Cyclops Ransomware: The Complete Guide

Cyclops ransomware is a dangerous cyber threat that combines data encryption with information-stealing capabilities. This malicious program, developed by the Cyclops group, targets a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS systems.

Upon infecting a system, Cyclops ransomware encrypts the victim’s data, making it inaccessible, and then demands a ransom for its decryption.

SalvageData experts recommend proactive data security measures, such as regular backups, strong cybersecurity practices, and keeping software up to date, to protect against ransomware attacks. And, in case of a ransomware attack, contact our ransomware recovery experts immediately.

What kind of malware is Cyclops?

Cyclops is a type of malware that combines data encryption with information-stealing capabilities. Specifically, Cyclops ransomware is a program that encrypts data and demands payment for its decryption. Cyclops ransomware uses the double extortion technique, meaning that it not only encrypts data but also steals sensitive information from the compromised system. Additionally, the Cyclops group offers their information-stealing malware to other cybercriminals, allowing them to use it to steal data from compromised networks.

Everything we know about Cyclops Ransomware

Confirmed Name

• Cyclops virus

Threat Type

• Ransomware
• Crypto Virus
• Files locker
• Double extortion

Encrypted Files Extension

• No extension; filenames remain unchanged

Ransom Demanding Message

• Text presented in the Command Prompt window

Detection Names

• Avast FileRepMalware [Misc]
• Kaspersky HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic
• Sophos Mal/Generic-S
• Microsoft Ransom:Win32/Cyclop!MTB

Distribution methods

• Malvertising
• Online scams
• Drive-by downloads

Consequences

• Files are encrypted and locked until the ransom payment
• Data leak
• Double extortion

Is There a Free Decryptor Available?

No. There is no known public decryptor for Cyclops ransomware available at this time.

What are Cyclops ransomware’s IOCs?

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) are artifacts observed on a network or in an operating system that indicate a computer intrusion with high confidence. IOCs can be used for early detection of future attack attempts using intrusion detection systems and antivirus software.

It’s important to note that these IOCs are not exhaustive and that the Cyclops group may change their tactics to evade detection.

• Executable binary: The Cyclops ransomware payload is a compiled executable binary specifically aimed for x64-bit architecture using the VC++ compiler.
• Network traffic: The Cyclops ransomware communicates with its command and control (C2) server over the network, which can be used to identify its presence on a system.
• Registry keys: Cyclops ransomware creates registry keys to ensure persistence on the infected system.

What is in the Cyclops ransom note

The Cyclops ransomware drops a ransom note in each encrypted folder, which typically contains a message demanding payment for the decryption of the victim’s files. The ransom note may also include instructions on how to visit an Onion site to potentially recover the encrypted files.

The exact contents of the ransom note may vary depending on the version of the Cyclops ransomware and the specific tactics used by the cybercriminals behind it.

If you realize you’re a ransomware victim, contacting SalvageData ransomware removal experts provides you with a secure data recovery service and ransomware removal after an attack.

How does Cyclops ransomware spread

• Malvertising. Malvertising is the use of online advertising to spread malware, which involves injecting malicious or malware-laden advertisements into legitimate online advertising networks and web pages. Malvertising takes advantage of the same methods that distribute normal online advertising, with fraudsters submitting infected graphic or text ads to legitimate advertisement networks
• Online Scams. Online scams refer to various tactics used by cybercriminals to trick users into downloading and executing malware. Online scams can include phishing emails or fake websites that trick users into downloading and executing malware.
• Drive-by Downloads. Drive-by downloads refer to the automatic download of malware onto a user’s system when they visit a compromised website or click on a malicious link. Drive-by downloads can be stealthy and deceptive, with the malware being downloaded onto the user’s system without their knowledge or consent

How does Cyclops ransomware work?

Here is a breakdown of the steps involved after Cyclops ransomware infects a system:

Data exfiltration

Cyclops ransomware includes an information-stealing component that allows it to access and steal sensitive data from the victim’s system. The stolen data is then sent to the attacker’s server for exfiltration.

Shadow copies deletion

Cyclops ransomware targets shadow copies, which are backup copies of files stored on the system. It deletes these shadow copies to prevent victims from restoring their files from backups.

File encryption

After exfiltrating the data and deleting shadow copies, Cyclops ransomware proceeds to encrypt the victim’s files, making them inaccessible to the victim.

Do not pay the ransom! Victims of Cyclops ransomware attacks are advised to report the incident to law enforcement and seek the assistance of a reputable cybersecurity professional.

How to handle a Cyclops ransomware attack

Important: The first step after identifying Cyclops IOCs is to resort to your Incident Response Plan (IRP). Ideally, you have an Incident Response Retainer (IRR) with a trusted team of professionals that can be contacted 24/7/365, and they can take immediate action that will prevent data loss, reduce or eliminate the ransom payment, and help you through any legal liabilities.

