ZXCV Ransomware

The ZXCV Ransomware is a file-locking Trojan that's part of the Dharma Ransomware family, a Ransomware-as-a-Service. Infected PCs may show files that can't open due to being encrypted, as well as campaign-specific extensions, and ransom notes as pop-ups or text files. While the necessity of backups for data protection is inestimable, most users with credible anti-malware solutions can block and remove the ZXCV Ransomware on sight.

RaaS Trojans Finally Hit the End of the Alphabet

In their haphazard naming conventions, ranging from movie media such as the Jigsaw Ransomware to totally-random strings (like most versions of the STOP Ransomware or the Djvu Ransomware), file-locker Trojans are, increasingly, using less-identifiable brand-names. For instance, the ZXCV Ransomware, a recent version of the Dharma Ransomware's family, takes inspiration from a standard keyboard layout. While the choice is arbitrary, the Trojan can still leverage attacks that land anyone without backups in a potentially-costly emergency.

The ZXCV Ransomware – from the bottom-leftmost row of characters in a standard QWERTY keyboard configuration – is compatible with most Windows versions. While the ZXCV Ransomware shows no feature updates from other versions of Dharma Ransomware's Ransomware-as-a-Service, it includes previous attacks that arrange an extortion scenario. The more prominent of these functions include:

1. The ZXCV Ransomware can terminate software that could interfere with accessing files temporarily, such as Windows media management or security tools.
2. The ZXCV Ransomware can delete the Restore Point data securely, preventing victims from recovering through their local backups.
3. The ZXCV Ransomware encrypts and locks files using AES with RSA security, stopping them from opening.
4. Every file thus affected also acquires extensions, which are notable for their campaign-specific strings, like 'ZXCV.'
5. The ZXCV Ransomware creates a short text ransom note that solicits ransoms for the Trojan's data-decrypting service.
6. Lastly, the ZXCV Ransomware also displays a pop-up through an HTA or advanced HTML file. This window is a more detailed version of the previous text note, with a new e-mail address for the campaign.

Together, these features place the victim in a practical 'pay or lose all data' situation, as far as the attacker concerns themselves. The ZXCV Ransomware's core functionality is, fundamentally, identical to most Dharma Ransomware releases, such as the GTSC Ransomware, the Blm Ransomware, the 1dec Ransomware, and even the original Crysis Ransomware.

Protecting Your Files from Encounters with the Wrong Characters

Ransomware-as-a-Service campaigns have few hiring requirements, and many of them operate on a percentage-of-ransom model that de-emphasizes both programming experience and funds from the hiring attackers. Threat actors may distribute the ZXCV Ransomware in countless ways, but malware researchers predict some infection vectors as highly-probable. Brute-forcing networks and servers with weak passwords can let hackers remotely drop Trojans. Random circulation via torrents and illegal downloads are prominent exploits against home users. E-mails also are a factor, with a classic example being a document attachment pretending that it's a package invoice, with a macro that downloads the payload.

Users with up-to-date software should be safe from corrupted macros, assuming they don't enable them personally. Scanning downloads and avoiding unofficial file-sharing sources will remove most risks of exposure while browsing the Web. Of course, all users also should have strong passwords that are resistant to dictionary attacks.

Proper backup protocols should help users restore their encrypted files through remote devices, whether it's a detachable device or a cloud storage service. Although malware experts can't recommend paying ransom-based decryptors, premium anti-malware tools suffice for flagging and deleting the ZXCV Ransomware as a danger to any Windows computer.

The ZXCV Ransomware's administrators may very well have begun its campaign after taking a single look down at their keyboards for a name. While Ransomware-as-a-Services don't need much more input than that, their danger is out of proportion to the effort they require – thereby guaranteeing their dominance in the threat landscape.