Null Ransomware

The Null Ransomware is an encryption ransomware Trojan. What this means is that the Null Ransomware is designed to encrypt the victim's files using a strong encryption method. This makes the affected files inaccessible, taking them hostage effectively. Once the Null Ransomware finishes encrypting the targeted files, it demands the payment of a ransom in exchange for decrypting the victim's files. The Null Ransomware was first observed on August 15, 2017, uploaded to an online anti-virus platform. It is clear that the Null Ransomware is still in a development stage, but in its final version, it is likely that the Null Ransomware will be capable of carrying out devastating ransomware attacks. The Null Ransomware may be delivered to victims through the use of spam messages on email and social media, often including corrupted links or file attachments that download and install the Null Ransomware on the victim's PC when opened or clicked on.

How the Null Ransomware is Used to Attack Your PC

Once the Null Ransomware is installed on the victim's computer, it searches all local memory devices and network shared directories for files to encrypt. The Null Ransomware targets the files generated by the user and avoids the files necessary for the operating system to function. The Null Ransomware runs as 'strix.exe,' although it is likely that different versions of the Null Ransomware will use different file names in newer versions. The attack carried out by the Null Ransomware is typical of these attacks, and there is very little that makes the Null Ransomware different from many other encryption ransomware Trojans that are active currently. In its attack, the Null Ransomware will encrypt the victim's files and then deliver a ransom note demanding the payment of a ransom for recovering the files. The Null Ransomware will mark the files encrypted by the attack by adding the file extension '.null' to the end of the encrypted file's name.

The Null Ransomware’s Ransom Demands

The Null Ransomware will demand payment of a ransom after encrypting the victim's files using a strong encryption algorithm. These ransom amounts vary wildly, with some Trojans demanding payment of 50 USD approximately and others demanding thousands of dollars to recover from the attack. After encrypting the victim's files, the Null Ransomware displays the following text inside a program window that pops up on the infected PC:

'[What happened to my PC|tab] [Encrypted Files|tab] [How do i recover my files?|tab] [How do i send bitcoins|tab] [What is AES 256?|tab]
Your files are encrypted with AES-256! it is impossible to recover your files without our decryption services and this programm. It's recommended that you turn off your antivirussoftware now because it may remove this programm.
Payment details
Bitcoin address [RANDOM CHARACTERS]
[Check payment|button]'

Computer users must avoid contacting the people responsible for the Null Ransomware or paying the ransom associated with this attack. Instead, they should take steps to protect their data preemptively.

Protecting Your Data from Threats Like the Null Ransomware

To protect your data from the Null Ransomware, you should have a reliable backup system. This is because even if the Null Ransomware is removed with a security program, the files that the Null Ransomware encrypts remain affected and inaccessible after the attack. Having file backups on places that the threat can reach is the best protection against the Null Ransomware because it gives computer users the option of restoring their files. This also undoes the strategy used by these people completely since they no longer hold any power over the victim that would enable them to demand a ransom payment. Apart from file backups, a reliable security program that is fully up-to-date should be in place. It is also essential to avoid infections by learning to recognize the tactics that are used to distribute threats like the Null Ransomware, such as email and social media spam.