BlackSkull Ransomware Holds Data Hostage
Our research team identified the BlackSkull ransomware during a review of new file samples. This malicious software encrypts data and demands payment in exchange for decryption.
Upon testing a sample of BlackSkull on our lab system, we observed that it encrypted files and appended a ".BlackSkull" extension to their filenames. For instance, a file originally named "1.jpg" would become "1.jpg.BlackSkull", and "2.png" would become "2.png.BlackSkull", and so forth for all affected files.
Upon completing the encryption process, BlackSkull altered the desktop wallpaper and generated two ransom notes: a pop-up window and an HTML file titled "Recover_Your_Files.html". The HTML note notifies the victim that their data has been encrypted and directs them to pay a ransom of 200 USD in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. The pop-up provides additional details about the infection, emphasizing that only the attackers possess the means to decrypt the files. The victim is given a two-day deadline to pay the ransom, with a warning that failure to meet it will result in either a doubled ransom amount or the supposed destruction of the device.
BlackSkull Ransom Note Asks for $200 in Bitcoin
The complete text of the note generated by BlackSkull reads as follows:
BlackSkull Ransomware
Ooops, Your Files Have Been Encrypted !!!
What Happened To My Computer?
your important files are encrypted.
many of your documents, photos, videos, and other files are no longer accessible because they have been encrypted. maybe you are busy looking way to recover your files, but do not waste your time. nobody can recover your files without our decryption service.Can I Recover My Files?
sure we guarantee that you can recover all your files safely and easily.
but you have not so enough time.
if you need to decrypt your files, yo need to pay.
you only have 2 days to submit the payment.
after that the price will be doubled or your files and computer will be destroyedHow Do I Pay?
payment is accepted in bitcoin only. for more information click
check the current price of bitcoin and buy some bitcoin. for more information,
click
and send correct amount to the address below
after your payment, click to to decrypt your filesSend $200 Worth Of Bitcoin To This Address
39g9nRoWSjakg8uYfFrEQLjUPwQQRVPXDc
How Can Ransomware Infiltrate Your System?
Ransomware can infiltrate your system through various means, including:
Phishing Emails: One of the most common methods is through phishing emails. Attackers send emails containing malicious attachments or links. When users click on these links or download and open the attachments, the ransomware gets installed on their system.
Malicious Websites: Visiting compromised or malicious websites can also lead to ransomware infections. These websites may contain exploit kits that exploit vulnerabilities in your browser or plugins to download and execute ransomware on your system without your knowledge.
Exploiting Software Vulnerabilities: Ransomware creators often exploit vulnerabilities in software to gain access to systems. This can happen if you haven't updated your software with the latest security patches.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): Attackers can brute-force or guess weak passwords to gain access to systems via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Once inside, they can deploy ransomware directly onto the system.
Drive-by Downloads: Drive-by downloads occur when malware is automatically downloaded and installed on your system without your consent while visiting a compromised website. This can happen through malicious scripts or exploit kits.
Malvertising: Malicious advertisements, or malvertisements, can lead users to websites hosting ransomware or trigger automatic downloads of ransomware onto their systems.
USB Drives and External Devices: Ransomware can spread through infected USB drives or other external devices that are connected to your system. If you plug in an infected USB drive, the ransomware may execute automatically.
