RSA-2048/AES-128 virus: “All of your files are encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers”

Authors of the Locky ransomware have been using two different cryptographic algorithms to their own advantage, the campaign details being highlighted herein.

Anatomy of the new file-encoding infection called Locky features an advanced take on malicious encryption activity. Its developer chose to blend a public-key cryptographic standard and a completely different symmetric algo in a bid to make the victims’ data recovery plans more of a wishful thinking rather than a realistic prospect. When the malware hits a personal computer or a workstation connected to an enterprise network, the user gets a blackmail message that says, “All of your files are encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers.” The warning goes on to instruct the victim with the following details of the attack they suffered, “Decrypting of your files is only possible with the private key and decrypt program, which is on our secret server.”

The above-mentioned alert has been observed in two forms: one is an image titled _Locky_recover_instructions.bmp which automatically replaces the user-defined desktop background; and the other is a TXT document with the same name that resides inside every infected data directory. The ransom instructions also contain a number of links pointing to a Tor-backed Locky Decrypter Page, where the user is told to send 0.5 BTC to a specified address. For the target’s ‘convenience’, the website suggests multiple services that can be used to buy Bitcoins. According to the extortionists’ allegations, the infected person will be able to download the decoder after the payment.

The zest of this attack is in the way files are modified. Not only will the user’s spreadsheets, documents and images become encrypted beyond regular restoration, but the names of these files get badly twisted as well. Each one gets the .locky extension at the end, and the preceding string turns into a long, gibberish sequence of random symbols that don’t make sense. This way, the ransomware makes it impossible to discern which items were hit.
The first iteration of the Locky virus circulated via a spam campaign that delivered an unsafe Microsoft Word attachment to a great many potential victims. Masqueraded as an invoice, this document would recommend users to enable macros so that the ransomware process could be remotely executed on machines. The latest edition of the Trojan, however, has come to leverage a hidden JavaScript object. This technique allows the malicious code to evade detection by antiviruses. Moreover, the file is now smaller in size, which makes the contamination process less conspicuous. And yet, the good old spam is still in play.

Those who fell victim to this assault shouldn’t take the whole intimidation effect for granted as there are viable file recovery mechanisms other than the payment that the bad guys ask for.

RSA-2048/AES-128 virus automated removal and data recovery

Owing to an up-to-date database of malware signatures and intelligent behavioral detection, the recommended software can quickly locate the infection, eradicate it and remediate all harmful changes. So go ahead and do the following:

1. Download and install the antimalware tool. Open the solution and have it check your PC for PUPs and other types of malicious software by clicking the Start Computer Scan button

2. Rest assured the scan report will list all items that may harm your operating system. Select the detected entries and click Fix Threats to get the troubleshooting completed.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Data Recovery Pro by ParetoLogic features this type of capability therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So download and install the program, run a scan and let it do its job.

RSA-2048/AES-128 virus manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the RSA-2048/AES-128 virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of files encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128 cipher

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid RSA-2048/AES-128 virus and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

• Toggle your email provider’s anti-spam settings to filter out all the potentially harmful incoming messages. Raising the bar beyond the default protection is an important countermeasure for ransom Trojans.
• Define specific file extension restrictions in your email system. Make sure that attachments with the following extensions are blacklisted: .js, .vbs, .docm, .hta, .exe, .cmd, .scr, and .bat. Also, treat ZIP archives in received messages with extreme caution.
• Rename the vssadmin.exe process so that ransomware is unable to obliterate all Shadow Volume Copies of your files in one shot.
• Keep your Firewall active at all times. It can prevent crypto ransomware from communicating with its C&C server. This way, the threat won’t be able to obtain cryptographic keys and lock your files.
• Back up your files regularly, at least the most important ones. This recommendation is self-explanatory. A ransomware attack isn’t an issue as long as you keep unaffected copies of your data in a safe place.
• Use an effective antimalware suite. There are security tools that identify ransomware-specific behavior and block the infection before it can do any harm.

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup.