While the WannaCry ransomware infection demanded $300 and gathered around $150 thousand dollars in total, the creators of Erebus ransomware have gotten away with $1 million dollars after infecting a server of the South Korea company NAYANA, which is a web hosting provider. The company did not have a choice but to pay the ransom, because their Linux servers were affected by a new version of the virus, coded specifically for web servers.
Erebus Ransomware Heist – More Details On the Attack
On June 12, the company NAYANA, based in South Korea has shared information that they are being extorted for the insane amount of 550 BTC (Bitcoin). This sum equaled to around $1.6 million dollars at the time of the attack. Fortunately, the ransom was up for negotiation and since time was pressuring NAYANA, they managed to negotiate the ransom price and payed a total of two payments equaling to $1.01 million dollars. After the payment has completed, the company was sent the so called “Erebus Decryptor” which allowed them to begin restoring their files. Despite paying the ransom, the company is still experiencing issues with some of the encrypted files for which they are likely to make a third payment in the future.
Erebus ransomware which was initially detected back in the end of the year 2016 was reported to infect computers via the RIG Exploit Kit for Windows. It also used UAC bypass type of attack and used to demand the sum of around 0.85 BitCoin. In comparison to this, the new version of the virus has been modified to work on Linux. It still uses a .txt file to notify the victims. The file is named _DECRYPT_FILE.txt and it has the following message:
Warning!!
Your documents, photos, databases, important files have been encrypted!
If you modify any file, it may cause make you cannot decrypt!!!!
To decrypt your files please visit the following website:
{TOR web links}
If the above address will be unable to open or very slow, follow these steps:1. Download and install the tor browser:
{download URL}
2.After successful installation, run the browser, waiting to initialize.
3.In the address bar enter:
{TOR url}
Machine ID:
{Unique ID}
When the web-page itself is visited, it has a further ransom note that has a unique public key, which is to be used with the decryptor to restore the files after a payment has been made. The decryptor is named Erebus Decryptor and the software can be only downloaded after the victim has paid as TrendLabs report:
How Did The Attack Happen?
According to experts(https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/erebus-resurfaces-as-linux-ransomware/), the attack vector used some specially designed Linux exploits. Since NAYANA’s site is Linux kernel-based, the attackers may have done their homework. This means that they may have discovered a security flaw which grants them administrative access which can in it’s turn give them the ability to install the recoded Erebus ransomware on the servers. Another vulnerabilities which the attackers may have taken advantage of are Apache vulnerabilities. The servers of NAYANA were 1.3 version of Apache which is from the year 2006. And PHP exploits as well as Apache bugs are nothing new and unfamiliar in the underground web.
What Happened When Erebus Ransomware Attacked?
After the Erebus virus has infected the servers, it uses a very similar encryption ciphers to those used by:
The algorithms used by Erebus to render the files corrupt are:
- AES to encrypt the files and generate a unique decryption key.
- RSA-2048 bit to encrypt the AES key.
- RC4 to encrypt data of the files in 500k blocks, generating random key.
The bottom line for this encryption is that it is possibly the strongest stable combination known in the public so far, if coded without flaws. The virus was also configured to encrypt specific file types, to be specific – 433 different types. The version which attacked the South Korean hosting provider however, was configured to encrypt web servers and the data that is saved in them. This is why it targeted primarily the var/www/ directory, log files and other data.
Experts warn of more attacks against organization to be coming by the late summer of 2017 and they strongly suggest taking the appropriate measures to secure web servers and to monitor them and conduct inspections often.
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- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Erebus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Erebus and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Erebus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Erebus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Erebus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Erebus.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Erebus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Erebus-FAQ
What is Erebus Ransomware?
Erebus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Erebus Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Erebus Infect?
Via several ways.Erebus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Erebus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Erebus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Erebus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Erebus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Erebus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Erebus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Erebus Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Erebus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Erebus files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Erebus Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Erebus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Erebus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Erebus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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