According to Trend Micro, a company that specializes in defending digital threats and security in the cloud age, yet another new ransomware service has been introduced, promising to provide anyone with the means to launch attacks with the right to get at least 10% of the proceedings.
Called CryptoLocker Service, the operation provides its customers – even those without advanced technical knowledge or experience – with crypto ransomware that can be configured according to their preferences.
To obtain CryptoLocker Service base charge, interested customers must make an initial payment of US$ 50 dollars. After paying this sum, the user can specify the ransom amount demanded to decrypt the victim's files and immediately execute the attacks. Once the payment is made, the bitcoins are automatically collected and forwarded to the customer's designated address – minus the 10% commission taken by the service.
Due to these characteristics, the CryptoLocker Service has been programmed to be a cheaper resource and results in an increase in the number of downloads and infected victims. The ransom can be set by the customer, but ransomware operators recommend keeping it low – at US$ $200. So far, CryptoLocker only affects Windows PCs, but there are plans to develop the malware for other platforms.
The operator, who goes by the moniker Fakben, intends to provide additional custom features in this malware, such as existing exploits and potentially targeting vulnerable software like Adobe and Java. Fabken was found to be a former Evolution black market (EVO) user on the Tor network, currently deactivated.
How this scheme could affect the threat landscape remains to be seen. As virtually any would-be cybercriminal has the skill to launch their own operation, there is a chance of a sudden increase in ransomware incidents.
Trend Micro recommends that users always keep backups of their important data. While this cannot prevent a ransomware infection, having a backup handy ensures that victims do not have to pay to recover encrypted data. Paying the ransom only encourages more attacks.
Called CryptoLocker Service, the operation provides its customers – even those without advanced technical knowledge or experience – with crypto ransomware that can be configured according to their preferences.
To obtain CryptoLocker Service base charge, interested customers must make an initial payment of US$ 50 dollars. After paying this sum, the user can specify the ransom amount demanded to decrypt the victim's files and immediately execute the attacks. Once the payment is made, the bitcoins are automatically collected and forwarded to the customer's designated address – minus the 10% commission taken by the service.
Due to these characteristics, the CryptoLocker Service has been programmed to be a cheaper resource and results in an increase in the number of downloads and infected victims. The ransom can be set by the customer, but ransomware operators recommend keeping it low – at US$ $200. So far, CryptoLocker only affects Windows PCs, but there are plans to develop the malware for other platforms.
The operator, who goes by the moniker Fakben, intends to provide additional custom features in this malware, such as existing exploits and potentially targeting vulnerable software like Adobe and Java. Fabken was found to be a former Evolution black market (EVO) user on the Tor network, currently deactivated.
How this scheme could affect the threat landscape remains to be seen. As virtually any would-be cybercriminal has the skill to launch their own operation, there is a chance of a sudden increase in ransomware incidents.
Trend Micro recommends that users always keep backups of their important data. While this cannot prevent a ransomware infection, having a backup handy ensures that victims do not have to pay to recover encrypted data. Paying the ransom only encourages more attacks.
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