Golden Ransomware

PC security researchers first observed the Golden Ransomware, a ransomware Trojan, on August 11, 2018. The Golden Ransomware in its current form is not an encryption ransomware Trojan, but rather, is designed to deliver a lock screen. Encryption ransomware Trojans tend to use the AES encryption (or other strong encryption algorithms) to make the victim's files inaccessible. Threats like the Golden Ransomware, on the other hand, simply display a lock screen, a window that the victim cannot bypass, which locks them out of their computers. While these attacks are not considered as threatening as encryption ransomware Trojans, they can still be difficult to deal with and prove to be quite annoying. There also is a precedent for Trojans like the Golden Ransomware to be released later on with encryption capabilities added on. This is what makes it crucial to take precautions to ensure that your computer is well protected against the Golden Ransomware and similar threats.

How the Golden Ransomware Carries Out Its Attack

The Golden Ransomware attack is simple: the Golden Ransomware produces a lock screen window that takes up the entire screen and prevents the victims from using their computers. Threats like the Golden Ransomware also will prevent the victim from opening the Task Manager, using keyboard shortcuts or other, similar methods to bypass the Golden Ransomware's lock screen. The Golden Ransomware will only allow the victim to gain access to two websites that ask for a payment in exchange for an unlock code needed to bypass the Golden Ransomware lock screen and remove the Golden Ransomware Trojan.

Delivery Methods Used by the Golden Ransomware

The Golden Ransomware is distributed through fake online software downloads. Threats like the Golden Ransomware can be delivered to unsuspecting computer users' PCs via key generators for pirated software and Facebook applications. The Golden Ransomware and similar threats also are commonly delivered using spam email attachments.

What the Golden Ransomware will Do with Your Registry

The Golden Ransomware seems to be written using NET. Once the Golden Ransomware is installed, the Golden Ransomware makes changes to the Windows Registry, which allows it to maintain persistence and startup automatically. The Golden Ransomware will block access to several components in Windows, including the Control Panels and Task Manager. The version of the Golden Ransomware that has been observed by PC security researchers is not capable of encrypting files. The Golden Ransomware in this version displays a full-screen message of text over a black background. The Golden Ransomware message contains the following text:

'You're a victim of Golden!
What can I do?
-You can unlock computer by visiting one of these two links
[link #1]
[link #2]
Can I remove this malware?
You can only remove it with our services.'

Computer users are counseled not to click on either of these links. Going to these websites may put them at risk for additional infections, which may include other malware or becoming involved in DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks. Instead, they should remove the Golden Ransomware entirely with the help of a security program.

Dealing with the Golden Ransomware Infection

If your computer is infected with the Golden Ransomware, you are better taking steps to remove it using a strong security application. However, the Golden Ransomware lock screen should be bypassed first. Most of the time, starting up your machine in Safe Mode can help computer users prevent the Golden Ransomware from loading its lock screen after start-up. Alternate start-up methods, such as starting up Windows from a different device, can help victims of the Golden Ransomware regain access to their security software. A security program will, in most cases, be capable of detecting and removing the Golden Ransomware infection from the victim's computer.