AnarchyRansom Ransomware Jumps Into The Threat Landscape

A Closer Look at AnarchyRansom

AnarchyRansom is a ransomware strain that is classified as ransomware. AnarchyRansom behaves like most in its class—it encrypts files on an affected system and requires payment from victims in exchange for the decryption key.

Once it infiltrates a device, AnarchyRansom appends a ".ENCRYPTED" extension to all affected files, making them inaccessible. For instance, a file named "photo.jpg" becomes "photo.jpg.ENCRYPTED." In addition to encrypting files, the malware alters the desktop wallpaper and places a ransom note titled "READ-ME!.txt" on the system, both of which contain an identical message.

The Ransom Message and Its Tactics

The message left by AnarchyRansom informs victims that their documents, images, and databases have been locked using encryption. It strongly warns against using third-party tools to try to decrypt the files, threatening that such attempts could cause permanent data loss. Interestingly, the attackers offer a "free trial" of their decryption service, allowing two files to be decrypted at no cost—a tactic intended to build false trust.

Despite this deceptive assurance, cybersecurity experts warn that paying the ransom offers no guarantee of recovering lost data. In many cases, victims who pay never receive a decryption tool. The money instead fuels further criminal activity, making payment both risky and ethically questionable.

Here's exactly what the ransom note says:

ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS PHOTOS DATABASES
AND OTHER IMPORTANT FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED!
Your files are NOT damaged! Your files are modified only.
This modification is reversible.

WARNING!!!!!

Any attempts to restore your files with third-party software
WILL corrupt your files!

The only way to decrypt your files is to
receive the private key and decryption program.
To prove decryption works, send no more than
2 files for us to decrypt for free.

Contact for payment: anarchyransom@proton.me

Understanding Ransomware Operations

Ransomware like AnarchyRansom exploits system vulnerabilities, encrypts critical files, and leverages that loss to extract money from victims. Depending on their level of sophistication and intended targets, these programs can use different types of encryption methods, including symmetric and asymmetric cryptography.

Ransom demands can vary dramatically, ranging from a few hundred dollars from individual users to several million from corporate or government entities. The scale of the demand often reflects the assumed wealth and urgency of the victim.

Common Infection Vectors

Ransomware commonly spreads using tactics rooted in social engineering. Cybercriminals disguise malware as legitimate software or media to trick users into opening and executing infected files. These files often come via spam emails, malicious websites, or fake updates, and can appear in various formats—documents, executables, compressed archives, and scripts.

Like many other ransomware programs, AnarchyRansom may also spread via backdoors or trojans, links in phishing messages, and shady websites offering pirated software or "cracked" programs. In some cases, the malware can even self-propagate through local networks or removable drives, compounding the threat.

Preventive Measures and Optimal Practices

Once ransomware like AnarchyRansom has encrypted files, recovery without a backup is unlikely. Experts emphasize that the removal of the malware does not restore encrypted data. Therefore, the best defense is a proactive one—regularly back up important files and store those backups in separate, secure locations. External drives, cloud storage, and offline backups are all essential elements of a robust data protection strategy.

In addition to maintaining backups, users should exercise caution when downloading files, especially from unfamiliar sources. Emails with unexpected attachments or links should be treated with suspicion. Using updated antivirus software and keeping the operating system and applications patched with the newest security updates is also critical in minimizing exposure to threats.

The Bigger Picture

AnarchyRansom is one of many ransomware strains making the rounds in the cybercriminal ecosystem. Others, like LockZ, Pres, and Lyrix, follow similar patterns: encrypt, demand, and extort. What sets each apart are its encryption algorithms, propagation methods, and target demographics.

As long as cybercriminals succeed in extorting payments, new variants will continue to emerge. This makes user awareness, cyber hygiene, and preparedness more important than ever. Organizations and individuals alike must treat cybersecurity as a priority—not an afterthought—to avoid becoming the next victim of digital extortion.