RA Group Ransomware

The RA Group Ransomware targets organizations by encrypting a significant amount of essential data. The threat also modifies the original names of the impacted files. Each attack carried out by the RA Group may involve a unique ransom note, typically named 'How To Restore Your Files.txt,' which is likely to be specifically crafted for the targeted company or organization. Similarly, the RA Group may also append a different extension to the filenames of encrypted files for each different victim.

In one confirmed instance, the RA Group Ransomware added the '.GAGUP' extension to the encrypted files. Notably, the RA Group threat is known for utilizing an encryption process based on the leaked source code of the notorious Babuk Ransomware threat. Babuk, a ransomware operation that ceased its activities in 2021, served as the foundation for the development of the RA Group's encryption techniques.

The RA Group Ransomware Poses a Serious Danger to Victims Data

The ransom note, addressed to the victims of the RA Group Ransomware, delivers a clear message that their data has been encrypted. In addition, the cybercriminals claim to have exfiltrated copies of all the compromised data to their server, effectively making the attack a double-extortion operation. Such methods ensure that the victims will comply with the attackers' demands.

The note goes on to provide an explanation of the situation, emphasizing that the attackers have taken the victims' data and encrypted their servers. It assures the victims that the encrypted files can be decrypted, implying that there is a possibility of recovering their data. Furthermore, the note states that once the attackers' requirements are met, the saved data will be permanently deleted. It also lists the various types of data that the attackers have accessed during the breach.

To initiate the decryption process, the victims are instructed to establish contact with the attackers and make a ransom payment. The preferred method of communication specified in the note is through qTox, and a specific qTox ID is provided to the victims. The note explicitly warns against contacting the attackers through other intermediary companies, suggesting that the attackers are solely interested in profiting from the situation and discouraging any third-party involvement.

In terms of consequences for non-compliance, the ransom note indicates that if no contact is established within three days, the attackers will make sample files public as a means of pressuring the victims. Furthermore, if the victims still fail to establish contact within seven days, the note threatens to release all the encrypted files publicly. To access additional information, the victims are advised to use the Tor Browser, which is known for its anonymity features.

Take a Serious Approach Towards the Safety of Your Devices and Data

Users can adopt several measures to protect their devices and data against ransomware infections effectively. Firstly, maintaining up-to-date and robust security software on their devices is crucial. This includes using reliable anti-malware software that can detect and block ransomware threats. Additionally, keeping the operating system, applications, and firmware updated with the newest security patches and updates is essential to address any vulnerabilities that ransomware may exploit.

Another fundamental measure is to exercise caution and vigilance while browsing the Internet and opening email attachments. Users should be wary of suspicious emails, links, or attachments from unknown sources, as these can often serve as entry points for ransomware infections. It is advisable to check the authenticity of emails and attachments before interacting with them, especially if they seem unusual or unexpected.

Regularly backing up relevant data is a crucial aspect of ransomware protection. Creating offline backups of necessary files and storing them on separate devices or cloud storage solutions helps to make sure that data can be recuperated in the event of a ransomware attack. It is important to maintain multiple copies of backups and ensure they are stored securely to prevent unauthorized access.

Enabling additional security measures such as firewall protection, intrusion detection systems, and restricting user privileges can create an extra layer of defense against ransomware. Implementing strong, exclusive passwords and enabling two-factor authentication can help prevent unauthorized access to devices and accounts.

The text of the ransom note dropped by RA Group Ransomware is:

'# RA Group

----

## Notification

Your data has been encrypted when you read this letter.

We have copied all data to our server.

But don't worry, your data will not be compromised or made public if you do what I want.

## What did we do?

We took your data and encrypted your servers, encrypted files can be decrypted.

We had saved your data properly, we will delete the saved data if you meet our requirements.

We took the following data:

Documents

supplier information

customer Information, Payment Information

employee Information, Payroll

accounting

sales tax

financial Statements

financial annual report, quarterly report

CONTRACT

business Plan

contract

invoices

vtex info

employee internal email backup

## What we want?

Contact us, pay for decryption.

## How contact us?

We use qTox to contact, you can get more information from qTox office website:

hxxps://qtox.github.io

Our qTox ID is:

7B7AC445617DAF85ABDCF35595030D4A62F1662BF284A6AE92466DF179AE6557795AC1E5BA06

We have no other contact.

If there is no contact within 3 days, we will make sample files public.

If there is no contact within 7 days, we will make the file public.

## Recommend

Do not contact us through other companies, they just earn the difference.

## Information release

Sample files:

All files:

You can use Tor Browser to open .onion url.

Ger more information from Tor office webshite:

hxxps://www.torproject.org'