MuskOff Ransomware Belongs to Chaos Family
MuskOff, identified as a strain of ransomware during a routine examination of new malware submissions, is derived from the Chaos ransomware. This malicious software encrypts files, compelling users to make a payment for their decryption.
Upon executing a MuskOff (Chaos) ransomware sample on our test machine, it encrypted files and added a ".MuskOff" extension to their filenames. For instance, "1.jpg" became "1.jpg.MuskOff," and "2.png" became "2.png.MuskOff." Subsequent to completing the encryption process, a ransom note named "read_it.txt" was generated.
The ransom note associated with MuskOff (Chaos) ransomware informs the victim about the encryption of their files and asserts that the only means of recovery is complying with the attackers' demands. The cybercriminals demand a payment of 1500 USD in BTC (Bitcoin cryptocurrency).
It is noteworthy that the BTC amount specified in the note, 0.1473766, does not align with the dollar conversion provided. As of the current writing, this amount exceeds 5000 USD, considering the fluctuating nature of exchange rates. Following the payment, the victim is assured to receive the decryption software.
MuskOff Ransom Note in Full
The complete text of the ransom note generated by MuskOff reads as follows:
Chaos is multi language ransomware. Translate your note to any language
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 $1,500. Payment can be made in Bitcoin only.
How do I pay, where do I get Bitcoin?
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: 0.1473766 BTC
Bitcoin Address: 17CqMQFeuB3NTzJ2X28tfRmWaPyPQgvoHV
How Can You Safeguard Your Data Against Ransomware Attacks?
Protecting your data against ransomware attacks is crucial in today's digital landscape. Here are some key measures you can take to safeguard your data:
Regular Backups:
Regularly back up your important data and files to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a secure offline backup. Ensure that backups are automated and conducted consistently.
Update Software:
Keep your operating system, antivirus software, and all other applications up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect against known vulnerabilities.
Security Software:
Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices. Ensure that these programs are updated regularly and configured to perform regular scans.
Email Security:
Be cautious with email attachments and links, especially from unknown or suspicious sources. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unexpected or unsolicited emails.
Employee Training:
Educate employees about the dangers of phishing emails and the importance of not clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from unknown sources. Awareness training can significantly reduce the risk of human error leading to ransomware infections.
Network Security:
Use firewalls and implement strong network security measures. Restrict access to sensitive data and use virtual private networks (VPNs) for secure remote access.
