Infect Others; Get Decryption Key
Posted by: Timothy Weaver on 12/10/2016 08:08 AM
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There is a new twist on the horizon with ransomware. Infect two friends and get the decryption key free.
That's right, if you get infected with a new ransomware called Popcorn Time, you can decrypt your files by sending the infected malware to two other people. If they pay the ransom, you get the key.
“I have never seen anything like this in ransomware. This is definitely a first,” said Lawrence Abrams who runs BleepingComputer.com and who was first to report on the Popcorn Time ransomware.
Abrams delved into the code and said: “The code is incomplete, some of the C2 servers are not working and there are important components not yet in place.”
The ransom note gives the victim a week to either pay or find two other victims. There is the “fast and easy way” and “the nasty way.”
“We are sorry to say that your computer and your files have been encrypted, but wait, don’t worry. There is a way you can restore your computer and all of your files… Send the link below to other people, if two or more people will install the file and pay, we will decrypt your files for free.”
The creators say they are a group of Syrian university students who say they are trying to find a way to help Syrians impacted by war with food, medicine and shelter.
The ransom demand is 1 bitcoin ($800). Or infect two others who will pay.
Abrams said: “Will most people choose to break the law and try to infect other people? I guess not. But there is certainly a percentage of nasty people with low morals that will likely try it.”
Source: Threat Post
That's right, if you get infected with a new ransomware called Popcorn Time, you can decrypt your files by sending the infected malware to two other people. If they pay the ransom, you get the key.“I have never seen anything like this in ransomware. This is definitely a first,” said Lawrence Abrams who runs BleepingComputer.com and who was first to report on the Popcorn Time ransomware.
Abrams delved into the code and said: “The code is incomplete, some of the C2 servers are not working and there are important components not yet in place.”
The ransom note gives the victim a week to either pay or find two other victims. There is the “fast and easy way” and “the nasty way.”
“We are sorry to say that your computer and your files have been encrypted, but wait, don’t worry. There is a way you can restore your computer and all of your files… Send the link below to other people, if two or more people will install the file and pay, we will decrypt your files for free.”
The creators say they are a group of Syrian university students who say they are trying to find a way to help Syrians impacted by war with food, medicine and shelter.
The ransom demand is 1 bitcoin ($800). Or infect two others who will pay.
Abrams said: “Will most people choose to break the law and try to infect other people? I guess not. But there is certainly a percentage of nasty people with low morals that will likely try it.”
Source: Threat Post
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