000g

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

This detailed resource is designed to provide the community with comprehensive information regarding the ransomware variant identified by the file extension 000g. This variant is a known iteration of the STOP/Djvu ransomware family, which is infamous for its constant evolution and the challenges it poses for victims.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: Files encrypted by this ransomware variant will have the .000g extension appended to their original filenames.

  • Renaming Convention: The ransomware encrypts a file and then appends the .000g extension. For example:

    • document.docx becomes document.docx.000g
    • image.jpg becomes image.jpg.000g
    • archive.zip becomes archive.zip.000g

    In addition to file encryption, the ransomware typically drops a ransom note named _readme.txt in every folder containing encrypted files, and often on the desktop. This note contains instructions for the victim on how to contact the attackers and pay the ransom.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: STOP/Djvu ransomware variants, including 000g, are part of an ongoing and continuously evolving campaign. The 000g variant specifically emerged in late 2023 to early 2024. New variants of STOP/Djvu are released almost daily, each with a slightly different file extension, making it a persistent and widespread threat rather than a single, distinct outbreak event.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

000g and other STOP/Djvu variants primarily rely on social engineering and deceptive practices to gain initial access:

  • Cracked Software & Pirated Content: This is the most prevalent vector. Users seeking free versions of paid software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, video games, VPNs, Windows activators/KMS tools) download malicious installers from torrent sites, warez portals, or untrustworthy file-sharing platforms. These installers are often bundled with the ransomware payload.
  • Fake Software Updates: Malicious websites or pop-ups may trick users into downloading fake updates for legitimate software (e.g., Flash Player, web browsers, media players), which are actually ransomware installers.
  • Malicious Email Attachments/Links: Though less common for Djvu than for other ransomware families, phishing emails with infected attachments (e.g., seemingly legitimate invoices, shipping notifications, or resumes) or links to compromised websites can still be used.
  • Malvertising: Deceptive online advertisements that redirect users to malicious websites hosting exploit kits or directly downloading malware.
  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploits: While less common than for enterprise-focused ransomware, poorly secured RDP connections can sometimes be brute-forced or exploited to gain initial access, especially in smaller businesses or home networks.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are crucial to avoid infection by 000g and similar threats:

  • Regular Data Backups: Implement a robust 3-2-1 backup strategy: at least three copies of your data, stored on two different media types, with one copy offsite or offline (disconnected from the network). This is the most reliable recovery method.
  • Strong Antivirus/Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR): Use reputable security software and keep it updated. Modern EDR solutions offer behavioral analysis that can detect and block ransomware activities even if the specific signature isn’t known.
  • Software Updates & Patch Management: Keep your operating system (Windows, macOS) and all software applications (browsers, plugins, office suites, etc.) fully updated to patch known vulnerabilities.
  • User Education: Train users to identify phishing attempts, avoid clicking suspicious links, and be extremely cautious about downloading files from unofficial or untrusted sources (especially cracked software).
  • Network Segmentation: For organizations, segmenting your network can limit the lateral movement of ransomware if an infection occurs in one segment.
  • Disable Unnecessary Services: Disable SMBv1 and other outdated or unnecessary services. Harden RDP by using strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and limiting access to trusted IPs only.
  • Firewall Configuration: Configure your firewall to block suspicious inbound and outbound connections.

2. Removal

If infected by 000g, follow these steps for effective removal:

