DEWD Ransomware Join the STOP/Djvu Ransomware Family
The STOP/Djvu Ransomware family expands further by introducing another variant known asDEWD Ransomware. There is a good reason why cybercriminals continue to favor this particular ransomware family. They can rapidly produce potent ransomware threats without the need to make major modifications or improvements.
DEWD Ransomware received its name from the ‘.DEWD’ suffix that it appends to the affected files. This ransomware strain works identically with the other STOP/Djvu Ransomware family members. The same applies to the program’s distribution as DEWD Ransomware spreads mostly via spam emails, phishing messages, social engineering, and compromised websites.
The DEWD Ransomware Experience
Users will unknowingly download DEWD Ransomware, and they will suddenly find that their files have been encrypted and are now inaccessible. Victims will also find a ransom note on their desktop in the form of the ‘_readme.text‘ document. The cybercriminals behind DEWD Ransomware request $980 for file decryption, but they are willing to lower that price to $490 in return for payment within 72 hours.
The hackers also provide victims with contact information in the form of two emails, manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc. Victims are instructed to send one file to be decrypted for free as proof that the ransomware operators can unlock the victims’ files after receiving payment.
As always, we strongly recommend that victims do not communicate with the hackers and refrain from paying any ransom, as paying does not guarantee that victims will receive a decryption tool.
Surviving a DEWD Ransomware Attack
In general, we strongly recommend users keep backups of their valuable files on removable storage devices or via a cloud storage service to mitigate the troubling ransomware infection consequences. But if you should find yourself infected by DEWD Ransomware, we recommend that you use a reputable anti-malware tool to scan for and remove the elements related to this nasty infection.
