Threat Database Ransomware Protect Ransomware

Protect Ransomware

By GoldSparrow in Ransomware

Cybersecurity experts have detected a new ransomware threat that has been targeting users recently. The name of this new data-encrypting Trojan is the Protect Ransomware. File-locking Trojans are very common because any inexperienced cyber crooks can create one with the help of a ransomware building kit.

Propagation and Encryption

Most authors of ransomware threats use phishing emails to distribute their threatening creations. The emails are often crafted carefully, so they can trick the targets into launching the attachment on their systems. Usually, the message in the bogus email would state that there is an attached document that contains important information and thus needs to be reviewed as soon as possible. The users who follow the fake email's instructions and open the file will allow the threat to compromise their computers. Malvertising campaigns, bogus copies of popular applications, and torrent trackers are some other commonly utilized distribution techniques. When a device is compromised by a ransomware threat, its contents will be scanned. The Protect Ransomware aims at locking as many files as possible. This means that this data-locking Trojan is programmed to affect a large variety of file types - .doc, .docx, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .xls, .xlsx, .jpeg, .jpg, .png, .gif, .mp3, .mp4, .mov, .rar, etc. The threat would apply an encryption algorithm, which locks the targeted data securely. The locked files have changed names because the Protect Ransomware adds a new extension – '.protect.' For example, a file named 'pink-hare.mp4' will be renamed to 'pink-hare.mp4.protect' once the Protect Ransomware is done encrypting it.

The internet is filled with danger, including all manner of viruses, malware, and ransomware. The Protect Ransomware, also known as Hydra Ransomware, infects computers by encrypting files and creating a new file extension for them. The virus gets its name from how it changes the file extension to ".protect." For example, an image file called "Image.jpg" would become "Image.jpg.protect."

The Ransom Note

To inform the user about what has occurred on their systems, the Protect Ransomware drops a ransom note called '===__________HOW DECRYPT MY FILES__________===.txt' on the compromised computer. In the ransom note, the attackers claim to have used the AES-256 encryption algorithm to lock your data. The authors of the Protect Ransomware state that there is no way out of this unless the user pays for a decryption tool. Next, the attackers provide the user with instructions on how to get in touch with them and how to process the payment required. The creators of the Protect Ransomware give out their email address – ‘fixprotectvvv@protonmail.com.' There is no mention of the decryption fee, so it is likely that users will only be provided with the amount demanded once they contact the attackers.

The ransom note reads like the following:

Attention!

Your network has been compromised and all of your data has been encrytped by "Hydra Ransomware" team!
We used strong cryptography include 'Public Key Encryption' for your network and 'AES-256' for each file in order to encrypt your files.
The only way to restore your files is to buy decryptor!
* You must know the worst thing is happened now and you cannot hide our successful attack!
Understand if payment is not made on time. All your company data will be permanently destroyed.
Your backups has been fatal and it is just a waste of your precious time if going to try them!
* IF YOU UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION, FOLLOW THE RECOVERY INSTRUCTIONS BELOW
1. Copy your 'Network ID' and send to our email.
Network ID : V49HC7CQ
Email : fixprotectvvv@protonmail.com
2. You will receive a amount and payment order.
3. We will send you decryptor with private key to recovery your files.

* You can ask for 3 free file decryption as proof of work in the first correspondence!
* Time for save your files has limited to 48 hour (from first impact) before we delete our temporary email address!
* Data manipulation cause permanent loss of files!
* Sharing this note with third party or any community cause loss the your only recovery chance

The authors of the Protect Ransomware will promise to provide you with a decryption key as soon as you pay them the ransom fee required. However, more often than not, this is not the case, and many users have been tricked out of their money without receiving the decryption tool they paid for. This is why you should obtain a legitimate anti-virus software solution that will remove the Protect Ransomware from your PC.

A Ransomware By Any Other Name

Protect Ransomware is similar to other kinds of ransomware. Whether it be Sekhmet, FOOP, COVIDLocker, or something else, they are all designed to prevent their victims from accessing files. Ransomware works by encrypting information on a computer and demanding users pay a ransom to the attacker to get them back.

The two key differences between ransomware are the ransom amount and the encryption method. Unfortunately, one similar aspect between them all is that it is often impossible to restore lost files without the tools designed by the original ransomware creators. Sometimes cyber researchers can release free decryption tools if they find a flaw in the program, but this isn't always the case. The threat of ransomware and data loss is one of the more critical reasons to keep data backups.

How Does Protect Ransomware Infect Computers?

The most common way for ransomware to spread is through spam email campaigns. These emails have malicious attachments and links. When accessed, these attachments and links download files containing the virus. Malicious attachments include Microsoft Office documents, PDF documents, executable files, and archive files. Protect ransomware is installed when someone downloads and executes the attached file. Another standard infection method is the use of trojan viruses. A trojan virus is a kind of virus that contains other, more malicious viruses. Last but not least, infections spread through the use of pirated software. Outside of being illegal, the constant risk of infection is another important reason to avoid cracked and illegally downloaded software.

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