StupidJapan Ransomware
The StupidJapan Ransomware is ransomware Trojan that seems to be part of a prank. The StupidJapan Ransomware simply displays a lock screen, although there are many ransomware Trojans that use advanced tactics to make the victim's files inaccessible in exchange for a ransom, such as encrypting the victim's data. Since the StupidJapan Ransomware does not seem to demand a ransom payment explicitly, it is possible that the StupidJapan Ransomware does not even qualify as a ransomware Trojan technically. However, the StupidJapan Ransomware's related tactics are identical to those used by many ransomware Trojans virtually, and it would be relatively simple to adapt the StupidJapan Ransomware to carry out more advanced attacks.
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Symptoms of a StupidJapan Ransomware Infection
The StupidJapan Ransomware's name is quite accurate in noting what the StupidJapan Ransomware does, simply delivering a message calling Japan stupid. The StupidJapan Ransomware does not seem capable of encrypting the victims' data with its attack, unlike the more threatening ransomware Trojans that are being used to carry out these attacks currently. The StupidJapan Ransomware was first detected on December 7, 2018. The StupidJapan Ransomware's attack carries out what appears to be a joke, delivering a message to the victim's computer.
What is the Objective of the StupidJapan Ransomware and Similar Threats
The StupidJapan Ransomware is commonly delivered by bundling it with pirated software and bogus software downloaded online. Once the victim downloads or installs the program with which the StupidJapan Ransomware has been bundled, the StupidJapan Ransomware also will be installed. The StupidJapan Ransomware creates a new folder in the Temp directory on the infected computer. The StupidJapan Ransomware will then run on the infected computer. The StupidJapan Ransomware delivers a lock screen to the infected computer. The StupidJapan Ransomware delivers two versions of its lock screen, one aimed to Korean computer users and the other targeting computer users from Japan. The StupidJapan Ransomware lock screen takes up the victim's screen and prevents the victim from accessing other data or windows on the infected computer. The StupidJapan Ransomware lock screen is virtually identical to lock screens that have been linked to programs that trick computer users by claiming that 'Windows is Locked.' The StupidJapan Ransomware's lock screen contains the following, somewhat nonsensical text:
'Are You Stupid Japan?
Let's have yours.
The facts are being heard.
Do not regret it later and apologize quickly!
What to do.
Your personality will be known to the world as garbage.
I apologize to the Republic of Korea officially sorry!'
The victim is instrucked to contact the criminals via an email address that seems to be linked to a legitimate corporation that runs a known media player, and it is unlikely that this is legitimate contact information for the criminals responsible for the attack.
The Real Purpose of the StupidJapan Ransomware
Considering the purpose of the StupidJapan Ransomware attack, the extent of the text contained in the StupidJapan Ransomware 'ransom note' and the historical tension and rivalry between Korea and Japan, it is clear that the StupidJapan Ransomware Trojan is meant simply as a way to insult the victim and is little more than a prank. However, the StupidJapan Ransomware's distribution method and the way it carries out its attack indicate that it would take very little to weaponize the StupidJapan Ransomware and turn it into something more threatening, capable of taking the victim's data hostage or locking access to the infected computer in a more thorough manner. Because of this, PC security researchers strongly advise that computer users protect their data from threats like the StupidJapan Ransomware by using a security program that is fully up-to-date. Apart from the security application, PC security researchers strongly advise computer users to have file backups to be able to restore any data that could become compromised in these kinds of attacks.
