#Combo cleaner scam pdf#
#Combo cleaner scam software#

#Combo cleaner scam software#

The most commonly used distribution techniques include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malicious attachments and links in spam emails/messages, dubious download channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation ('cracking') tools, and fake updates. When such a file is executed, run, or otherwise opened - the infection chain is jumpstarted.

#Combo cleaner scam pdf#

run, etc.), Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, and so forth. Virulent files can be archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe. Malicious programs are typically disguised as or bundled with regular software/media.

Malware (ransomware included) is primarily spread using phishing and social engineering tactics. However, these programs have two significant differences in-between - the cryptographic algorithms they use ( symmetric or asymmetric) and the ransom size. This malicious software operates by encrypting files and demanding payment for the decryption. Ransomware examplesĭemon (Babuk), NominatusCrypt, DoyUk 7.1, MONTI, and Eemv are merely some examples of ransomware-type programs. Hence, we highly recommend keeping backups in multiple different locations (e.g., remote servers, unplugged storage devices, etc.) - to avoid permanent data loss. The only solution is recovering the files from a backup (if one is available). Unfortunately, removal will not restore already compromised data. Removing Scam ransomware from the operating system will prevent it from encrypting more data. Therefore, we advise against it since data recovery is not guaranteed, and paying also supports this illegal activity. Furthermore, despite meeting the ransom demands - victims often do not receive the decryption tools.

We have researched and analyzed thousands of ransomware infections, and this experience allows us to conclude that decryption is rarely possible without the cyber criminals' interference. The text file also alerts the victim that if the authorities are informed of the attack, the consequences will be the same as delaying contacting the cyber criminals. What is more, this ransom note claims that 50 random files will be deleted 3 hours following the infection. This threat is slightly different in the text file, which warns that the destruction will occur after 6 hours. The message on the wallpaper states that if the ransom is not paid within 12 hours - the compromised data will be destroyed. Afterwards, proof of the payment must be sent to the attackers' email. The notes instruct the victim to transfer 500 USD worth of Bitcoin cryptocurrency to the provided cryptowallet address. Both inform the victim that their files have been encrypted. Screenshot of files encrypted by Scam ransomware: The wallpaper and file contained ransom notes. For example, a file originally titled ' 1.jpg' appeared as ' 1.jpg.scam', ' 2.png' as ' 2.png.scam', and so on for all of the affected files.Īfter the encryption process was finished, this ransomware changed the desktop wallpaper and created a text file named ' read_it.txt'. On our test machine, the Scam ransomware encrypted files and appended their filenames with a '. It is yet another one based on the Chaos ransomware. While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered a ransomware-type program called Scam.