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Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware

Posted: July 8, 2016

Threat Metric

Threat Level: 10/10
Infected PCs: 7
First Seen: July 11, 2016
Last Seen: April 18, 2018
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware is a Trojan that attacks the non-essential files of your PC by encrypting them forcibly, and then delivering ransom messages for how to pay for reversing the attack. Due to con artists often failing to provide real decryption help in return for the ransoms paid, malware researchers don't encourage making such payments, whenever any other options are practical. Whatever your choices may be regarding data restoration, never try to remove the Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware without help from a dedicated anti-malware product.

The Newest Threat Enacting Old Harmful Actions

Early July is the original identification point for the campaign of the Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware, a threat that has potential connections to the CryptXXX Ransomware in authorship. The Trojan upholds prevailing trends in corrupted file encryption by using multiple means to 'encourage' a victim to pay for access to the contents of their PCs, which it holds for ransom via an encryption algorithm. Malware experts estimate the latter of deriving itself from RSA-4096 currently, with no known decryption tools available to the public for counteracting it.

Install exploits for the Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware (which is unaffiliated with Microsoft) commonly utilize e-mail spam, with any attachments disguising themselves as notifications for failed package deliveries. Trojan droppers for the Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware may open a legitimate text document, which distracts from the installation of the threat.

Once it's dropped onto your PC, the Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware scans for files according to type and location. The Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware then encrypts whitelisted content not directly associated with the OS or other, essential software. Unlike most data encoding threats, the Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware refrains from changing the names of the files. However, victims can identify its attacks by the presence of three ransom notes.

This campaign's ransom format is notably similar to that of the Cerber Ransomware, which provides possible evidence of more ties between the Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware's authors and a centralized, recyclable basis of threat code.

How to Decipher a Free Resolution to a Trojan's Decryptor Problem

Like the more involved file encryption campaigns malware analysts see this year, the Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware includes a website interface with a sophisticated ransoming UI. These pages include details on making Bitcoin transactions to the Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware's operators in return for a decryption program that restores all of your data. However, canny PC users will find gambling on black market software less preferable than using backups for restoring content and ignoring the decryption process.

The Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware campaign does have potential associations with threats capable of initiating other attacks, such as spyware programs that specialize in collecting passwords and related credentials. Until you've disinfected your PC, malware experts recommend avoiding bringing new files into contact with the system and changing all compromised passwords afterward. Until your anti-malware tools can guarantee that they've removed the Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware and returned clear scan results, assume that this threat remains active potentially.

The Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware's major concession to social engineering fads lies in its using time limits to determine the ransoms paid by its victims. Although a hasty response can prevent a ransom from rising, it also can cost you money unnecessarily. Always survey your full data recovery options before taking drastic steps like paying a threat actor for what already belongs to you.

Technical Details

File System Modifications

Tutorials: If you wish to learn how to remove malware components manually, you can read the tutorials on how to find malware, kill unwanted processes, remove malicious DLLs and delete other harmful files. Always be sure to back up your PC before making any changes.

The following files were created in the system:



dir\med.dll File name: med.dll
Size: 252.92 KB (252928 bytes)
MD5: 0bcca95bdc4e404da1754142e80e72d0
Detection count: 52
File type: Dynamic link library
Mime Type: unknown/dll
Path: dir
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: August 17, 2022
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