Subj : A new version of the most widely-used ransomware today has been s
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Fri Mar 15 2024 15:15:05

A new version of the most widely-used ransomware today has been spotted  and 
it's even better at avoiding detection

Date:
Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:12:59 +0000

Description:
The STOP ransomware is now a multi-stage operation.

FULL STORY
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The StopCrypt ransomware variant just received its first major update in a 
long time, and given its status as the worlds most distributed ransomware , 
that could be a big deal. 

The warning comes from a new report from security researchers SonicWall, 
which say that the operation now comes in multiple stages, to ensure it 
doesnt get picked up by antivirus programs, or endpoint protection solutions. 

Even though StopCrypt is arguably the worlds most widely distributed 
ransomware, it rarely makes headlines, as it doesnt target large companies, 
or critical infrastructure organizations. It doesnt steal sensitive data, and 
it most certainly doesnt demand millions in ransom payments in exchange for 
the decryption key and for the stolen data. Flying under the radar 

Instead, StopCrypt (also known as STOP ransomware) targets the average 
consumer. It is being distributed through malvertising, underground websites, 
and dark web forums. Victims usually look for cracked commercial software, 
activators, game cheats, and similar, and end up with infected endpoints. 

Given the low ransom demand (up to $1,000), and the fact that the victims are 
not exactly high-profile, STOPs campaigns rarely make headlines. Still, the 
new version is bound to ruin the day for a lot of consumers. 

StopCrypt was first discovered in 2018, BleepingComputer reports, and has 
been quite active since then. Its forum thread on STOP ransomware counts more 
than 800 pages. Still, its developers havent done much over the years to 
expand its functionality, as most of the updates were simply addressing 
critical issues. 

Besides STOP, the most prolific ransomware variants include BlackCat (ALPHV), 
LockBit, and Cl0p who have, over the years, targeted dozens of large 
organizations, healthcare institutions, government agencies, and critical 
infrastructure firms. Earlier this year, an international team of law 
enforcement agents managed to disrupt the infrastructure of LockBit, albeit 
temporarily. More from TechRadar Pro LockBit ransomware still poses a major 
threat  ScreenConnect under attack from new malware Here's a list of the best 
firewalls around today These are the best endpoint security tools right now



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/a-new-version-of-the-most-widely-used-r
ansomware-today-has-been-spotted-and-its-even-better-at-avoiding-detection


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