LUCKY Ransomware Is An Infection From the Makop Family

Ransomware remains one of the most pernicious cyber threats. One notorious strain is LUCKY Ransomware, a variant within the Makop ransomware family. Like its predecessors, LUCKY Ransomware is designed with a singular purpose: to encrypt files on a victim's computer and ask for payment in exchange for their release.

What is LUCKY Ransomware?

LUCKY Ransomware infiltrates a user's system and systematically encrypts important files. It appends each file with a unique identifier, the attacker's email address, and a ".LUCKY" extension upon successful encryption. For example, a file named "document.pdf" would be transformed into "document.pdf.[2AF20FA3].[givebackdata@mail.ru].LUCKY." This alteration renders the file unusable without the decryption key, which the attackers hold.

Once the encryption process is complete, LUCKY Ransomware creates a ransom note titled "+README-WARNING+.txt" on the infected system. This message tells the victim about the attack, stating that their files have been encrypted and will only be decrypted if a ransom is paid. The note typically offers to decrypt two files for free as a show of good faith while simultaneously warning against using third-party recovery software or antivirus tools, claiming that these actions could render the files permanently inaccessible.

Here's what the ransom note looks like:

::: Greetings :::

Little FAQ:

.1.
Q: Whats Happen?
A: Your files have been encrypted. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.

.2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay us.

.3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities - nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc… not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.

.4.
Q: How to contact with you?
A: You can write us to our mailboxes: givebackdata@mail.ru or getmydata@inbox.ru

.5.
Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?
A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.

.6.
Q: If I don t want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you will not cooperate with our service - for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice - time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::
DON'T try to change encrypted files by yourself!
If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions - please make a backup for all encrypted files!
Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

The Nature of Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malicious software created to extort money from its victims. It encrypts the victim's data, making it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. The attackers usually demand payment in cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, to maintain their anonymity, which makes it difficult for law enforcement to track the transactions.

What sets different ransomware programs apart are the cryptographic algorithms they use (either symmetric or asymmetric) and the size of the ransom demand. In the case of LUCKY Ransomware, the encryption process is robust enough that recovering the files through conventional means is nearly impossible without the decryption key.

What LUCKY Ransomware Wants

Like all ransomware, LUCKY ransomware's primary goal is financial gain. The attackers behind this malware expect victims to pay a ransom in exchange for the decryption key that will unlock their files. However, it is crucial to understand that even if the ransom is paid, there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key or that it will work as promised. Victims often find themselves without their data and out of pocket.

This uncertainty is why cybersecurity experts strongly advise against paying the ransom. Doing so not only fuels cybercriminals' illegal activities but also perpetuates the cycle of ransomware attacks. Instead, the focus should be on prevention and mitigation, particularly through robust backup strategies.

How Does LUCKY Ransomware Spread?

LUCKY Ransomware, like many other forms of malware, primarily spreads through phishing attacks and social engineering. Cybercriminals often disguise the malware as legitimate software or bundle it with harmless-looking files. These can come in the form of email attachments, links, or downloads from untrustworthy sources. Common file formats used to distribute ransomware include ZIP archives, executable files, and documents such as PDFs or Microsoft Office files.

Once a user unwittingly opens one of these infected files, the malware begins its attack. In some cases, additional user interaction is required to activate the malware, but often, simply opening the file is enough to start the infection process. Ransomware can also spread through local networks and removable storage devices, making it a highly virulent threat.

Protecting Your System Against LUCKY Ransomware

Preventing a LUCKY Ransomware attack requires a multi-faceted approach. The first line of defense is vigilance—be careful when opening emails and downloading files, especially from unknown or suspicious sources. Do not click links or attachments in unsolicited messages, as they may be part of a phishing attempt.

Regular backups are another crucial defense. By keeping backups of important data in multiple locations—such as on remote servers and offline storage devices—you can ensure that even if your files are encrypted by ransomware, you will not lose them permanently. It's important to store these backups in locations not directly accessible from your primary system to prevent them from being compromised in an attack.

Security software should also be employed to detect and prevent ransomware from entering the system before it can cause any damage. Make sure your antivirus and anti-malware programs are up to date, and consider using software that specializes in detecting and preventing ransomware attacks.

Final Thoughts

LUCKY Ransomware is a stark reminder of the ever-present threat posed by cybercriminals. Its affiliation with the Makop ransomware family and its sophisticated encryption methods make it a formidable opponent. However, by staying informed, exercising caution, and maintaining a robust backup strategy, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of this and other ransomware threats. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to ransomware.