Description

Researchers at Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 discovered a new strain of Cylance ransomware targeting Linux and Windows devices. However, as Cylance ransomware is relatively new there is not much information available about it. Moreover, victims received a ransom note that contained the attackers' email addresses, but not the ransom amount. The ransom note states that all files are encryption, and to decrypt the victim must follow the instructions of the attacker. Also, a free file is decrypted to test the ability of returning files as guarantee. Victims are believed to be informed of the amount when they contact the attacker. Attackers warn against trying to restore or change the files because it would destroy the private key, meaning the data would be lost forever. Furthermore, the method of the ransomware attack involves encrypting files and appending them with ‘.Cylance’ extension. Additionally, a Read Me file is added to all encrypted files folders containing the ransom note. Cybersecurity company Cylance is owned by BlackBerry Ltd. Organizations rely on the company to mitigate and prevent ransomware attacks. In any case, it is unclear why threat actors named the ransomware after Cylance.