KXDE Ransomware Joins the Ever Growing STOP/Djvu Ransomware Family
Over the past few years, the world has experienced the rise of ransomware as one of the most prominent malware threats victimizing PC users. During this time, many ransomware families have risen in prominence. Since 2018, the STOP/Djvu Ransomware family has released hundreds of new variants, quickly becoming one of the world’s most notable ransomware gangs.
Now, KXDE Ransomware has been uncovered as yet another strain from the family. It is referred to as KXDE based on the .KXDE extension it uses to append infected files. The ransomware operates like its counterparts from the STOP/Djvu group and encrypts files before making a ransom demand.
Upon infection, KXDE Ransomware scans a victim’s computer to look for user-generated files. It then targets the files that may contain valuable information, including databases, spreadsheets, archives, pictures, and videos. Additionally, the hackers behind KXDE Ransomware deliver a ransom note that contains information about the infection and the hackers’ ransom demands.
The Ransom Demand Associated with KXDE Ransomware
KXDE Ransomware’s operators promise a decryption key to unlock the affected files in exchange for $980. However, they do offer a 50% discount if victims establish communication within 72 hours after encryption. The ransom note also instructs users to contact the criminals via helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc. If contacted, KXDE Ransomware’s operators also offer to decrypt one file for free to display they can unlock all the affected files.
How Do I Deal with a KXDE Ransomware Attack?
Although cooperating with hackers seems like an easy way out of the situation, we strongly advise victims not to engage and employ a reputable malware remediation program to scan for and removeKXDE Ransomware. To prevent data loss in the case of another ransomware attack, please consider backing up your data on an external hard drive or virtual cloud storage.
