What is Checkmate Ransomware?

The Checkmate Ransomware is a malware threat that can cause huge damage to the computers it infects. The Checkmate Ransomware enciphers the victims' files with an uncrackable cryptographic algorithm. Then, the Checkmate Ransomware demands the payment of a ransom if the victims want to recover their data.

As soon as the Checkmate Ransomware is inside the victims' computers, it will start its encryption process. After encrypting all targeted files, Checkmate Ransomware will display its ransom note inside a new window. The ransom note will instruct the victims to pay 15,000 USD, which should be sent to a Bitcoin wallet. It also informs the email address that should be used to contact the attackers, as well as the unique ID assigned to the victims, and offers to decrypt 3 files, which should be no more than 15 mb each and should be sent to a Telegram account, hxxps://t.me/checkmate_team.

The high amount asked as a ransom is not common and the Checkmate Ransomware doesn't belong to any of the already known ransomware families. However, due to the damage it can cause to computer users and their machines, the Checkmate Ransomware should be removed from the infected machine as soon as it is detected and the victims should use an updated and powerful anti-malware tool.

The ransom note displayed in the Checkmate Ransomware's window states:

'You was hacked by CHECKMATE team.
All your data has been encrypted, backups have been deleted.
Your unique ID: -
You can restore the data by paying us money.
We have encrypted - office files.
We determine the amount of the ransom from the number of encrypted office files.
The cost of decryption is 15000 USD.
Payment is made to a unique bitcoin wallet.
Before paying, you will be able to make sure that we can actually decrypt your files.
For this:
1) Download and install Telegram Messenger hxxps://telegram.org/
2) Find us hxxps://t.me/checkmate_team
3) Send a message with your unique ID and 3 files for test decryption. Files should be no more than 15mb each.
4) In response, we will send the decrypted files and a bitcoin wallet for payment. Bitcoin wallet is unique for you, so we can find out what you paid.
5) After the payment is received, we will send you the key and the decryption program.'