Reads Ransomware

The Reads Ransomware is a new malware variant belonging to the MedusaLocker family. Although it doesn't exhibit any meaningful improvements over the rest of the threats from the infamous MedusaLocker Ransomware family, Reads Ransomware's ability to cause damage should not be underestimated. If the threat is deployed onto a targeted computer successfully, it will render nearly all of the files stored there inaccessible and unusable. It achieves its nefarious goals via a strong encryption algorithm.

Whenever a file is encrypted, its original name also will be modified. The threat appends '.reads' as a new file extension. Then, in a typical ransomware fashion, it will drop a ransom note its instructions for its victims.

Ransom Note's Overview

The lengthy note delivered by the Reads Ransomware states that a combination of the RSA and AES algorithms was used in the encryption process. Users who wish to restore their data will have to pay a certain ransom amount to receive the necessary decryption key from the attackers. Furthermore, the hackers claim that they also have been able to collect highly sensitive data from the breached computers. The obtained information is being stored on a remote server and will be either sold or released to the public for free if the demands of the cybercriminals are not met.

The note doesn't reveal the exact amount of the ransom. To get additional details, victims are expected to contact the hackers by visiting their dedicated website hosted on the .onion network. As an alternative option, two email addresses also are provided - 'help_24_decr1@outlook.com' and 'help_24_decr2@outlook.com.' Users can attach up to 3 locked files to their message that will then supposedly be decrypted for free and sent back.

The full text of the note is:

'YOUR PERSONAL ID:

/!\ YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED /!\
All your important files have been encrypted!

Your files are safe! Only modified. (RSA+AES)

ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE
WILL PERMANENTLY CORRUPT IT.
DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES.
DO NOT RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES.

No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to
solve your problem.

We gathered highly confidential/personal data. These data are currently stored on
a private server. This server will be immediately destroyed after your payment.
If you decide to not pay, we will release your data to public or re-seller.
So you can expect your data to be publicly available in the near future..

We only seek money and our goal is not to damage your reputation or prevent
your business from running.

You will can send us 2-3 non-important files and we will decrypt it for free
to prove we are able to give your files back.

Contact us for price and get decryption software.

.onion

Note that this server is available via Tor browser only
Follow the instructions to open the link:

Type the addres "hxxps://www.torproject.org" in your Internet browser. It opens the Tor site.

Press "Download Tor", then press "Download Tor Browser Bundle", install and run it.

Now you have Tor browser. In the Tor Browser open qd7pcafncosqfqu3ha6fcx4h6sr7tzwagzpcdcnytiw3b6varaeqv5yd.onion

Start a chat and follow the further instructions.

If you can not use the above link, use the email:
help_24_decr1@outlook.com
help_24_decr2@outlook.com

To contact us, create a new free email account on the site: protonmail.com
IF YOU DON'T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.'