You won’t believe what this ransomware demands

When we talk about motives behind any cyberattack, it is mostly money; a case in point is the ransomware – it locks your PC or encrypts your data and demands a ransom (in Bitcoins) to let go off the computer or decrypt the data. So basically, money is the main motive behind all ransomware attacks which have happened so far. But, this does not stand true for a recently spotted malware called nRansomware; it demands something else – the victim’s nude photos. Yes, you read that right.

nRansomware, unlike most of its counterparts, does not encrypt the victim’s data but blocks access to the infected computer. Reportedly, the attacker demands at least 10 nude pictures of the victim in exchange of a code to unlock the system. The attacker also says that these pictures will be verified but without mentioning how. Below is a snapshot of the ransom note.

This ransomware-with-a-twist was spotted by the MalwareHunterTeam – a research group focused on ransomware. While this threat might look like a gross prank, it does appear to be legit – as verified by VirusTotal.

At the moment, nRansomware affects only Windows users.

What can you do to stay safe?

1. Do not pay the ransom even if it is not money. Your personal information is equally valuable when it lands on the black market.
2. Do not click on links or download attachments in unknown, unexpected or unwanted emails.
3. Do not click on pop-up ads in unknown or less popular websites.
4. Keep your OS and software up-to-date.
5. Use an antivirus software that offers multilayered security against ransomware and other online threats.

 

 

Source:
https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/yw3w47/this-ransomware-demands-nudes-instead-of-bitcoin