SecneurX Analysts found Aleta Ransomware in the wild and analyzed the sample. Aleta ransomware encrypts files and appends its extension (".[darkwaiderr@cock.li].aleta") to filenames. Also, it drops the "!#_READ_ME_#!.inf" file that contains a ransom note. After executing the Aleta ransomware all files and folders got encrypted and appended their filenames with a ".[darkwaiderr@cock.li].aleta" extension. For Example a file titled as "Sep2019.docx" appeared as "Sep2019.docx.[darkwaiderr@cock.li].aleta", "Jan2020.docx" as "Jan2020.docx.[darkwaiderr@cock.li].aleta", and so on.
Screenshot of files encrypted by Aleta ransomware
Aleta Ransomware Overview
Aleta ransomware notes inform victims that all files and folders have been encrypted and also informs the victim to send an email (“darkwaiderr@cock.li”). Victim has to pay bitcoin for the decryption key and if the email is delayed the payment will increase and mentioned a wallet address in ransomware note.
How does ransomware infect my computer?
Malware (ransomware included) is spread using phishing and social engineering tactics. Malicious programs are typically presented as or bundled with ordinary content. Infectious files can be executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, and so on. When a virulent file is executed, run, or otherwise opened - the infection process is jumpstarted.
Screenshot of Aleta Ransomware Text file (“!#_READ_ME_#!.inf”)
Ransomware Note (!#_READ_ME_#!.inf”) in Text
[WHAT HAPPENED]
Your important files produced on this computer have been encrypted due a security problem
If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail: darkwaiderr@cock.li
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
[FREE DECRYPTION AS GUARANTEE]
Before paying you can send to us up to 3 files for free decryption.
Please note that files must NOT contain valuable information
and their total size must be less than 1Mb
[HOW TO OBTAIN BITCOINS]
The easiest way to buy bitcoin is LocalBitcoins site.
You have to register, click Buy bitcoins and select the seller
by payment method and price
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
[ATTENTION]
Do not rename encrypted files
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss
If you not write on e-mail in 36 hours - your key has been deleted and you cant decrypt your files.
IOC DETAILS
21977fc851dfbcd7c5edcc24ef56750065fcd01e5c9fa4f270424f186a83b061
What can you do to avoid being a ransomware victim?
As dangerous as ransomware is, simply being aware and staying updated with the latest ransomware trends can go a long way in securing your data and systems. Here are helpful tips on how you can defend yourself from a likely attack.
Scrutinize emails & its attachments before opening them
Be wary of emails from unverified sources. You can check by communicating directly with the purported sender to confirm if they sent the messages. To check its validity, you can use SecneurX Sandbox to verify the sanity of the email.
Avoid clicking embedded links found in unverified emails
Such social engineering tricks can lead to the download of ransomware. Additionally, be wary of sites that prompt you to enter a CAPTCHA code as this could be linked to a ransomware attack. To check its validity, you can use services like SecneurX Sandbox to verify the reputation of the site.
Back up your important files
While prevention is always better than the cure, having a backup of important files can at least lessen the potential damage done by a ransomware attack. While being locked out of your own system is always a bad thing, at least it's not a total disaster since you can always retrieve your important files. The 3-2-1 backup rule applies here—three backup copies of your data on two different media, and one of those copies in a separate location.
Regularly update software, programs, applications
Updating them to the latest versions can provide an added layer of protection against online threats as some ransomware arrive via vulnerability exploits.
Use a layered protection suite
Doing so can detect threats before they enter your network. Security solutions like SecneurX ATP can block Infectious files (like executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, and so on) by scanning them at the point of entry of the organisations (File uploads, USB file transfers etc)