Fob Ransomware

File-encryption Trojans are online threats that aim to make money from its victims by encrypting their files and then offering a decryption service or tool in exchange for cash. Contrary to popular belief, cybercriminals who wish to use file-encryption Trojan do not always need to create them from scratch – they can rely on ready-to-use ransomware families such as the DarkCrypt Ransomware (also known as WannaScream Ransomware) to create a fully functional file-locker that is ready to be distributed quickly. This is exactly the scheme that the authors of the newly found Fob Ransomware are likely to use – their file-locker is based on the DarkCrypt Ransomware family and, sadly, it uses a file-encryption routine that cannot be cracked for free.

The Fob Ransomware may be disguised as a software activator, a crack for a popular game, or a pirated episode of your favorite TV show – criminals often disguise their malware as highly sought content that thousands of users may end up interacting with. As soon as the threatening Fob Ransomware is unleashed on a computer, it will set off to encrypt files on the hard drive and removable storage devices – all files that Fob Ransomware locks will have their names edited to include the extension '.[<VICTIM ID>][decrypt25@protonmail.com].Fob.'

Of course, the Fob Ransomware's authors want to explain the situation to their victims, and they use the files 'info.hta' and 'ReadMe.txt' to do this – these files contain a message, contact details, and payment instructions that the victims can use to complete the ransom payment.

The authors of the Fob Ransomware ask to be contacted via the emails decrypt25@protonmail.com, and decrypt52@protonmail.com or via the profile @Book545 on Telegram. They do not mention the amount of money they want to receive, but you can rest assured that agreeing to pay is a terrible idea – even if you fulfill all of their demands, they may not stay true to their word.

If your files have been harmed by the Fob Ransomware, you should take care of the threat's removal with the help of an anti-virus tool, and then experiment with data recovery options.