A malicious Christmas. The recently discovered Christmas ransomware is still under investigation. However, it can use a strong encryption algorithm to take various image, audio, video, backups, databases or configuration files to hostage. Following successful data encryption, malware delivers a creepy-looking ransom note:. Your Files Have Been Encrypted! Grammar is not the biggest strength of cybercriminals. However, transferring the ransom is not recommended. No one can assure that the virus is decryptable or crooks are willing to share the decryptor with you.
Thus, you should remove Christmas ransomware from the computer using reputable antivirus. As we have told before, Christmas virus is decryptable. MerryChristmas ransomware might bring different ransom note. However, victims are still threatened with paying the ransom. Even though the holiday season is over, security experts report that ransomware is still active.
On January , the festive-themed ransomware has been noticed spreading DiamondFox malware. DiamondFox is mostly used for stealing passwords, credit card information and other sensitive data. Therefore, quick MerryChristmas removal is a must for avoiding privacy-related issues or money loss.
This version of the virus still spreads via malicious spam emails. However, it delivers a different-looking ransom note. Data recovery instructions and contact email address remained the same. Despite the festive name, malware continues spreading after winter holidays. Please pay attention that. Therefore, as soon as the victim opens this file, the virus gets activated and roots into the target computer system.
Additionally, the virus might arrive in a malicious document that contains scrambled text and asks the victim to enable Macros to view contents. This alert was received by an employee of Microsoft itself. Please pass this mail to all of your friends. Forward this to everyone in your address book. All three versions of the warning are equally false and should not be taken seriously. Forwarding bogus warnings such as these is counterproductive. Forwarding false virus warnings can cause unnecessary alarm, and people who have received such hoaxes may be more likely to ignore genuine warnings.
They also needlessly clutter inboxes. While the information in these messages is invalid, it should be noted that malicious emails that are designed to look like email greeting card notifications are sometimes distributed. And — Merry Christmas! Be Sociable, Share! About the Author: I am a cybersecurity and IT instructor, cybersecurity analyst, pen-tester, trainer, and speaker.
I am an owner of the WyzCo Group Inc. In addition to consulting on security products and services, I also conduct security audits, compliance audits, vulnerability assessments and penetration tests. Warm greetings on Christmas to you. May you and your loved one stay safe from the pandemic and celebrate this day and life with high spirits.
May this Chinese virus is not able to take away our zeal and high spirits to celebrate this day with our loved ones.
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