high-tech companies) and the reputation is all we have.

All you need to do is following up the payment procedure and then you will receive decrypting key using for returning all of your files and VMs.

Payment method:
Enter the link below
hxxp://iw6v2p3cruy7tqfup3yl4dgt4pfibfa3ai4zgnu5df2q3hus3lm7c7ad.onion/support
Enter the ID below and pay the bill (80 BTC)

You will receive decrypting key after the payment.

Notice that you just have 48 hours. After the deadline, a 30% penalty will be added to the price.
We put data for sale after 5 days.
Take it serious and don’t listen to probable advices of a stupid government.

Good Luck!
“DarkBit”