Topi Ransomware

The Topi Ransomware is a file-locking Trojan that's part of a Ransomware-as-a-Service known as the STOP Ransomware. This family of Trojans can block files through encrypting their data, delete backups, collect passwords with the help of other threats, and create ransom notes for victims. Users should have backups in safer locations for recovering and anti-malware tools for identifying, blocking or uninstalling the Topi Ransomware.

Big Days in Version Control for Trojan Businesses

Although most Ransomware-as-a-Service groups aren't static, the STOP Ransomware is exceptional for its degree of version control and ongoing growth. Besides a significant update for re-securing its encryption (and method of 'locking' files), the family also is notable for countless other, smaller variants, such as the campaigns of the Gesd Ransomware, the Mbed Ransomware, the Mkos Ransomware, the Reha Ransomware and the Topi Ransomware. However, only the latter is the questionably-proud owner of number 0200, a landmark version release.

Although malware researchers verify the Topi Ransomware being out in the wild, no evidence is appearing related to its propagation exploits. Exploit Kits – ones circulating through compromised ad networks, particularly – torrents and e-mail attachments, are some of the more probable sources of drive-by-download attacks. If it does gain access to a compatible Windows machine, the Topi Ransomware begins by enumerating folders and encrypting the files in them, such as documents or images.

Users searching for local backups will find, in most instances, that the Topi Ransomware also wipes the Restore Points automatically. This side feature leaves the victim with the incentive for paying the ransom for the unlocking service, which the Topi Ransomware promotes with a text file. The instructions include traditional traits of a Ransomware-as-a-Service, such as a short deadline, e-mail addresses, and victim IDs. However, paying entails a risk: that the criminal could take the money and doesn't provide the decryptor.

The Best Ways of Making the STOP Ransomware Mind Its Name

The ultimate achievement of the Topi Ransomware's family lies more in the consistency of its business model than in technical evolution over time. Because the Topi Ransomware uses a secure, but predictable combination of encryption and backup-wiping attacks, users can, likewise, protect their files with previously-known strategies. A backup saved to another device that the Topi Ransomware can't compromise is the most dependable recovery option for any user, regardless of the OS environment.

Stopping the propagation of file-locking Trojans takes several forms, many of which depend on averting social engineering tactics. Users should be careful around self-described invoices, hardware notifications, news articles, or resumes, which are often infection vectors through e-mail. Fake torrents are another, conventional means of exploitation for the STOP Ransomware family particularly. Basics like disabling JavaScript, turning off macros, updating software, and maintaining responsible passwords also cripple the Ransomware-as-a-Service industry's distribution models.

Roughly one out of ten STOP Ransomware infections are recoverable through decryptors. In all other cases, having anti-malware products on-hand for blocking and deleting the Topi Ransomware on sight is any PC user's best protection.

The Topi Ransomware is a significant number in an even greater family, but the tick-over of a version means little to its way of doing business. As always, it targets those who aren't protecting their work correctly and takes advantage of it, which means that anyone can shutter the STOP Ransomware business, just by backing up their media.