NazCrypt Ransomware

The NazCrypt Ransomware is a Trojan that uses the 7-Zip file-archiving program to block different media types on your PC, which can include both workplace-related information and recreational content. Because the encryption process could make the recovering of any files impossible, possessing backups and preventative security protocols are primary recommendations for countering this Trojan's campaign. Anti-malware utilities also may delete the NazCrypt Ransomware upon detecting it.

Encryption Misdeeds with a Freeware Basis

Efficient reuse of programming resources can help any threat actor cut the work required from designing a payload that delivers the intended degree of harm to an infected computer. With file-locking Trojans like the newly-verifiable NazCrypt Ransomware, the solution often lies in exploiting free software, such as file-compressing archivers. Other Trojans using similar methods include the WinRarer Ransomware, the RaRuCrypt Ransomware, and the '.7zipper File Extension' Ransomware, although none of these are direct relatives.

Malware experts are seeing versions of the NazCrypt Ransomware targeting well-financed, corporate networks, such as the systems of oil companies operating in the Middle East. The Trojan applies its encryption routine to files of indeterminate formats and locations automatically, and gives their names '.NAZCRYPT' tags for ease of identifying. The NazCrypt Ransomware bundles the 7-Zip utility with its payload for accomplishing this data-blocking attack and uses an algorithm of the AES-256.

These infections also include text messages that ask for a relatively low, three hundred USD ransom, that the victim pays in Bitcoins, for decrypting any files. However, malware experts can't, yet, confirm whether or not decryption is possible. As always, anything that a file-locking Trojan like the NazCrypt Ransomware blocks runs the risk of permanent damage.

Keeping Your Servers' Data out of a Hostage Situation

Attacks that use encryption to block valuable content, with a ransom cost attached, often are the direct result of a user undertaking non-secure actions on the Web previously. Out of these possible infection vectors, malware analysts note that e-mail is a primary danger routinely, and can include drive-by-downloads either as attachments or embedded Web links. Some threat actors also compromise a network directly without needing the user to make any upfront mistakes other than utilizing an unsafe password (such as 'admin1' or 'password123').

Backing up content can eliminate any necessity for paying the ransom that the NazCrypt Ransomware demands, which, in any case, has no certainty of facilitating any recovery of your files. Most anti-malware products are capable of detecting file-locking threats to various degrees and stopping them before their encryption features can launch. Since this Trojan's components are likely of using obfuscating names and file locations intentionally, any victims should have their anti-malware equipment uninstall the NazCrypt Ransomware, instead of doing so via the Control Panel or other, standard channels.

The importance of the energy sector hasn't blown by threat actors like the NazCrypt Ransomware's administrators. The coal, oil, solar power, and related industries are just as much in danger of file-locking extortion attempts as any average computer owner.