Mockba Ransomware

Ransomware creators do not seem to take a day off – a brand new file-encrypting Trojan has been spotted recently. Its name is the Mockba Ransomware. This appears to be a new ransomware family. Ransomware threats appear to be perceived as a low-risk, high-reward type of endeavor as more and more shady individuals develop and propagate various data-locking Trojans.

Propagation and Encryption

Most authors of ransomware tend to utilize spam email campaigns to spread their creations. The emails in question would often contain a macro-laced attachment that is carrying the threatening payload. Another trick used by ransomware creators is using fake pirated copies of popular applications to trick users into executing their threat. This is why malware experts warn against downloading any pirated software of media; it is just not worth the risk. The Mockba Ransomware looks for certain file types once it infiltrates a system. Like most ransomware threats, the Mockba Ransomware has a very long list of file types, which it targets. This includes .mp3, .jpeg, .mov, .docx, .pptx, .rar, .png (among countless others) files, which are highly likely to be present on any regular user’s system. Then, the selected files will undergo the encryption process of the Mockba Ransomware. This threat uses an encryption algorithm to lock all the targeted data. Once the Mockba Ransomware locks a file, it also alters its extension by adding ‘.mockba’ at the end of the filename. This means that an image file that was named ‘old-and-gold.jpeg’ will be renamed to ‘old-and-gold.jpeg.mockba’ when the encryption process is completed.

The Ransom Note

The threat will then drop a ransom note onto the victim’s desktop called ‘# HOW TO RECOVER YOUR DATA #.txt.’ Using all caps and special symbols is a common technique used by authors of ransomware. This way, they make it far less likely for the user to end up overlooking their ransom message as the file stands out more. In the note, the creators of the Mockba Ransomware ask for a hefty sum in return for the decryption key, which the user needs to recover their files. The note also provides the victim with an email address where they can receive further information – ‘petersburgrecover@protonmail.com.’

It is likely that this threat originates from Russia not only because the email address provided references to the Russian city Saint Petersburg, but also because when the name of the threat is spelled in all caps (a.k.a. MOCKBA), it reads as ‘MOSCOW’ in Russian. However, these are speculations, and there has been no definitive proof that the Mockba Ransomware has been a product of Russian hackers.

We would advise you against cooperating with the authors of the Mockba Ransomware, as there is no guarantee that you will be provided with the decryption key, which the attackers are promising. It is far safer to remove the Mockba Ransomware from your system using the help of a legitimate anti-virus application.