Skylock Ransomware Scrambles Victims' Files via Encryption
While examining samples of malware, our team of researchers came across Skylock, a type of ransomware that belongs to the MedusaLocker family. Once it infects a computer, Skylock will add the ".skylock" extension to the end of every filename, for example, "1.jpg" becomes "1.jpg.skylock". It also drops a file named "How_to_back_files.html", which contains a ransom note warning the victim that all important files have been encrypted with RSA and AES encryption. The ransom note advises the victim not to attempt to recover the files using third-party software, as it may permanently corrupt them. The hackers behind Skylock also claim to have obtained highly confidential or personal data, which they will destroy after receiving payment.
If the victim chooses not to pay, the hackers threaten to publicly disclose the victim's data. The ransom note provides a Tor site where the victim can contact the cybercriminals to receive instructions on how to pay the ransom and obtain the decryption software. The note warns that the decryption price will increase if the victim does not contact the hackers within 72 hours.
Skylock Ransom Note Threatens to Leak Data
The full text of the Skylock ransom note reads as follows:
YOUR PERSONAL ID:
YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED
All your important files have been encrypted!Your files are safe! Only modified. (RSA+AES)
ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE
WILL PERMANENTLY CORRUPT IT.
DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES.
DO NOT RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES.No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to
solve your problem.We gathered highly confidential/personal data. These data are currently stored on
a private server. This server will be immediately destroyed after your payment.
If you decide to not pay, we will release your data to public or re-seller.
So you can expect your data to be publicly available in the near future..We only seek money and our goal is not to damage your reputation or prevent
your business from running.You will can send us 2-3 non-important files and we will decrypt it for free
to prove we are able to give your files back.Contact us for price and get decryption software.
qd7pcafncosqfqu3ha6fcx4h6sr7tzwagzpcdcnytiw3b6varaeqv5yd.onion
- Note that this server is available via Tor browser only
Follow the instructions to open the link:
- Type the addres "hxxps://www.torproject.org" in your Internet browser. It opens the Tor site.
- Press "Download Tor", then press "Download Tor Browser Bundle", install and run it.
- Now you have Tor browser. In the Tor Browser open qd7pcafncosqfqu3ha6fcx4h6sr7tzwagzpcdcnytiw3b6varaeqv5yd.onion
- Start a chat and follow the further instructions.
If you can not use the above link, use the email:
ithelp02@decorous.cyou
ithelp02@wholeness.business
- To contact us, create a new free email account on the site: protonmail.com
IF YOU DON'T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.
How Can Ransomware Like Skylock Enter Your System?
Ransomware like Skylock can enter your system through various means, such as phishing emails, malicious websites, and software vulnerabilities. One of the most common ways ransomware infects a system is through phishing emails, which are designed to trick the user into downloading an infected attachment or clicking on a malicious link. Once the user does so, the ransomware is installed on the system.
Another way ransomware can enter a system is through malicious websites that exploit vulnerabilities in the user's browser or plugins. These websites can automatically download and install the ransomware without the user's knowledge or consent.
Additionally, ransomware can take advantage of security vulnerabilities in software, such as outdated operating systems, to gain access to the system. Once it has access, the ransomware can encrypt the victim's files and demand payment in exchange for the decryption key.
To protect your system from ransomware like Skylock, it is important to keep your software updated, use antivirus software, and be cautious when opening emails or visiting websites from unknown sources. It is also essential to back up your files regularly to minimize the impact of a ransomware attack.