To the best of our knowledge with the information we have at the time this article is published, the first step that a team of ransomware recovery experts would take is to isolate the infected computer by disconnecting it from the internet and removing any connected device.

Simultaneously this team will assist you in contacting your country’s local authorities. For US residents and businesses, it is the local FBI field office and the Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3). To report a ransomware attack you must gather every information you can about it, including:

• Screenshots of the ransom note
• Communications with the ransomware actors (if you have them)
• A sample of an encrypted file

However, if you don’t have an IRP or IRR, you can still contact ransomware removal and recovery professionals. This is the best course of action and greatly increases the chances of successfully removing the ransomware, restoring the data, and preventing future attacks. We recommend that you leave every infected machine as they are and call an emergency ransomware recovery service.

Restarting or shutting down the system may compromise the recovery process. Capturing the RAM of a live system may help get the encryption key, and catching a dropper file might be reverse-engineered and lead to the decryption of the data or understanding of how it operates.

What NOT to do to recover from a Cyclops ransomware attack

You must not delete the ransomware, and keep every evidence of the attack. That’s important for digital forensics so experts can trace back to the hacker group and identify them. It is by using the data on your infected system that authorities can investigate the attack and find the responsible. A cyber attack investigation is not different from any other criminal investigation: it needs evidence to find the attackers.

1. Contacting your Incident Response provider

A Cyber Incident Response is the process of responding to and managing a cybersecurity incident. An Incident Response Retainer is a service agreement with a cybersecurity provider that allows organizations to get external help with cybersecurity incidents. It provides organizations with a structured form of expertise and support through a security partner, enabling them to respond quickly and effectively during a cyber incident.

An incident response retainer offers peace of mind to organizations, offering expert support before and in the aftermath of a cybersecurity incident. An incident response retainer’s specific nature and structure will vary according to the provider and the organization’s requirements. A good incident response retainer should be robust but flexible, providing proven services to enhance an organization’s long-term security posture.

If you contact your IR service provider, they will care for everything else. However, if you decide to remove the ransomware and recover the files with your IT team, then you can follow the next steps.

2. Identify the ransomware infection

You can identify which ransomware infected your machine by the file extension (some ransomware uses the file extension as their name), or it will be on the ransom note. With this information, you can look for a public decryption key.

You can also check the ransomware type by its IOCs. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) are digital clues cybersecurity professionals use to identify system compromises and malicious activities within a network or IT environment. They are essentially digital versions of evidence left at a crime scene, and potential IOCs include unusual network traffic, privileged user logins from foreign countries, strange DNS requests, system file changes, and more. When an IOC is detected, security teams evaluate possible threats or validate its authenticity. IOCs also provide evidence of what an attacker had access to if they did infiltrate the network.

3. Remove the ransomware and eliminate exploit kits

Before recovering your data, you must guarantee that your device is ransomware-free and that the attackers can’t make a new attack through exploit kits or other vulnerabilities. A ransomware removal service can delete the ransomware, create a forensics document for investigation, eliminate vulnerabilities, and recover your data.

Use anti-malware/anti-ransomware software to quarantine and remove the malicious software.

Important: By contacting ransomware removal services you can ensure that your machine and network have no trace of the Cyclops ransomware. Also, these services can patch your system, preventing new ransomware attacks.

4. Use a backup to restore the data

Backups are the most efficient way to recover data. Make sure to keep daily or weekly backups, depending on your data usage.

5. Contact a ransomware recovery service

If you don’t have a backup or need help removing the ransomware and eliminating vulnerabilities, contact a data recovery service. Paying the ransom does not guarantee your data will be returned to you. The only guaranteed way you can restore every file is if you have a backup of it. If you don’t, ransomware data recovery services can help you decrypt and recover the files.

SalvageData experts can safely restore your files and prevent Cyclops ransomware from attacking your network again.

Contact our experts 24/7 for emergency recovery service.

Prevent a ransomware attack

Preventing ransomware is the best solution for data security. is easier and cheaper than recovering from them. Cyclops ransomware can cost your business’s future and even close its doors.

These are a few tips to ensure you can avoid ransomware attacks:

• Install antivirus and anti-malware software.
• Employ reliable cybersecurity solutions.
• Utilize strong and secure passwords.
• Keep software and operating systems up to date.
• Implement firewalls for added protection.
• Create a data recovery plan.
• Regularly schedule backups to safeguard your data.
• Exercise caution with email attachments and downloads from unknown or suspicious sources.
• Verify the safety of ads before clicking on them.
• Access websites only from trusted sources.