CryptoWall Ransomware

The CryptoWall Ransomware is a file encryptor Trojan that encodes the data of different file types and holds them hostage. The persons responsible for distributing the CryptoWall Ransomware through hacked websites and other methods demand that any victims make a high payment to return the affected files to readability, but malware researchers recommend against this course of action. As opposed to rewarding ill-minded persons for attacking your PC, file backups can let you restore any encrypted files for free, and anti-malware tools, as usual, can remove the CryptoWall Ransomware, albeit not all of the aftereffects of its attacks.

The CryptoWall Ransomware: the Word that's Hot on Blog Sites

The CryptoWall Ransomware has joined the ranks of other, equally prominent Trojans being distributed through hacked WordPress websites, despite the CryptoWall Ransomware also being seen distributed via spam e-mail and other means. The most recent distribution methods redirect the victim's Web browser through a string of other, hacked sites through iFrame vulnerabilities, eventually leading to the Goon Exploit Kit. Because malware experts have seen that attacks for the CryptoWall Ransomware also rotate alternate payloads into use, the installation of the CryptoWall Ransomware is just one of several, potential consequences of these attacks. WordPress site administrators are, once again, reminded that outdated versions of that Web design platform are especially vulnerable to security breaches, inevitably leading to threat distribution.

With its installation proceeding automatically, the CryptoWall Ransomware can then proceed with encrypting various file types on your hard drives, including image files and text documents. The RSA-2048 encryption will prevent these files from being read properly by your computer, making restoring them from a remote backup the simplest solution. However, the CryptoWall Ransomware will display a ransom-themed pop-up demanding hundreds of dollars' worth in BitCoins, ostensibly before the CryptoWall Ransomware will decrypt the files for you. Naturally, malware experts do not encourage this questionable solution, which relies on unreliable persons making good on their word – after already having taken your money.

Taking Back Your Fair Share of a File Ransom

Due to the inevitable and highly disruptive symptoms associated with a successful CryptoWall Ransomware attack, the CryptoWall Ransomware infections usually should be noticed almost immediately. Regardless of the files encrypted by the CryptoWall Ransomware, the CryptoWall Ransomware also will place additional files into the targeted directories that include its ransom instructions, labeled as 'DECRYPT_INSTRUCTION.' However, the CryptoWall Ransomware's delivery and installation methods are presumed to occur without any visible signs.

Besides the ever-important facets of website administrative security that are relevant to stopping the CryptoWall Ransomware's ongoing campaign (which has targeted charitable organizations, along with blogs), PC users also can disable JavaScript in their Web browsers. Doing so will block many of the exploits used to redirect victims to the attack. In cases of confirmed exposure to such a hacked website, malware researchers recommend disinfecting the PC, whether or not any indicators of the CryptoWall Ransomware's attacks are in evidence.
Like other, similar Trojan distribution campaigns, the CryptoWall Ransomware displays clearly that threat attacks have no need to be creative to be successful or threatening in their larceny.

Technical Details