Faust Ransomware is a New Phobos Clone Designed to Encrypt Files & Demand a Ransom

Security researchers discovered a new variant of the Phobos ransomware. The new version is called the Faust ransomware.

Faust behaves like most Phobos clones. It encrypts the victim system, making files useless and scrambled. Once encrypted, files receive a complex long extension that consists of the victim ID code, the email used by the hackers and the ".faust" string.

This will turn a file formerly named "document.txt" into "document.txt.id[victimID].[gardex_recofast@zohomail.eu].faust".

The encryption process will affect most file types, including media files, documents, archives and databases.

Once the ransomware finishes encrypting the system, it displays a file named "info.hta" inside a pop-up window and drops an extra ransom note inside "info.txt". The pop-up contains the more complete version of the ransom note and reads as follows:

All your files have been encrypted!

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail gardex_recofast@zohomail.eu
Write this ID in the title of your message -
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail:annawong at onionmail dot org
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.

Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.