Threat Database Ransomware Fair Ransomware

Fair Ransomware

Fair Ransomware Image

The Fair Ransomware is a new crypto locker malware threat that has been detected in the wild by infosec researchers. Analyzing the underlying code revealed that the Fair Ransomware is not a unique malware creation. Instead, it is a variant belonging to the Makop Ransomware family. Any computer infected with the threat will be effectively locked - nearly all of the files stored on it will become inaccessible and unusable.

The sign of the Fair Ransomware's harmful activity that most of its victims will notice is the sudden change of the names of their private or business-related files. The threat modifies the names of the files it encrypts significantly. It takes the original filename and first appends to it a string representing the victim's ID, an email address belonging to the hackers, and finally '.fair' as a new extension. The email address placed in the filenames is 'fairexchange@qq.com.' The threat drops a ransom note with instructions from the cybercriminals as a text file named 'readme-warning.txt.' A duplicate of the ransom note-carrying file will be created in every folder containing encrypted files.

The instructions provided by the criminals responsible for unleashing the Fair Ransomware do not contain the exact sum demanded from the victims. It is stated, however, that the transaction must be made using Bitcoin, arguably the most widely used cryptocurrency. After making the payment, victims are expected to initiate contact by sending a message to the aforementioned 'fairexchange@qq.com' email address. They can also include up to 2 files that are less than 1MB in size, excluding databases, to be decrypted for free.

Infosec specialists do not recommend sending any amount of money to ransomware criminals. There are no guarantees that the hackers will honor their part of the deal and will actually send the necessary decryption key or tool. In addition, the funds they have extorted from their victims could be used to expand further their threatening operations resulting in even more users becoming victims of malware

The ransom note delivered by the Fair Ransomware reads:

'::: Greetings :::

Little FAQ:
.1.
Q: Whats Happen?
A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the "fair" extension. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.
.2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins.
.3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities - nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc... not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.
.4.
Q: How to contact with you?
A: You can write us to our mailbox: fairexchange@qq.com
.5.
Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?
A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.
.6.
Q: If I don't want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you will not cooperate with our service - for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice - time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::
DON'T try to change encrypted files by yourself!
If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions - please make a backup for all encrypted files!
Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.'

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