Knight Ransomware

The Knight Ransomware is specifically designed with the intention of encrypting files and subsequently demanding ransom payments from its victims. When the Knight Ransomware is executed on a compromised device, its primary function is to initiate the encryption process affecting numerous different file types. As a result, the filenames of the encrypted files will also be modified by having the V.knight_l' extension appended to them. Following this encryption phase, a ransom note titled 'How To Restore Your Files.txt' is placed within each of the encrypted folders across the system.

What is noteworthy is that the group responsible for the Knight Ransomware operates it in the form of Ransomware-as-a-Service. This means that they provide the infrastructure and tools necessary for other threat actors to utilize this ransomware, possibly as a means to extort ransoms from victims. Furthermore, these cybercriminals also offer malware designed to collect sensitive information, indicating the potential for a dual-threat approach. Consequently, these ransomware attacks could involve not only the encryption of files but also the theft of valuable data and extortion.

It has been established by researchers that the Knight Ransomware is essentially a rebranding of the previously identified Cyclops Ransomware threat. This suggests that there might be a connection between the two, with the Knight Ransomware possibly being an evolved or modified version of the Cyclops Ransomware.

The Knight Ransomware Locks Files and Extorts Victims

The ransom note left by the Knight Ransomware contains the demands of the attackers. It conveys that the perpetrators have successfully encrypted the essential files and documents. According to the contents of the message, the victim's sole recourse for regaining access to the data is to comply with the attackers' demands. More specifically, victims are told to make a payment of 5000 USD in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. Importantly, this ransom amount is non-negotiable, leaving no room for discussion.

Once the payment has been completed, victims are given explicit instructions to establish contact with the cybercriminals and provide concrete evidence of the transaction. Additionally, the threat's ransom note serves as a stark warning. Should the victim fail to fulfill the ransom requirements within four days, the perpetrators threaten to take further actions by stating that they might sell business-related information stolen from the compromised system.

The complexity of the encryption implemented by the ransomware usually renders the decryption process impossible without direct intervention from the attackers. This fact underscores the control they wield over the victim's data.

It's crucial to acknowledge that, regrettably, there have been numerous instances where victims, despite meeting the ransom demands, have not received the promised decryption tools. This means that paying the ransom offers no guarantee of data recovery. Furthermore, opting to pay the ransom inadvertently supports the criminal enterprise responsible for the ransomware, perpetuating its activities. It's also worth noting that while removing the Knight Ransomware from the operating system will prevent further data from being encrypted, it does not provide a solution for the files that have already been locked.

Implement Sufficient Security Measures on Your Devices

Users can take several effective security measures to protect themselves against ransomware infections and minimize the potential impact of such attacks:

• Regular Backups: Regularly back up essential files and data to an offline or cloud-based storage solution. This ensures that even if your files are enciphered by ransomware, you can restore them from a backup without paying the ransom.
•  Up-to-Date Software: Keep your operating system, applications, and security software up to date. Software updates often include patches that address known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by ransomware.
•  Security Software: Install reputable and updated anti-malware software. These programs can help detect and prevent ransomware infections.
•  Email and Downloads: Be cautious when opening email attachments, especially if they're from unknown sources. Avoid downloading files from untrusted websites or opening suspicious links.
•  User Privileges: Limit user privileges and avoid using an account with administrator rights for everyday tasks. This can prevent ransomware from gaining access to critical system areas.
•  Firewall: Enable and regularly update your firewall to manage incoming and outgoing network traffic and stop suspicious activities.
•  Disable Macros: Disable macros in documents, as ransomware may spread through malicious macros in documents like Word or Excel files.
•  Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA wherever possible, especially for critical accounts and systems. This makes it more difficult for unauthorized access to occur.

B executing a combination of these security measures, users can shorten the risk of falling victim to ransomware attacks and safeguard their valuable data and systems significantly.

The full text of the ransom note left to the victims of the Knight Ransomware is:

'All your documents, company files, images, etc (and there are a lot of company data) have been encrypted and the extension has been changed to .knight_l .

The recovery is only possible with our help.
US $5000 in Bitcoin is the price for restoring all of your data. This is the average monthly wage for 1 employee in your company. So don't even think about negotiating. That would only be a waste of time and you will be ignored.

Send the Bitcoin to this wallet:14JJfrWQbud8c8KECHyc9jM6dammyjUb3Z (This is your only payment address, please don't pay BTC to other than this or you won't be able to get it decrypted!)

After completing the Bitcoin transaction, send an email at: - (Download and install TOR Browser (hxxps://www.torproject.org/).[If you don't know how to use it, do a Google search!]).You will get an answer as soon as possible.

I expect a message from you with the transfer of BTC Confirmation (TXID). So we can move forward to decrypt all your data. TXID is very important because it will help us identify your payment and connect it to your encrypted data.Do not use that I am here to waste mine or your time.

How to buy the BTC?

hxxps://www.binance.com/en/how-to-buy/bitcoin

hxxps://www.coinbase.com/how-to-buy/bitcoin

Note:

Your data are uploaded to our servers before being encrypted,

Everything related to your business (customer data, POS Data, documents related to your orders and delivery, and others).

If you do not contact us and do not confirm the payment within 4 days, we will move forward and will announce the sales of the extracted data.

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