Anti-malware firm Emsisoft Announces Solution for WannaCryFake Ransomware

According to the announcement, Emsisoft said that the solution is a free fix for the WannaCryFake ransomware bug, the next version of the WannaCry worm. It is a type of malware program that initially began affecting several computer networks in 2017.

WannaCryFake worm holds data in a computer system hostage, once it infects that particular computer. In turn, the attackers request for payment in Bitcoin to decrypt or release the data seize.

In the words of Emsisoft, "WannaCryFake is a strain of ransomware that uses AES-256 to encrypt a victim's files." The files encrypted by the malware is usually appended with the file extension ".WannaCry"

Also, the ransomware creates a ransom note informs the victims that all their files have been encrypted. It further states a Telegram and email address "recoverydata54@protonmail.com," to contact them to restore the lost data after paying with BTC.

The price for decrypting the data depends on how quickly you email them. The faster you do, the lesser your fee, the ransomware distributors usually say.

However, the cybersecurity firm, Emsisoft said that on no account should anyone attempt to make contact with the addresses provided.

"Regardless of what the ransom note might say, our decryption tool can help you recover your files for free and will not cause permanent data loss."

Wake for Ransomware?

Meanwhile, in August, Cryptoknowmics reported about new crypto stealing ransomware that encrypts files from the users' computer. Per the report, the malware dubbed Syrk is prevalent with programs that tend to provide cheats to win points on Fortnight game.

Syrk malware is based on an open-source program known as "Hidden- cry." This program is encryption software that first appeared in December 2018. It is considered the mother of many ransomware targeting the gaming industry.