Unmasking Brain Cipher Ransomware: The Unstoppable Force
The Brain Cipher Ransomware is a potent malicious software (or Ransomware variant), first discovered in April 2015. Although its prevalence has significantly decreased, it still poses a notable security threat. Brain Cipher mainly targets Windows operating systems, encrypting files swiftly and requesting Bitcoin payment for decryption. Notorious incidents involving this ransomware variant include the Rockingham School District attack in May, 2018, that led to a loss of vast amounts of sensitive student and staff data (source). Another instance is the infamous WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, a strain of Brain Cipher, which affected more than 200,000 computers across 99 countries (source).
Information on “Brain Cipher”
| Ransomware Name(s) | Brain Cipher |
|---|---|
| When the Ransomware was First Detected/Reported | April, 2015 |
| Operating Systems Affected | Windows |
| File Extension Appended by Ransomware | .braincrypt |
| Name of the Ransom Notes | HELP.txt |
| Known Email Address of the Ransomware Group | [email protected] |
| Link to the Leak Site of the Ransomware Group | No known link. |
Additional Information
- Brain Cipher primarily spreads through spam emails with effective social engineering content to trick users into opening associated malicious attachments.
- The ransomware utilizes AES-256 encryption technique, making the decryption process technically infeasible without the unique decryption key held by the attackers.
- Once activated, it appends the file extension .braincrypt to the end of coded files, showcasing definite signs of infection.
- It drops a “HELP.txt” ransom note, demanding payment in Bitcoin for data recovery.
- Its most virulent attack was on the Rockingham school district, which resulted in weeks of data recovery and expenditure of thousands of dollars on cyber-consultancy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brain Cipher remains a potent threat to cybersecurity, continuing to target Windows operating systems with its advanced encryption methods. The ransomware’s ability to swiftly encrypt files and demand Bitcoin payments highlights the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures and immediate response strategies.
As experts in ransomware recovery and cybersecurity, we offer specialized services such as Ransomware Recovery Services, Ransomware Negotiation Services, and Ransomware Settlement Services. If your organization requires assistance in recovering from a ransomware attack or bolstering its cybersecurity defenses, contact us today.
