GoldenWolf42 Ransomware Asks for Payment Through PayPal
GoldenWolf42 is a type of ransomware that encrypts files, alters their names by appending the ".GoldenWolf42" extension, modifies the desktop wallpaper, and creates a file named "read_it.txt" that contains details on how to contact the attackers and pay the ransom. The GoldenWolf42 ransomware appears to have been developed based on the Chaos ransomware.
To illustrate how GoldenWolf42 changes file names, it substitutes "1.jpg" with "1.jpg.GoldenWolf42", "2.png" with "2.png.GoldenWolf42", and so on.
The ransom note left by the attackers is a message addressed to the victim of the ransomware attack. It claims that all of the victim's files have been encrypted and that the only way to recover them is to purchase a decryption tool from the attackers for £50. The attackers allow payment to be made via Bitcoin or PayPal and provide the necessary payment information, including a Bitcoin address and a PayPal link, in the ransom note.
GoldenWolf42 Ransom Note Includes PayPal Link
The full text of the GoldenWolf42 ransom note reads as follows:
All of your files have been encrypted
Your computer was infected with a ransomware virus. Your files have been encrypted and you won't
be able to decrypt them without our help. What can I do to get my files back? You can buy our special
decryption software, this software will allow you to recover all of your data and remove the
ransomware from your computer. The price for the software is £50 GBP. Payment can be made in Bitcoin, PayPal.
How do I pay, where do I get Bitcoin?
PayPal: hxxps://paypal.me/GoldenWolf42
Purchasing Bitcoin varies from country to country, you are best advised to do a quick google search
yourself to find out how to buy Bitcoin.
Many of our customers have reported these sites to be fast and reliable:
Coinmama - hxxps://www.coinmama.com
Bitpanda - hxxps://www.bitpanda.comPayment informationAmount: 0.0014 BTC
Bitcoin Address: 17CqMQFeuB3NTzJ2X28tfRmWaPyPQgvoHV
PayPal: hxxps://paypal.me/GoldenWolf42 (£50, Family And Friends)
Why Is It Never a Good Idea to Pay Ransom to Hackers?
It is never a good idea to pay ransom to hackers for several reasons. Firstly, there is no guarantee that the hackers will actually decrypt the files after receiving the payment. In fact, they may demand more money, which could lead to a cycle of continued extortion. Secondly, paying ransom encourages hackers to continue their criminal activities, as they see that it is profitable. Thirdly, there is a risk that paying the ransom may actually violate regulations or laws in certain jurisdictions.
Finally, if organizations always give in to ransom demands, they become a more attractive target for future attacks, making them more vulnerable to additional threats. Instead, it is recommended that organizations invest in cybersecurity measures and develop a robust incident response plan to prevent and handle such attacks.
