SchrodingerCat Ransomware
Researchers are cautioning users about a newly identified malware dubbed SchrodingerCat, which falls under the category of ransomware. This particular threat is engineered to encrypt the data stored on the devices of its victims and subsequently demands ransom payments for the alleged decryption of the encrypted data.
Upon activation on compromised devices, SchrodingerCat encrypts files and alters their filenames by appending a '.schrodingercat' extension. For example, a file named initially '1.png' would be transformed into '1.png.schrodingercat,' while '2.pdf' would become '2.pdf.schrodingercat,' and so forth.
Following the encryption process, SchrodingerCat generates a ransom note named 'how_to_back_files.html.' Upon investigation, it was revealed that this ransomware primarily targets large organizations rather than individual home users. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that SchrodingerCat is a variant belonging to the Globe Imposter Ransomware family.
Victims of the SchrodingerCat Ransomware Lose Access to Important Files and Data
The ransom message issued by SchrodingerCat outlines the compromise of the victim's corporate network, highlighting that files stored within it have been encrypted. The note specifies that the only way to restore access to the locked data is through the acquisition of a decryptor priced at 0.15 BTC (Bitcoin cryptocurrency). At the time of writing, this equates to close to ten thousand USD, bearing in mind the constantly fluctuating exchange rates.
Detailing the consequences of non-compliance, the note advises against involving middlemen and suggests direct communication with the attackers. Refusal to pay the ransom prompts cyber criminals to threaten the auctioning or leaking of sensitive data stolen from the network. Furthermore, the criminals may reach out to the victim's clients, offering them the opportunity to purchase their compromised information.
Researchers emphasize the typical impossibility of decrypting data affected by ransomware without the involvement of the attackers. Even if ransom demands are met, victims frequently do not get the promised decryption keys or software. Hence, it is strongly discouraged to pay the ransom, as data recovery is not guaranteed, and succumbing to demands perpetuates criminal activity.
To halt further encryptions by the SchrodingerCat Ransomware, it must be eradicated from the operating system. However, it's crucial to note that removal will not restore the integrity of already affected files.
Don't Take Chances with the Safety of Your Devices and Data
Users can enhance the defense of their devices and data against malware and ransomware threats through several proactive measures:
- Use Reliable Security Software: Install reputable anti-malware software on all devices. Ensure that your programs are regularly updated to detect and mitigate the latest threats.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update operating systems, software applications, and firmware to patch security vulnerabilities. Many malware exploits known vulnerabilities, so staying updated helps minimize risks.
- Be Careful with Email Attachments and Links: Be cautious when dealing with links or email attachments, especially from unknown or suspicious senders. Verify the authenticity of emails and avoid downloading attachments or clicking on links from sources that seem dubious.
- Enable Firewall Protection: Activate and configure firewalls on devices and networks to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic. Firewalls are used as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, helping to block unauthorized access and malicious activities.
- Set up Strong Passwords and Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): Use unbreakable and unique passwords for all accounts and devices. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible, which expands security by requiring additional verification beyond just a password.
- Backup Data Regularly: Regularly back up important data to external storage devices or cloud-based services. In the event of a malware infection or ransomware attack, having backups ensures that data can be restored without having to pay a ransom.
- Limit User Privileges: Restrict user privileges on devices and networks to only what is necessary for their job functions. This limits the potential impact of malware by reducing the access attackers have to sensitive data and system resources.
- Implement Network Segmentation: Segment networks into smaller, isolated sections to contain and mitigate the spread of malware. This helps prevent lateral movement within the network and limits the damage caused by an infection.
- Stay Informed and Vigilant: Stay informed about emerging threats and security best practices through reputable sources such as security blogs, forums, and news outlets.
The note demanding a ransom generated by SchrodingerCat Ransomware is:
'YOUR PERSONAL ID
ENGLISH
YOUR CORPORATE NETWORK LOCKED!
ALL YOUR IMPORTANT DATA HAS BEEN ENCRYPTED.
TO RESTORE FILES YOU WILL NEED A DECRYPTOR!
To get the decryptor you should:
Pay for decrypt your network - 0.15 BTC
Buy BTC on one of these sites
hxxps://binance.com
hxxps://www.coinbase.com
Any site you trust
Bitcoin Wallet: 3Pvn*************MLA5
Our contacts:
email: yourdatahelp@seznam.cz
ToxID: CA04B61C320C50D12A2C1B95B5062474B5C00B995B588D0B3781DC052CBF9A354CD10F96C84D
You can download TOXChat here : hxxps://tox.chat/download.html
The message must contain your Personal ID! it is at top of this document.
HOW IT WORKS.
If you need a decrypter or return information, please contact us directly ! The guarantee of successful deals is only a direct contact! Don't shy... It's just business for us and we are always ready for polite and mutually beneficial communication.
What's problem with intermediaries?!
Very often intermediaries take money for themselves, it looks something like this: You turn to an intermediary for help, who promises you huge discounts and professional solutions to problems. Afterwards, intermediary contacts us to conduct a decrypt test, receives decrypted files, and then asks you to transfer money to a wallet not related to us. Having received money, intermediary assures client in every possible way that he did not receive decrypter or simply disappears with money. REMEMBER! - We only have wallet that is indicated in this html (first and last 4 characters) When transferring money to any other wallet, you are not transferring it to us.
deception using various Universal Decryptors for 30% of cost or at a fixed price has become very common. With beautiful pictures or enticing videos on YouTube, where they will show you how it works "Universal Software" - which in reality does not work, but is a Trojan for stealing bitcoin or another cryptolocker, before installing something like that - test it on an isolated network computer and you can see that it is useless. Globeimposter 2.0 namely, this is what you see on your network 🙂 can't be deciphered by anything! Besides original key... only one who created Build has key!- this is us. Contact real professionals like - hxxps://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/, or any large anti-virus companies - - they can tell you all horror of situation.
Considering above, we reserve right to request KYC confirmation. For example, send us a message from your corporate email on behalf of Company Director or IT department. We know their original emails - since we carefully study network before work 🙂 By contacting directly, you can count on a friendly conversation, a business-like approach... and possibly a good discount (discount depends on many circumstances, size of company,size of ransom, our checks of your accounting, phase of the Moon, etc.)
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T PAY
In case of non-payment, we organize an auction on various sites in DarkNet and try to sell files leaked from your network to interested parties.
Next, we use mail + any other contacts of your clients, and notify them of what happened, perhaps they will be interested so that information does not get into public domain and will be ready to buy out information separately.
-If there are no willing to buy, we simply publish everything that we have in the public resources.
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