Scottsdale, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/04/2016 -- Security firm AVG has fired back once again against ransomware black hats by releasing a new tool to decrypt files locked with the Bart variant. Malware analyst Jakub Kroustek explained that the new tool would work on all versions of the ransomware seen "to date."
"Rather than rewriting files with their encrypted versions, like other ransomware families do, Bart moves each file to a separate password-protected archive (ZIP file), then deletes the originals. The encrypted files are easy to recognize, because they're ZIP archives, denoted by .zip extensions," he added.
"The trick is they're password-protected, by a unique password. But never fear, AVG's Bart decryptor works by comparing a single encrypted file with its unencrypted original."
The Bart ransomware made its debut last month when Proofpoint spotted the new strain, which appeared to come from the same authors as Locky and banking trojan Dridex. It appears in the form of a spam email urging the recipient to open a malicious JavaScript attachment masquerading as 'photos'. Users have been consequently asked $2000 to get their files unlocked.
IT support specialist Rajesh Kohli with Jupiter support defines ransomware and what sets it apart from malware.
He explains that ransomware features unbreakable encryption, which means that you can't decrypt the files on your own. He adds that ransomware has the ability to encrypt all kinds of files, from documents to pictures, videos, audio files and other things you may have on your PC, while also scrambling your file names, so you can't know which data was affected. This is one of the social engineering tricks used to confuse and coerce victims into paying the ransom. "Ransomware uses a complex set of evasion techniques to go undetected by traditional antivirus," said Kohli.
For more information on protecting your device against ransomware, visit www.jupitersupport.com or call 1-800-860-8467.
About Jupiter Support
Founded in 2010, Jupiter Support is a global IT company based in Scottsdale, Arizona. They are a premier computer service company that works to help small businesses and busy consumers with affordable IT support. The company focuses on maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction through a team that is highly equipped with fast, efficient and intuitive resources to deliver superior customer service.
For media inquiries regarding Jupiter Support, individuals are encouraged to contact Media Relations Director, Diane McDonald directly at 1-800-860-8467 or via email at pr@jupitersupport.com.
To learn more about the company or their 24/7 IT services, please visit: www.jupitersupport.com
Diane McDonald,
Media Relations Director
Jupiter's Support
7150 E. Camelback Rd. Suite 444,
Scottsdale, AZ 85251 USA
800-860-8667
pr@jupitersupport.com
http://www.jupitersupport.com