Warning Ransomware: A Sinister Threat With a Countdown

Another New Face in the Ransomware World

Warning ransomware is a malicious program identified as part of the GlobeImposter family, a known group of file-encrypting malware. Detected during an analysis of malware samples uploaded to VirusTotal, Warning operates by locking users out of their personal files and demanding payment for their restoration.

Once inside a system, Warning ransomware encrypts user data and changes filenames by appending the extension “.warning!_16”. For instance, files like “photo.jpg” become “photo.jpg.warning!_16,” and the same pattern applies to documents, executables, images, and other file types. Alongside the file changes, the malware places a ransom note titled HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html on the system.

The ransom note says the following:

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.

email:
pomocit02@kanzensei.top
pomocit02@surakshaguardian.com
* 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.

* Tor-chat to always be in touch:

What the Ransom Note Reveals

The ransom note serves two main purposes: informing the victim of the situation and applying psychological pressure. It states that files have been encrypted using RSA and AES algorithms—encryption methods that are extremely difficult to reverse without the correct keys. Victims are warned against using third-party tools or attempting to rename or modify the encrypted files, as this might permanently damage them.

In a chilling twist, the note claims the attackers have accessed sensitive personal data uploaded to a private server. They threaten to sell or publish this data if the victim refuses to pay the ransom. Additionally, the note outlines a 72-hour window to make contact, after which the ransom price will increase. Victims are instructed to get in touch through specific email addresses or a Tor-based anonymous chat platform.

What Ransomware Programs Want

At its core, ransomware is designed to make money for its operators by locking up data and forcing victims to pay for its return. In the case of Warning ransomware, the attackers’ goal is twofold: financial extortion and data exploitation. By threatening to release private data, they heighten the pressure on victims to comply.

However, security experts strongly advise against paying. Not only is there no guarantee that the decryption tool will be provided, but complying also funds further criminal activities. In many cases, even when a ransom is paid, victims are left without working recovery tools—or worse, targeted again.

Infection and Spread

Warning ransomware, like other similar threats, can continue encrypting files for as long as it remains active. It may also spread to connected systems or devices via local networks, worsening the damage. This means that timely removal is essential, even though deleting the ransomware does not automatically decrypt affected files.

Unfortunately, unless a victim has secure backups or access to a third-party decryption tool (which is rare for newer or advanced ransomware), the encrypted files are often lost permanently. The effectiveness of ransomware stems largely from its ability to disable common recovery options and its use of complex encryption that’s nearly impossible to crack.

How Ransomware Reaches Its Victims

Warning ransomware, like most others, spreads through a variety of methods designed to trick users into launching it. These include malicious email attachments or links, fake software updates, pirated software with hidden malware, compromised websites, and infected USB drives. In some cases, cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in software or operating systems to silently deploy the ransomware.

Users are often caught off guard because the malicious files appear legitimate—taking the form of documents, installers, or compressed archives. Once opened or executed, the ransomware silently activates and begins its encryption process, often before the user realizes anything is wrong.

Defense Through Vigilance and Backups

The best protection against ransomware is prevention. This means avoiding risky behavior online, such as downloading pirated content, opening suspicious email attachments, or visiting unsafe websites. Only download software from official sources and never use third-party key generators or activation tools, which are common vectors for malware.

Keep operating systems, apps, and antivirus software up to date. These updates tend to include security patches that close vulnerabilities exploited by ransomware. Most importantly, regularly back up your data to secure offline storage. This ensures that even if an infection occurs, your most critical files can still be recovered without giving in to ransom demands.

Final Thoughts

Warning ransomware is a stark example of how quickly and deeply cyber-threats can impact individuals and organizations. Encryption, extortion, and data leakage threats combined make it a particularly aggressive form of digital attack. However, with informed, cautious behavior and robust backups, the risks of ransomware infections can be significantly reduced.

Stay vigilant, stay backed up, and never trust a ransom note to offer a reliable solution.