Credo Ransomware

The Credo Ransomware is a file-locking Trojan that's a confirmed build of the Dharma Ransomware RaaS (Ransomware-as-a-Service). The Credo Ransomware can block media-related content, such as documents, with encryption, delete local backups and demand a ransom for decryption assistance. Users can store their backups securely as a counter to its attacks or keep anti-malware programs capable of deleting the Credo Ransomware immediately.

The Creed of Trojan Hirelings in Action

The Dharma Ransomware wing of Crysis Ransomware's kit-built family may fall behind its close competitor, the STOP Ransomware, in raw variations. Criminals still consider it a viable service to attack data and make money off the scenario, as the Credo Ransomware shows well. In malware experts' analyses, this Trojan's Ransomware-as-a-Service goes back to members as old as the 'amagnus@india.com' Ransomware, the Dharma 2017 Ransomware, the 'Lavandos@dr.com' Ransomware, and the early 2018's Arrow Ransomware.

The Credo Ransomware shows surprisingly few changes relative to even the oldest versions of the family. It attacks Windows systems, hides its executable with a random name that runs off of Registry persistence, and deletes the Shadow Volume Copy backups with a CMD command. It also, most importantly, holds files hostage with an AES and RSA encryption routine.

Once it blocks the user's documents, pictures, music, and other media, the Trojan appends ransom-related information and the 'credo' string from its name into their filenames. It also creates two ransom notes: a text file and an HTA pop-up window. Due to the deletion of Restore Point-based backup data, victims may have limited or even no other restoration solutions. Accordingly, preserving a backup on a separate device is highly helpful against both the Credo Ransomware and other file-locking Trojans, in general.

The Unseen Drawback of Taking a Trojan's Statements of Belief on Their Faces

Malware experts recommend against the paying of Trojans' ransoms, as a rule. Even though the Dharma Ransomware family is a years-established 'service,' threat actors can take advantage of limited chargeback support for making money without giving anything back, at no risk to themselves. There are also cases of criminals sending fake 'decrypted files' that are, in actuality, additional threats such as backdoor Trojans, thus letting victims re-infect themselves.

Windows users should be stringent about their password choices, which, if careless, can invite brute-force attacks and the installation of threats like the Credo Ransomware. Installing security patches, scanning downloads before opening them, and leaving off features like Flash, JavaScript, and document or spreadsheet macros can also increase safety. Ransomware-as-a-Services are, often, opportunity-based predators that are threatening to home users and work environment networks equally.

However, the Dharma Ransomware family operates on a philosophy of targeting unprotected or vulnerable systems. The presence of any anti-malware tools should help users delete the Credo Ransomware before any encryption or locking of files can happen.

The Credo Ransomware is a rote repetition of a business strategy, and its money-grabbing motivations hold a tight grip on the Trojan black market. Users must deviate from poor security practices if they hope of breaking this threat, or the hundreds of others like it, out of its rhythm.