Eknkfwovyzb ransomware is a data-locking malware that specializes in money extortion
Eknkfwovyzb ransomware is a malicious program that is used by cybercriminals behind Snatch ransomware – a malware family that initially emerged in 2018 and mostly specializes in infecting corporate and business networks. Once on the system, the infection scans the machine and its networked drives in order to find files for encryption – it targets documents, databases, archives, and other relevant data.
The encryption process is performed with a symmetric algorithm AES, and all of the locked files receive a .eknkfwovyzb marker. After this process, none of the data can be accessed anymore, as it requires a unique key that is only accessible to the cybercriminals behind the attack. Evidently, threat actors are not willing to provide it for free, and instead, ask victims (via the ransom note HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT) to contact them via the bcpfile17@tutanota.com or doctorhelp2120@cock.li emails for negotiation.
| Name | Eknkfwovyzb ransomware |
| Type | File locking virus, crypto-malware |
| Family | Snatch ransomware |
| Encryption method | AES |
| Extension | Each of the affected files is appended with .eknkfwovyzb marker. For example, a “picture.jpg” is transformed into “picture.jpg.eknkfwovyzb,” which also makes it lose its icon and can no longer be accessed |
| Ransom note | HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT – the note is dropped on the desktop and many other locations within the compromised system |
| Contact | bcpfile17@tutanota.com or doctorhelp2120@cock.li |
| Other details | Malware mainly targets corporations and businesses by using brute-force RDP attacks, typically asking for 1 to 5 bitcoin for data recovery. Malicious actors also threaten to publish stolen sensitive information if the ransom is not paid |
| File recovery | The only secure way to retrieve all data unharmed is by using backups. Alternatively, third-party software or built-in recovery features might sometimes be helpful as well – we provide useful links and instructions below |
| Malware removal | The infected machine should be disconnected from the network and a full system scan performed with anti-malware solution |
| System fix | In case Windows machines are suffering from crashes, lag, errors, or other stability issues, we recommend using FortectIntego to fix virus damage on the compromised system |
Spotted in early September 2020, the Eknkfwovyzb virus is one of many members of the extensive crypto-malware family, which include Qensvlcbymk, Gdjlosvtnib, Pywdu, and many others. Threat actors behind the strain are known for their “big game hunting” tactics, where attacks are targeted against organizations. Nonetheless, targets are selected relatively at random, as the attack vector is Remote Desktop connections that are exposed to the internet.
By using the brute-force technique, hackers can eventually break-in into the company's network. Typically, they spend several weeks on the network after breaking in via the domain controller, stealing sensitive company information, and only then deploy the Eknkfwovyzb ransomware payload. Also, the malware was seen rebooting systems into Safe Mode in order to evade anti-malware detection.[1]
However, there are several anti-malware applications that can detect malicious activity, even Safe Mode. One of the Eknkfwovyzb samples are detected under the following names:[2]
- Ransom:Win32/Snatch.65f267ec
- Trojan.Ransom.Snatch
- Artemis!71E152EE68CA
- Ransom:Win64/Snatch.A!MTB
- Trojan.TR/AD.RansomHeur.qwktb
- Trojan.Encoder.32321, etc.
In the Safe Mode, the Eknkfwovyzb file virus would encrypt all the susceptible file types, such as PDF, MS Office documents, Zip, and many others. Once the encryption is complete, a ransom note HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT is delivered, so that the victims would acquire the contact information of the attackers:
Hello!
All your files are encrypted, write to me if you want to return your files – I can do it very quickly!
Contact me by email:
bcpfile17@tutanota.com or doctorhelp2120@cock.liThe subject line must contain an encryption extension or the name of your company!
Do not rename encrypted files, you may lose them forever.
You may be a victim of fraud. Free decryption as a guarantee.
Send us up to 3 files for free decryption.
The total file size should be no more than 1 MB! (not in the archive), and the files should not contain valuable information. (databases, backups, large Excel spreadsheets, etc.)
!!! Do not turn off or restart the NAS equipment. This will lead to data loss !!!To contact us, we recommend that you create an email address at protonmail.com or tutanota.com
Because gmail and other public email programs can block our messages!
There is great importance to perform Eknkfwovyzb ransomware removal as soon as possible, as Snatch developers are known to inject data-stealing modules into each of the infected machines in order to harvest login credentials and other sensitive data.
While, in many cases, the ransomware deletes itself after the data encryption is finished, it is important to check the workstation for malicious components regardless. To remove Eknkfwovyzb ransomware correctly, victims should first disconnect each of the infected machines from the network, and then perform a deep system scan.
Additionally, malware might cause serious performance issues after it is eliminated. To fix difficulties, experts recommend fixing virus damage with tools such as FortectIntego.
Eknkfwovyzb ransomware devs don't play games: pay up or we will publish your information
Eknkfwovyzb ransomware authors are trying to convince victims that the only way to recover data is by paying a ransom, as otherwise they might be “scammed.” While it is true that a unique key is stored on cybercriminals' remote servers, it does not mean that other recovery methods are not possible.
Most companies prepare backups on a regular basis, so the data recovery process usually does not pose a problem. Unfortunately, if the ransom is not paid to the attackers, they threaten that they will publicly publish the information that was stolen during the intrusion. As evident, such measures can prove devastating for any company, as disclosure of classified information might even mean bankruptcy.
Eknkfwovyzb ransomware is not unique in regards to data publishing. The approach was first introduced by Maze ransomware authors in the second half of 2019,[3], and many other cybercriminal gangs quickly adopted the tactic. Companies, businesses, and other establishments face a difficult decision to make, as they do not want the secret documents to be published online. The University of Utah recently paid almost half a million ransom for crooks not to expose information that was stolen during the attack, even if it consisted only of 0.2% data stored on the server.[4]
Eknkfwovyzb removal instructions
Since Snatch ransomware mainly targets companies and institutions, Eknkfwovyzb ransomware removal should be performed with the help of professionals. First of all, each of the compromised machines should be disconnected from the network so that the infection would not spread even further. After that, each of such workstations should be scanned with a powerful security application to ensure that all the malicious components are eliminated.
After you remove Eknkfwovyzb ransomware from the system, you can then begin the data restoration process from backups. If you decide to pay the ransom, you can also use a decryption tool that attackers might send you. In case you do not want to pay the ransom and you have no backups to restore the files from, there are very minimal chances of doing so, as there are known decryption tools available for Snatch ransomware variants.
Nonetheless, we provide several other solutions that sometimes would help to recover at least some portion of .Eknkfwovyzb virus files. Note that a chance of success is relatively low, and you should always make sure that you store backups in a different medium to prevent such file compromise in the future. Additionally, an endpoint security solution must be implemented by all companies, and adequate measures applied to secure all the open Remote Desktop (RDP) connections from unauthorized access.
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