'.STG File Extension' Ransomware

The '.STG File Extension' Ransomware is a revised version of the Globe Imposter 2.0 Ransomware, an update of the Globe Imposter Ransomware family that encrypts files while pretending that it's the Globe Ransomware. Besides the lesser features, such as its ransom notes and filename changes, the '.STG File Extension' Ransomware can lock the files permanently by encrypting their data. Have backups secured elsewhere for easing recovery and use appropriate anti-malware protection for deleting the '.STG File Extension' Ransomware or preventing infections.

Three Little Letters that Mean 'Extortion'

While it may be forgettable in contrast to the more-numerous competing families from Hidden Tear to the Scarab Ransomware, the Globe Imposter Ransomware is far from inactive in 2019's early months. A followup variant that's basing itself off of the Globe Imposter 2.0 Ransomware (the newest, secure build of the family) appears ready for launching attacks through unknown infection vectors. Any Windows users who aren't backing up their files, already, are getting a new reason for doing so in the '.STG File Extension' Ransomware.

The '.STG File Extension' Ransomware uses secure encryption algorithms for locking the files individually, of which, documents, pictures, and similar media formats are most susceptible. The '.STG File Extension' Ransomware doesn't erase the data's name or extension but does add its titular one to the end (for example, 'bumblebee.gif' becomes 'bumblebee.gif.STG'). Users wanting to open their files will need to have them sent through a decryption routine that requires that personalized key that the '.STG File Extension' Ransomware uploads to the threat actor's C&C server.

The '.STG File Extension' Ransomware deposits a Web page into the folders containing any locked media. This HTML file shows a barely-updated template that's typical of the Globe Imposter Ransomware variants like the Healforyou Ransomware, the ANAMI Ransomware, the Uridzu Ransomware or the ABC Ransomware. Caution before paying is preferable due to malware analysts finding many threat actors refraining from providing their decryption help, even when they get their money.

Imposter-Proof Protection for Your Data

As per usual, initial rates for identifying the '.STG File Extension' Ransomware began at extremely sub-optimal levels but are climbing over time as various anti-malware organizations update their databases appropriately. Promptly installing software patches is valuable, not just for detecting file-locking Trojans, but for lowering the presence of vulnerabilities that could lead to drive-by-downloads and associated attacks that are responsible for distributing many kinds of threats. Some of the other means of shielding your computer that malware experts recommend heavily include:

• Users should maintain high degrees of caution around e-mail attachments from unverifiable senders, particularly, ones that contain themes concerning workplace invoices or other, financial matters. PDFs, DOCs, and similar files are potential carriers of vulnerabilities for dropping harmful software on your computer.
• Some Web-browsing features are more likely of being exploitable for drive-by-download attacks than others. Disabling or allowing JavaScript, Flash, and Java only on secure websites will reduce the possibility of exposure.
• Maintaining a strict rotation of unique and complex passwords can keep criminals from breaking your login credentials by brute-force methods and taking over your PC.

Vigilant patch installation is pertinent for newly-identifiable threats, like the '.STG File Extension' Ransomware especially. Users should entrust up-to-date anti-malware programs with removing the '.STG File Extension' Ransomware whenever possible along with detecting any correlating security problems.

Malware experts suspect that the '.STG File Extension' Ransomware may not be in deployment, yet, but that doesn't mean it can't cause problems. The price of a file that you don't save with some redundancy in mind can, with Trojans like the '.STG File Extension' Ransomware, be up to the imagination of an extortionist.