Repl Ransomware

The Repl Ransomware is a file-locking Trojan that's part of a Ransomware-as-a-Service known as both STOP Ransomware and Djvu Ransomware. Symptoms of its presence include changes to filenames, encryption blocking your files from opening, unusual Windows update pop-ups and ransom notes. Well-secured backups are helpful for counteracting file-locking Trojans universally, and most anti-malware programs should delete the Repl Ransomware quickly.

Someone's Next Stop Inside the STOP Ransomware Business

With a domineering presence in the Windows threat landscape, Ransomware-as-a-Services in general and STOP Ransomware's variants, specifically, are growing continuously – and attacking. Confirmation of a new example as early as the start of July's third week shows that criminals still are seeing the RaaS model as one that's likely for producing profits, or costing them little to nothing otherwise. For the Windows user dealing with a Repl Ransomware infection, the price is much higher than that.

As is usual among RaaSes, the Repl Ransomware bears more than a passing resemblance to nearby relatives, with close comparisons like the Lalo Ransomware, the Nlah Ransomware, the Zida Ransomware and the Zwer Ransomware. Besides keeping with the tradition of naming itself after a four-character randomized string, the Repl Ransomware also leverages a far more threatening element: secure data encryption. In ideal (C&C connected) scenarios, the Trojan downloads a custom key for securing the user's files after encrypting them with AES. However, it also has a slightly less secure, alternative offline function.

The Repl Ransomware family also includes a browser-hijacking feature that remaps Windows Hosts entries. Although this feature could redirect users to corrupted sites potentially, malware analysts only find STOP Ransomware Trojans using it to block specific domains related to security – such as microsoft.com. This attack limits victims' online help during the attempted extortion scenario, which sells the decryptor for 'unlocking' files, at the cost of hundreds of dollars in Bitcoins.

Strengthening a Response to Randomly-Named Trojans

Although the Repl Ransomware's name is more or less arbitrary, there's no randomization to most of its payload. Users can expect attacks that block media formats like documents or images and should protect these files appropriately by backing them up to other devices safely. The Restore Point deletion is an element in STOP Ransomware infections, and most users can't retrieve their data through them.

This family can use any infection exploits that the threat actors prefer, which can be highly-variable, thanks to the less formal partnership nature of Ransomware-as-a-Services. However, malware experts recommend monitoring both e-mail attachments and torrents, emphasizing such commonplace themes as delivery invoices for workplaces and gaming cracks for casual home users, especially. The reoccurring presence of JavaScript, Java, Flash, and Java, also makes these features high-risk for most Windows environments.

Ultimately, although the Repl Ransomware asks for a ransom for unlocking any files, there's no way to tell if the criminals will honor the agreement. Backups can offer a better restoration option at no price, and anti-malware programs from reputable companies will remove the Repl Ransomware, like its kin.

Working on one's data security is, easily, the best thing anyone can do for stopping the Repl Ransomware and the rest of its industry from making money. Since this threat is associated with password collectors, preparing before an attack, is a responsibility with more than plentiful benefits.