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Viruses are most likely to use algorithms that generate unique decryption keys (for example, RSA, AES). Therefore, restoring files manually without cyber criminals' involvement (not recommended) is virtually impossible.Threat Summary:NameMaster virusThreat TypeRansomware, Crypto Virus, Files lockerEncrypted Files Extension.master (this ransomware also appends filenames with developers' email address).Ransom Demanding MessageDesktop wallpaper, !#_RESTORE_FILES_#!.infCyber Criminal [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] NamesAvast (Win32:Malware-gen), BitDefender (Trojan.GenericKD.32180227), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Packed.EnigmaProtector.J Suspicious), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.DelShad.yr), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)SymptomsCan't open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension, for example my.docx.locked. A ransom demanding message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals are asking to pay a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files.Distribution methodsInfected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads.DamageAll files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection.Malware Removal (Windows)To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.How did ransomware infect my computer?Cyber criminals often proliferate ransomware by employing fake software updaters, trojans, spam emails (infectious attachments), and unofficial software download sources (peer-to-peer networks, freeware download websites, free file hosting sites, etc.) Fake software updaters exploit outdated software bugs/flaws to infiltrate the malware.Infectious attachments are usually delivered in the format of JavaScript or MS Office documents designed to download/install malware. Third party software download sources often proliferate malware by presenting it as legitimate software.How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?To prevent ransomware infections, be very cautious when browsing the Internet. Never open files received from suspicious emails or download software from unofficial sources. Keep all installed applications up-to-date, however, note that criminals often proliferate malware via fake updaters.Therefore, using unofficial tools to update software is very risky. Ensure that you use a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite.Screenshot of the ransom note ("!#_RESTORE_FILES_#!.inf"):Text presented

They have different developers, the behavior of these viruses is identical - all encrypt data and make ransom demands.In most cases, ransomware-type viruses have just two major differences: 1) size of ransom, and; 2) type of encryption algorithm used. Unfortunately, most use RSA, AES, and other algorithms that generate unique keys.Therefore, unless the virus is not fully developed or has certain bugs/flaws, restoring data manually without involvement of developers (contacting these people is not recommended) is impossible. Ransomware-type viruses present a strong case for maintaining regular data backups.Bear in mind, however, that these files must be stored on a remote server or unplugged storage device. If not, malware encrypts them together with regular data.How did ransomware infect my computer?Developers typically proliferate KEYPASS using fake software activation tools (cracks), such as KMSpico.Once opened, these tools immediately infiltrate KEYPASS into the system, however, ransomware-type viruses are often distributed using spam emails (infectious attachments), unofficial software download sources (free file hosting websites, freeware download sites, peer-to-peer [P2P] networks, and similar), fake software update tools, and trojans.Spam emails are delivered with malicious attachments (in most cases MS Office documents) which, once opened, download and install ransomware. Third party download sources present malicious executables as legitimate software, thereby tricking users into downloading and installing viruses.Fake updaters infect the system by exploiting outdated software bugs/flaws or simply downloading and installing malware rather than updates. Trojans simply open "backdoors" for other malware to infiltrate the system.Threat Summary:NameKEYPASS virusThreat TypeRansomware, Crypto Virus, Files lockerEncrypted Files Extension.KEYPASSRansom Amount300 USDCyber Criminal [email protected], [email protected] Demanding Message!!!KEYPASS_DECRYPTION_INFO!!!.txtSymptomsCan't open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension, for example my.docx.locked. A ransom demanding message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals are asking to pay a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files.Distribution methodsInfected email attachments (macros),

What is Hidden Tear?Hidden Tear is an open-source ransomware project that is free for anyone to download in GitHub. Many cyber criminals use this project to develop their own variants of ransomware and to generate revenue in malicious ways. Some examples of these viruses include Qinynore, Nog4yH4n Project, IT.Books, OPdailyallowance, ScorpionLocker, Sorry, and Cyber Police.They stealthily infiltrate systems, encrypt stored files, append extensions (e.g., ".anonymous", ".CRYPTR", ".good", ".ScorpionLocker", ".encrypted", ".locked", and many others) to filenames, and make ransom demands.Hidden Tear uses the AES-256 encryption alghorithm. This cryptography is symmetric, and thus encryption and decryption keys are identical. Each victim receives a unique key. Cyber criminals hide all keys on a remote Command & Control (C&C) server and make ransom demands for their release.I.e., they encourage victims to make specific payments in exchange for decryption of their files. The ransom amounts can vary from tens to thousands of dollars, however, they typically fluctuates between $500 and $1500. Furthermore, cyber criminals typically demand payment in Bitcoins, Dash, Monero, or other cryptocurrencies.These people cannot be trusted - cyber criminals are likely to ignore victims once payments are submitted. Therefore, by paying, victims receive nothing in return and simply support cyber criminals' malicious businesses. Ignore all requests to contact these people and certainly do not pay any ransoms.Previously, most ransomware based on Hidden Tear was undecryptable, however, malware security researcher Michael Gillespie has recently released a 'brute-force' tool that can retrieve the decryption key (download link). He has also released another tool that allows data decryption using the retrieve key (download link).Therefore, there is absolutely no need to pay any ransom. You can find detailed decryption instructions in this article written by another malware security researcher, Lawrence Abrams.There are dozens of ransomware-type viruses and, although not all are based on Hidden Tear, they are very similar. Most encrypt data and make ransom demands. The type of encryption algorithm used and size of ransom are generally the only major differences.Unfortunately, most of these viruses employ cryptographies (e.g., RSA, AES, etc.) that generate unique decryption keys. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to decrypt data without involvement of the developers (contacting these people is not recommended).The only possible scenarios are the ransomware not being fully developed or having certain bugs/flaws. Ransomware-type viruses present a strong case for maintaining regular data backups, however, store them on remote servers (e.g., Cloud) or unplugged storage devices (e.g., external hard drives).How did ransomware infect my computer?Ransomware-type viruses are proliferated in various ways, however, the most popular tools/methods are spam email campaigns, trojans, third party software download sources, and fake software updaters. Spam campaigns deliver malicious attachments.Cyber criminals send deceptive emails to trick users into opening attached files/links - this results in