STOP ransomware variant spreading: CERT

STOP ransomware variant spreading: CERT

PUNE: The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) on Tuesday issued alerts regarding the new version of ‘STOP’ ransomware, which is spreading rapidly and targeting various devices. 

As per the alert issued by CERT, the new variant of ‘STOP’ ransomware encrypts files using different algorithms and creates an extension ‘.stop’, which is appended to the encrypted files at the end. After encrypting all files, the ransomware also deletes the Shadow Volume Copies to make the recovery process difficult. 

The alert also states that the malware generates a ransom note file ‘r!! YourDataRestore II! txt’ which contains the ransom demand message to decrypt their encrypted data.’ 

The ransom note also provides an email address for communication. 

The ransomware uses social engineering techniques as attack vectors.

CERT has also issued tips to prevent infection from such ransomware which include performing regular backups of all critical information to limit the impact of data or system loss and to help expedite the recovery process.

TIPS TO PREVENT VIRUS ATTACKS
- Keep the operating system and third-party applications uptodate with the latest patches.
- Maintain an updated antivirus software on all systems.
- Do not open attachments in unsolicited e-mails even if they come from people in your contact list. 
- Never click on a URL contained in an unsolicited e-mail.
- Configure firewalls to block access to known malicious IP addresses.

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