  1. Isolate the Infected System: Immediately disconnect the infected computer from the network (unplug Ethernet, turn off Wi-Fi). This prevents the ransomware from spreading to other devices on your network.
  2. Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes:
    • Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
    • Look for suspicious processes with high CPU or disk usage. STOP/Djvu ransomware often runs with obfuscated or random process names.
    • Right-click and “End task.” Be cautious not to end critical system processes.
  3. Boot into Safe Mode: Restart the computer and boot into Safe Mode with Networking. This loads only essential services, making it easier to remove the malware without interference.
  4. Run a Full System Scan:
    • Use your updated antivirus software to perform a full system scan.
    • Consider using additional anti-malware tools (e.g., Malwarebytes, HitmanPro) for a deeper scan, as they may detect components missed by your primary AV.
    • Allow the tools to quarantine or remove all detected threats.
  5. Clean Up Residual Files: The ransomware often leaves behind malicious files (e.g., executables in temporary folders, %APPDATA%, %TEMP%). Manually delete any identified ransomware-related files and the ransom note (_readme.txt).
  6. Check Startup Items and Registry: Use msconfig (System Configuration) or Task Manager’s Startup tab to disable any suspicious programs set to run at startup. Use regedit (Registry Editor) with extreme caution to remove any ransomware-related entries, but only if you are confident in identifying them.
  7. Change All Passwords: Change passwords for all accounts accessed from the infected system, including local accounts, cloud services, email, banking, etc., as the ransomware might attempt to exfiltrate credentials.
  8. Monitor Your System: After cleanup, monitor your system closely for any unusual activity.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: Decryption of files encrypted by 000g is partially possible, but not guaranteed, and depends on the specific “key” used during encryption:
    • Offline Key Encryption: If the ransomware failed to establish communication with its Command & Control (C2) server during encryption, it uses an “offline” encryption key. Files encrypted with offline keys may be decryptable by tools like the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/Djvu Ransomware. This tool relies on a database of previously recovered offline keys.
    • Online Key Encryption: If the ransomware successfully communicates with its C2 server, it uses a unique “online” encryption key generated specifically for the victim. Files encrypted with online keys are currently impossible to decrypt without the attackers’ private key. The Emsisoft decryptor will not work for these files. This is the more common scenario for recent Djvu variants.
  • Essential Tools/Patches:
    • Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/Djvu Ransomware: This is the primary community tool for attempting decryption. Download it only from Emsisoft’s official website or their partners (e.g., BleepingComputer.com). You will need at least one encrypted file and its original, unencrypted version (if available) to help the tool identify the key.
    • Data Recovery Software: For files that were deleted (rather than encrypted) or shadow copies that were wiped by the ransomware, data recovery software (e.g., PhotoRec, Recuva, Stellar Data Recovery) might be able to recover older versions of files, but success rates vary.
    • System Restore/Shadow Volume Copies: Ransomware often attempts to delete Volume Shadow Copies to prevent recovery. Check if any are available, but do not rely on this as a primary recovery method.
    • Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows OS is fully patched.
    • Reputable Antivirus/Anti-Malware Solutions: For removal and ongoing protection.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Unique Characteristics:
    • Constant Evolution: STOP/Djvu ransomware, including 000g, is notable for its rapid and continuous development, with new variants appearing almost daily. This makes signature-based detection challenging.
    • Offline vs. Online Keys: The distinction between offline and online encryption keys is critical for victims. Only offline key-encrypted files have a chance of decryption with public tools.
    • Information Stealer Component: Many recent Djvu variants, including 000g, often bundle an information stealer (e.g., Vidar, Azorult, or Predator The Thief). This means that in addition to encrypting files, the ransomware may have also exfiltrated sensitive information (passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, browser data, etc.) before or during the encryption process.
  • Broader Impact:
    • Significant Data Loss: For individuals and small businesses, 000g can lead to irreversible data loss if no backups are available and an online key was used.
    • Financial Strain: The ransom demands are typically small (hundreds to low thousands of dollars/Bitcoin), targeting individuals rather than large enterprises. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee file recovery and incentivizes further attacks.
    • Privacy Compromise: The inclusion of information stealers means victims face the additional risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and account compromise, even if their files are eventually recovered.
    • Psychological Stress: Dealing with ransomware can be extremely stressful and time-consuming for victims.

It is crucial for victims to NEVER pay the ransom, as it funds criminal activities and there is no guarantee of data recovery. Focus on prevention, robust backups, and utilizing available decryption tools where feasible.