New Wave of Virlocker Ransomware Emerges

Security researchers have identified that the VirLocker ransomware has been used in a large-scale attack wave that targets various users and organizations.

VirLocker Ransomware Attacks With Intent

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Computer security experts alarm that the old VirLocker ransomware has been spotted to be hitting various users and companies once again. A new dangerous attack campaign has been initiated by unknown hackers and its reach is global.VirLocker became famous as one of the first examples of a mainstream polymorphic ransomware. This means that every infected file creates a new unique instance of the malware.

The VirLocker calls this feature “Fake Code” as it is not a primary modification of the code. Various XOL and ROL seeds are used to scramble the encrypted contents of the affected files. This makes it very hard to restore the files without using specialized security software. This make fingerprint detection useless, to distinguish it from other viruses the researchers and experts can use only behavior and heuristics detection methods.

Dangers Of The VirLocker Ransomware

One of the most dangerous things about VirLocker is that it is very hard to remove. The virus automatically infects every executable that tries to access or modify it. Upon infection with Virlocker the malware applies a carefully devised formula which affect the target data in several layers or stages:

  1. Initial VirLocker Infection – The virus comes in contact with the affected file.

  2. VirLocker Payload Delivery – The malicious code is introduced to the file.

  3. Polymorphic Encryption – The contents are presented in encrypted form.

  4. Resulting Polymorphic Output – The virus modifies the carrier by fusing itself into it.

VirLocker features several stealth protection mechanisms by using multiple encrypted layers. It also checks the infected host if it has been previously affected by the virus. The unique ID is checked for any ransomware payment. If the victim has already paid the fee then the new infection becomes benign.

The dangerous thing about VirLocker is that it masks its infection quite well. If a new victim opens the embedded file which contains the viral payload, then the file is executed correctly. Most other ransomware variants lock the file or prevent any type of interaction to defend it from any removal attempts. The VirLocker malware spreads to almost every file on the target machine. It is able to self-replicate very efficiently and with great speed.

VirLocker can efficiently be removed only by using a trusted anti-spyware program.

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

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Author : Martin Beltov

Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.


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