BrightNight Ransomware Will Lock Most of Your Files

BrightNight is a type of malicious software that encrypts data and requires payment to decrypt it. This behavior classifies it as ransomware.

When we tested a sample of BrightNight on our system, it encrypted files and changed their names. The attackers added their email, a unique victim ID, and the ".BrightNight" extension to the original file names. For example, a file named "1.jpg" was changed to "1.jpg.[Tpyrcne@onionmail.org][DB6A761A].BrightNight".

After the encryption process was complete, a message called "README.txt" appeared on the desktop demanding payment as ransom. The message from BrightNight ransomware informs the victim that their files have been encrypted, and urges them to contact the attackers to decrypt the inaccessible data.

BrightNight Ransom Note Uses Onion Mail for Contact

The full text of the very brief ransom note produced by the BrightNight ransomware reads as follows:

!!!All of your files are encrypted!!!

To decrypt them send e-mail to this address: Tpyrcne@onionmail.org

In case of no answer in 24h, send e-mail to this address: Tpyrcne@cyberfear.com

Your System Key -

Why Should You Never Play Along and Pay Hackers Ransom Money?

Paying ransom money to hackers is never a good idea for several reasons:

• No guarantee of data recovery: There is no guarantee that paying the ransom will result in the recovery of your data. In fact, many victims who pay the ransom do not receive the promised decryption key and remain locked out of their data.
• Encourages criminal activity: Paying the ransom encourages hackers to continue with their criminal activities, as they see that there is a financial incentive to do so. This only leads to more victims and more attacks.
• Funding illegal activities: Paying ransom money can potentially fund other illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorism, as there is no way to know where the money is going.
• Violates the law: In many jurisdictions, paying a ransom is illegal, and individuals who do so may face legal consequences.
• Increases the likelihood of future attacks: If hackers are successful in extorting money from victims, they are more likely to target them again in the future, or spread the word to other cybercriminals that the victim is willing to pay ransom.

In summary, paying ransom money to hackers is never a good idea. It does not guarantee the recovery of your data, encourages criminal activity, funds illegal activities, violates the law, and increases the likelihood of future attacks. It is better to take preventive measures to avoid being a victim of ransomware attacks in the first place, and to have a reliable backup system to recover data if necessary.