****[email protected]*.awt

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As a cybersecurity expert specializing in ransomware, I’ve compiled a detailed resource regarding the ransomware variant identified by the file extension ****[email protected]*.awt. This pattern strongly suggests a variant from a prolific ransomware family known for frequently changing its appended extensions, often embedding the attacker’s contact email directly into the file name. While the exact family cannot be definitively named without further analysis (e.g., examining the ransom note or static code), the behavior aligns closely with variants of the STOP/Djvu ransomware family or similar strains.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: The exact file extension used by this ransomware variant is .<original_filename_extension>.****[email protected]. For example, a file named document.docx would be renamed to document.docx.****[email protected]. This distinctive pattern, which includes the attackers’ email address as part of the appended extension, is a hallmark of certain ransomware families, notably later variants of STOP/Djvu.
  • Renaming Convention: The ransomware encrypts target files and then appends a multi-part extension. First, it appends the attacker’s contact email (****[email protected]), followed by its unique variant extension (.awt). This convention is designed to immediately provide victims with the contact information for ransom negotiations upon encountering their encrypted files, while also clearly marking the file as encrypted by this specific variant.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: Ransomware variants adopting this kind of naming convention, particularly with embedded email addresses and short unique extensions like .awt, have been observed to emerge frequently, with new iterations appearing every few days or weeks within larger ransomware operations. While .awt itself might be a relatively recent iteration, the underlying family (likely STOP/Djvu or similar) has been active since at least 2018-2019 and continues to evolve. Without specific telemetry for .awt itself, it’s safe to assume it’s a variant released within the last year, given the rapid rotation of such extensions.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

The primary attack vectors for ransomware variants employing this naming convention typically include:

  • Software Cracks & Pirated Software: One of the most common infection vectors. Users downloading “cracked” versions of legitimate software, illegal activators (keygens), or software from untrusted torrent sites or file-sharing platforms are highly susceptible. The ransomware is often bundled discreetly within these downloads.
  • Malicious Downloads & Drive-by Downloads: Visiting compromised websites or clicking on malicious advertisements can lead to the download and execution of the ransomware, often without explicit user interaction (drive-by downloads).
  • Phishing Campaigns: Although less common for this specific family compared to commodity loaders, sophisticated phishing emails containing malicious attachments (e.g., weaponized documents, archives with executables) or links to malware download sites can also be a vector.
  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploits: Weak or poorly secured RDP configurations are exploited through brute-force attacks or stolen credentials, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access and deploy the ransomware manually.
  • Software Vulnerabilities: Less frequent for this specific type of ransomware, but exploitation of unpatched vulnerabilities in operating systems or installed applications could also be used to gain initial access.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are the most effective defense against this and other ransomware variants:

  • Regular Data Backups: Implement a robust 3-2-1 backup strategy (3 copies of data, on 2 different media, with 1 copy off-site or air-gapped). This is your last line of defense.
  • Software Updates & Patching: Keep your operating system, applications, and security software fully updated. Patching known vulnerabilities reduces attack surface.
  • Strong Antivirus/Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR): Deploy and maintain reputable antivirus and EDR solutions. Ensure they are configured for real-time protection and regularly updated.
  • User Education: Train users about phishing, suspicious attachments, and the dangers of downloading pirated software. A significant number of infections start with user actions.
  • Network Segmentation: Isolate critical systems and sensitive data on separate network segments to limit lateral movement in case of an infection.
  • Disable/Secure RDP: If RDP is necessary, secure it with strong, unique passwords, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and restrict access to trusted IPs only.
  • Ad Blockers/Script Blockers: Use browser extensions to block malicious ads and scripts, reducing the risk of drive-by downloads.
  • Application Whitelisting: Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized executables (like ransomware) from running on endpoints.

2. Removal

If infected, follow these steps to remove the ransomware:

  1. Isolate the Infected System: Immediately disconnect the infected computer from the network (unplug Ethernet cable, disable Wi-Fi) to prevent the ransomware from spreading to other devices.
  2. Identify the Infection Source: Use forensic tools if possible, or check system logs, browser history, and recently downloaded files to understand how the infection occurred.
  3. Boot into Safe Mode: Restart the computer and boot into Safe Mode with Networking (if needed for scanning software updates) or Safe Mode without Networking for maximum isolation.
  4. Scan and Remove: Run a full system scan with your updated antivirus/anti-malware software. Reputable tools like Malwarebytes, ESET, or Microsoft Defender (updated definitions) can often detect and remove the ransomware executable. Multiple scans with different tools might be necessary.
  5. Remove Ransom Note & Indicators: After the scan, manually check for the ransom note (often _readme.txt) and remove it. Also, check startup folders, scheduled tasks, and registry entries for any persistent elements of the ransomware.
  6. Change All Passwords: Assume all passwords on the infected system (and potentially network) have been compromised. Change them immediately from an uninfected device.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: For variants like ****[email protected]*.awt (especially if it’s a STOP/Djvu variant), decryption without the attacker’s private key is often challenging for files encrypted with an “online key” (a unique key generated for each victim and transmitted to the attacker’s server).
    • Emsisoft Decryptor: Emsisoft often provides a free decryptor for STOP/Djvu variants. You must try this tool. However, its effectiveness depends on whether your specific infection used an “offline key” (a key pre-embedded in the malware, used when the malware cannot connect to its C2 server) that has been recovered by security researchers. If an online key was used, the Emsisoft decryptor will likely only work for a small percentage of files or not at all unless your specific key has been recovered.
    • Data Recovery Software: For some files, data recovery software (e.g., PhotoRec, EaseUS Data Recovery) might be able to recover older, unencrypted versions from shadow copies or deleted files, but this is highly dependent on how thoroughly the ransomware deleted original files and shadow copies. Ransomware often attempts to delete Volume Shadow Copies to hinder recovery.
    • Paying the Ransom: Paying the ransom is strongly discouraged. There is no guarantee that attackers will provide a working decryptor, and it funds further criminal activity.
  • Essential Tools/Patches:
    • Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/Djvu: This is the primary tool to attempt decryption. Download it only from Emsisoft’s official website.
    • Reputable Antivirus/Anti-malware Software: Keep solutions like Malwarebytes, ESET, Bitdefender, or Kaspersky fully updated.
    • Windows Security Updates: Ensure your Windows OS is fully patched.
    • Backup Solutions: Tools for automated and immutable backups are critical for post-infection recovery.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions: This type of ransomware often drops a ransom note (typically _readme.txt) in every folder containing encrypted files, and sometimes changes the desktop background to display ransom instructions. It may also attempt to delete Volume Shadow Copies (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet) to prevent easy recovery. Be wary of fake decryptors or support services online; only trust tools from reputable cybersecurity vendors.
  • Broader Impact: The family from which ****[email protected]*.awt likely originates (STOP/Djvu) is one of the most widespread consumer-level ransomware families. Its broad impact stems from its distribution via common user habits (piracy, unpatched software) and its aggressive file encryption that renders personal data inaccessible. The sheer volume of new variants released ensures a continuous threat, often leaving individual users with little recourse if they lack proper backups and security measures. The constantly changing extensions and contact details make it harder for standard detection rules to keep up.