Beware of Fake Ransomware Decryption Tools

As free ransomware decryptor tools begin to enter the market, a wave of fake software that claims to decrypt ransomware-affected files has begun to proliferate.

According to a report released by Bleeping Computer on June 5, the creators behind Zorab ransomware released a fake STOP Djvu decryptor. Instead of recovering a victim’s data however, this software appears to encrypt their files further with a second ransomware.

When the victim opens one of these tools, the software extracts an executable file called crab.exe. This is the Zorab ransomware itself. Once executed, the tool will encrypt all files present with a .ZRB extension.

Double-encryption files

Speaking with Cointelegraph, Brett Callow, threat analyst of the malware lab Emsisoft, says that STOP is the most prevalent ransomware by far. He states that it accounts for approximately one-half of all incidents:

“Unfortunately, criminals often create fake versions of popular software in order to spread malware, and they have now created a fake version of our decryptor to do just that. Running the fake tool will not recover data that was encrypted by STOP, it will actually encrypt it for a second time.”

Callow refers to one of several free tools launched recently by Emsisoft. These tools allow people to decrypt files affected by specific ransomware variants.

Emsisoft’s threat analyst issued the following warning to the public:

“This illustrates why people should exercise caution when downloading software and apps and ensure it has come from a reputable and trustworthy source. Similarly, cracks, activators, and keygens should be avoided as these are also frequently used to spread ransomware and other malware.”

Latest free ransomware decryptor tools released

Cointelegraph recently conducted extensive coverage on different free ransomware decryptors launched by various tech companies.

On June 3, Spain-based telecommunications conglomerate, Telefónica, released a free tool to recover data encrypted by the VCryptor ransomware.

Emsisoft also launched a free decryptor tool on June 4, which enables victims to recover files encrypted by Tycoon ransomware attacks without needing to pay the ransom.