Lizard (Phobos) Ransomware
Lizard is the name of the latest clone of the infamous Phobos ransomware. The newest strain has been spotted in the wild only recently, joining the considerable number of already known Phobos ransomware clones.
Lizard gets its name from part of the multi-string extension it appends to encrypted files. Once the ransomware is done scrambling a file's contents, it changes the full name to a very long one.
A file originally called "photo.jpg" will turn into "photo.jpg.id[alphanumeric string].[r3wuq@tuta.io].LIZARD. The appended strings contain the victim's ID and the contact email used by the ransomware's operator.
Lizard Ransomware Joins Phobos Ransomware Family to Target Specific Files and Data
When encryption completes, the Lizard ransomware drops its ransom note inside a file called "info.hta", using the Microsoft HTML application format.
The full ransom note text goes 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 r3wuq at tuta dot io
Write this ID in the title of your message -
If you do not receive a response within 24 hours, please contact us by Telegram.org account: @Online7_365
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.'
