Key Group Ransomware

When deployed to the targeted computers, the Key Group Ransomware threat will activate its encryption process and leave numerous file types in an entirely unusable state. Victims will lose access to their documents, PDFs, images, photos, audio and video files, databases, archives, etc. In the vast majority of cases, the utilized cryptographic algorithm is sufficiently strong to make the restoration of the affected data without proper decryption keys practically impossible.

Ransomware threats are mostly delivered as part of financially-motivated attack operations. Even if the used payload is just a simple variant, in this case, the Key Group Ransomware belongs to the Xorist malware family, the damage they can cause remains significant. It should be noted that cybersecurity experts have identified two versions of the Key Gr Ransomware. One marks the files it encrypts with the '.keygroup' extension, while the other uses '.keygroup777.'

Victims could be left with multiple ransom-demanding messages. The Key Group Ransomware may create a text file named 'HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt,' which shows a ransom note in a separate pop-up window, and change the desktop background with a new image. Users should be warned that complying with the demands of cybercriminals is not advised. Nothing is stopping the hackers from simply taking the money and moving on to their next threatening campaign. Furthermore, they may try to further exploit their victims, leading to additional security or privacy concerns.