SANTA_CRYPT Ransomware
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
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Ranking: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
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See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Threat Level: | 100 % (High) |
| Infected Computers: | 15 |
| First Seen: | January 10, 2013 |
| Last Seen: | May 28, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The SANTA_CRYPT Ransomware is a crypto locker that has not been categorized as belonging to any pre-existing malware family. The SANTA_CRYPT Ransomware still adheres to the common formula for these threats - infiltrate the user's computer, lock nearly all of the stored files with an encryption algorithm, and demand a ransom in exchange for the restoration of the data. When the SANTA_CRYPT Ransomware encrypts a file, it modifies the original filename by appending '.$ANTA' as a new extension. The customary note with instructions to the victims is delivered as a text file named 'HOW_TO_RECOVER_MY_FILES.TXT.'
Opening the file reveals very few useful details. Affected users are told that the amount they will have to pay will be determined by the speed with which they establish contact with the hackers. For that purpose, the email address 'mail@mail.ru' is provided.
The SANTA_CRYPT Ransomware is the perfect example of why users dealing with the consequences of a ransomware attack should never panic and rush to meet the hackers' demands. Remaining calm and assessing the situation could yield some tremendous results since the files compromised by the SANTA_CRYPT Ransomware are actually decryptable. Victims of this specific ransomware threat are advised to contact the infosec researcher Michael Gillespie, who first discovered the SANTA_CRYPT Ransomware.
The full text of the ransom note delivered by the SANTA_CRYPT Ransomware is:
'!!!SANTA_CRYPT Ransomware!!!
Hello. All your files are encrypted. To decrypt your files - you must pay us.
Amount to pay depends on how fast you will email us.
Our email : mail@mail.ru
Good luck!'
