ransom note Archives

Winsage

February 27, 2025

LCRYX Ransomware Attacks Windows Machines by Blocking Registry Editor and Task Manager

LCRYX ransomware, a VBScript-based threat, re-emerged in February 2025 after first appearing in November 2024. It encrypts files with the .lcryx extension and demands a ransom of 0 in Bitcoin for decryption. The ransomware operates with administrative privileges, disables essential system tools like Task Manager and Command Prompt, and restricts access to the Control Panel. It prevents the execution of diagnostic tools and disables inactivity timeouts. LCRYX ensures persistence by modifying registry settings and remapping keyboard keys. It uses a combination of Caesar cipher and XOR encryption techniques, eliminates backups, and makes recovery nearly impossible. The malware terminates essential processes, overwrites the Master Boot Record, and disables real-time monitoring features of antivirus solutions. After encryption, it generates a ransom note directing victims to a payment website. Some variants display pop-ups revealing the victim’s IP address or launch unrelated applications. Users are advised to implement comprehensive security solutions and maintain regular backups.

Winsage

October 21, 2024

Beast Ransomware Attacking Windows, Linux, And ESXi Systems

Ransomware groups, such as Beast ransomware, have become significant threats in cybersecurity, utilizing advanced malware to encrypt data and demand ransoms. Beast ransomware, identified by Cybereason, has been active since 2022 and can target Windows, Linux, and ESXi operating systems. Originally developed in Delphi, it now uses C and Go. The ransomware employs elliptic-curve and ChaCha20 encryption techniques, features multithreaded file encryption, process termination, and shadow copy deletion on Windows. For Linux and ESXi, it offers customizable encryption paths and VM shutdown options. It spreads through phishing emails, compromised RDP endpoints, and SMB network scans, exploiting the RstrtMgr.dll for file access manipulation. Recent enhancements include an offline builder for configuring builds across various systems. The attack sequence starts with shadow copy deletion via a WMI query, followed by efficient file encryption targeting various file formats. A ransom note is placed in each affected directory, and users can access the ransomware's GUI during encryption. Recommendations to mitigate risks include tracking affiliates, promoting multi-factor authentication, enabling anti-malware solutions, implementing anti-ransomware measures, ensuring regular system patching, and backing up files.