PyL33T Ransomware
Threat Scorecard
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| Threat Level: | 80 % (High) |
| Infected Computers: | 21 |
| First Seen: | February 23, 2017 |
| Last Seen: | June 25, 2021 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The PyL33T Ransomware is an encryption ransomware Trojan that is used to encrypt the victims' files and then demand the payment of a ransom. Encryption ransomware Trojans represent a significant threat to computer users because they will compromise the victims' files. Even after the Unlock26 Ransomware PyL33T Ransomware itself is removed, the victim's files will remain inaccessible because of the PyL33T Ransomware's strong encryption method. Because of this, it is essential to take preventive measures to limit the potential damage of a PyL33T Ransomware infection.
Table of Contents
The PyL33T Ransomware is After Your Money
PC security researchers first uncovered the PyL33T Ransomware by analyzing a threat uploaded to an online anti-virus platform. Malware authors will often use these online anti-virus scanners to test their creations to gauge whether anti-virus programs will detect the threat at different stages of the development cycle. The PyL33T Ransomware's attack, in particular, seems to be designed to target high-level targets such as Web servers, data banks and corporate networks. An analysis of the PyL33T Ransomware's code reveals that the PyL33T Ransomware is written in Python, which allows it to be highly flexible through the use of different modules. The PyL33T Ransomware can be adapted for different types of attacks easily. Encryption ransomware Trojans written using Python are not very common, although there are several such as Zimbra and HolyCrypt.
The PyL33T Ransomware is Still Under Development
At the time of writing, new versions of the PyL33T Ransomware are being uploaded to anti-virus scanners daily, making it likely that the PyL33T Ransomware is still under development. The most common way in which threats like the PyL33T Ransomware are distributed is through the use of corrupted email attachments contained or targeted phishing emails (the latter being more likely due to the intended targets of the Unlock26 Ransomware PyL33T Ransomware attack.) Although the PyL33T Ransomware is still under development, the PyL33T Ransomware already carries out an effective ransomware attack capable of compromising its victims' files completely. The PyL33T Ransomware uses a combination of the RSA and AES encryption to make the victim's files completely inaccessible. This is a tactic that is seen in the vast majority of encryption ransomware Trojans, which results in files that become completely inaccessible without access to the decryption key. The PyL33T Ransomware works in the background silently without alerting the victim of the attack. Although it is likely that the blow list will expand, in its current form the PyL33T Ransomware will target the following file types in its infection process:
.doc, .docx, .ppt, .pub, .pdf, .xlsx, .mp3, .mov, .mp4, .docm, .oma, .html, .jpg, .JPEG, .php, .html, .sql, .7z, .css, .raw, .odb, .odc, .pptx, .dba, .wallet, .kbdx.
Since the PyL33T Ransomware is still under development clearly, it is likely that new features will be added to the attack. In its current form, the files encrypted by the PyL33T Ransomware will be identified with the extension '.d4nk,' which is added to the end of each file name. These file extensions may change, depending on the branding used in the ransom note. The PyL33T Ransomware encrypts the files completely, rather than partially as other ransomware Trojans, and will probably be adapted to include a ransom note and connections to a payment website.
Dealing With the PyL33T Ransomware
Unfortunately, the files encrypted by ransomware Trojans like the PyL33T Ransomware become completely inaccessible. Because of this, computer users are advised to take preventive measures to limit the damage after an attack. The most effective way of countering the effects of the PyL33T Ransomware and other ransomware Trojans is to have backup copies of all files. Being able to recover the affected files by restoring them from a backup allows computer users to recover quickly and gives them the liberty to ignore the ransom demands of the Unlock26 Ransomware PyL33T Ransomware infection completely. Apart from file backups, computer users also are advised to use a security program to protect their computers and intercept any possible infiltration by threats like the PyL33T Ransomware.
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