Shade | Terrible Ransomware from Russia | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

A ransomware from Russia called Shadow not only encrypts files but also downloads additional malware, posing a serious threat.

Key Insights

• 💄 The Shadow ransomware not only encrypts files but also downloads additional malicious programs, making it more destructive.
• 👤 It primarily targets users in Russia and neighboring countries, indicating a specific geographic focus.
• 📂 The ransomware disguises itself as an Adobe PDF file, tricking users into opening the malicious attachment.
• 🤩 It utilizes AES 256-bit encryption, which is highly secure and makes file restoration nearly impossible without the decryption key.
• ❓ Victims are provided with ransom messages in multiple languages, creating a sense of urgency and intimidation.
• 🙃 The ransomware creates a unique ID for each infected PC and advises victims to use the Tor browser, adding layers of anonymity.
• ❓ Some antivirus companies may not have signatures for this ransomware variant, highlighting the importance of robust protection against evolving threats.

Transcript

there's the Sun and then there's the shade today we'll be taking a look at a ransomware from Russia with a particularly destructive mindset the developers of this malware decided that having a ransomware on your computer isn't bad enough so this one actually downloads additional malware even after your files are encrypted the attack vector for this... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the Shadow ransomware spread?

The Shadow ransomware spreads through infected websites or spam emails with malicious attachments. Some recipients may unknowingly click on these attachments, thinking they are legitimate documents.

Q: What happens after the Shadow ransomware is executed?

After execution, the ransomware contacts command and control servers to obtain stronger encryption and starts deleting files. It may also utilize a list of public encryption keys if internet access is not available.

Q: How does the Shadow ransomware communicate with victims?

The ransomware changes the desktop background and displays messages in both Russian and English, instructing victims to access onion domains through the Tor browser for further instructions.

Q: Can victims recover their encrypted files?

Recovering encrypted files becomes challenging as the ransomware changes the file names to random gibberish. It becomes difficult to locate specific files and restore them even from backups.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Shadow ransomware is a destructive malware that not only encrypts files but also downloads additional malware.

• It spreads through infected websites or email attachments, targeting people primarily in Russia and neighboring countries.

• Once executed, it encrypts files with a strong AES 256-bit encryption and changes the desktop background, making file restoration difficult.