AHP Ransomware

The AHP Ransomware is a file-locking Trojan from the Ransomware-as-a-Service known as the Crysis Ransomware and the Dharma Ransomware. The AHP Ransomware deletes the user's local backups while encrypting their media and holding it for ransom. Users can protect themselvesand their machines by securing their backups adequately and having available anti-malware software for removing the AHP Ransomware upon detecting the threat.

Not Quite the Windows Host You might Expect

Fake parts of Windows can be a convenient mask for Trojans, which often are compatible with that operating system and require avoiding attention until they finish their aims. The AHP Ransomware, like the Bmd Ransomware, the 'satco@tutanota.com' Ransomware, and the Dr Ransomware from the same family of the Dharma Ransomware, lays low as a Windows host file or 'winhost.exe.' This element of legerdemain, while shallow, suffices for letting the Trojan run until it does what it intends: blocking most files of any value on the PC.

After its execution and installation, the AHP Ransomware creates a hostage scenario on the PC by searching for file formats, including PDF or DOC documents, spreadsheets, pictures, and other media, and encrypting them. The attack includes a more-superficial name-editing feature that displays the campaign's extension and some ransoming communication details. However, the internal data encryption keeps the file from opening, and the AHP Ransomware secures it with a custom key.

Threat actors demand money for reversing these attacks through means such as the AHP Ransomware's preference of text files and pop-ups. As an added incentive, it also deletes the Shadow Volume Copies or the Restore Points, as malware experts re-confirm with this sample and its hundreds of ancestors. Unfortunately, current-day versions of Dharma Ransomware are not easily decryptable, and most victims without backups will have limited or no recovery avenues left to them.

Preventing Trojans from Hosting Parties on Your Computer

Not every file-locker Trojan, even from the AHP Ransomware's family, uses a consistent infection exploit or disguise. The Lina Ransomware from the same group and sharing the AHP Ransomware's campaign time frame is another example of a threat that departs from the 'Windows host' theme. Overall, malware experts tend to see attacks involving well-known and not innovative infection methods necessarily. Examples of such attacks include fraudulent e-mail attachments, scripted browser content for drive-by-download attacks, brute-force 'hacks' of networks with weak login credentials, and illegal downloads.

Windows users can boost their safety significantly by disabling some features, such as JavaScript, Flash, and macros and installing software patches. Administrators also should be mindful of their password choices, which can make a difference in the success or failure of dictionary attacks. Storing backups on other devices is vital in a different way due to assisting with recovery and forestalling any ransoming scenarios.

Even without backups, users with traditional anti-malware protection should have few concerns. Reliable Windows cyber-security products should flag, contain, and delete the AHP Ransomware as a threat.

The danger of the AHP Ransomware is a great cliché but one that's incisive towards the unprepared. Take one's safeguards seriously or face the appropriate consequences, including Trojans after money in return for your files.