Rhysida ransomware is a relatively new ransomware group that was first observed in May 2023. The group positions itself as a “cybersecurity team” and claims to be doing their victims a favor by targeting their systems and highlighting potential security issues.
The ransomware is still in the early stages of development and lacks some features commonly found in present-day ransomware. However, it does threaten victims with the public distribution of exfiltrated data, aligning it with modern double extortion groups.
Rhysida ransomware primarily targets Windows systems and uses ChaCha20 for file encryption. It is a 64-bit Portable Executable (PE) Windows cryptographic ransomware application compiled using MinGW/GCC.
The group has been known to target organizations such as the Chilean Army, stealing and leaking sensitive documents.
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.
Rhysida is ransomware, which is a type of malware that encrypts and locks the victims’ files and then requests a ransom in exchange for the decryption key.
It is a 64-bit Portable Executable (PE) Windows cryptographic ransomware application compiled using MinGW/GCC. The group primarily uses phishing methods and RDP-based assaults to distribute the ransomware. Once the ransomware infects a system, it uses ChaCha20 encryption to encrypt files
Confirmed Name
Threat Type
Encrypted Files Extension
Ransom Demanding Message
Is There a Free Decryptor Available?
No, Rhysida ransomware does not have a decryptor
Detection Names
Distribution methods
Consequences
The Rhysida ransom note takes an uncommon approach compared to other ransomware groups. In the ransom note, the attackers present themselves as a “cybersecurity team” offering aid to the victims by targeting their systems and highlighting potential security issues. The content of the ransom note is embedded in the binary in clear text and is written as a PDF document.
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.
Rhysida ransomware primarily infects systems through phishing methods, which involve tricking users into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected files. The group also uses RDP-based assaults, which involve exploiting vulnerabilities in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to gain access to systems. Once the ransomware infects a system, it uses ChaCha20 encryption to encrypt files.
Rhysida ransomware works by encrypting data on infected systems and demanding payment for its decryption. Here is a breakdown of how Rhysida ransomware operates:
Do not pay the ransom! Contacting a ransomware removal service can not only restore your files but also remove any potential threat.
The first step to recovering from a Rhysida attack is to isolate the infected computer by disconnecting from the internet and removing any connected device. Then, you must contact local authorities. In the case of 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:
However, if you prefer to contact professionals, then do nothing. Leave every infected machine the way it’s and ask for an emergency ransomware removal service. Restarting or shutting down the system may compromise the recovery service. Capturing the RAM of a live system may help get the encryption key, and catching a dropper file, i.e. file executing the malicious payload, might be reverse-engineered and lead to decryption of the data or understanding how it operates.
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.
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 can take over immediately and guide you through every step in the ransomware recovery. However, if you decide to remove the ransomware yourself and recover the files with your IT team, then you can follow the next steps.
You can identify which ransomware infected your machine by the file extension (some ransomware uses the file extension as their name), using a ransomware ID tool, 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 that 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.
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.
Backups are the most efficient way to recover data. Make sure to keep daily or weekly backups, depending on your data usage.
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 Rhysida ransomware from attacking your network again.
Contact our experts 24/7 for emergency recovery service.
Preventing ransomware is the best solution for data security. is easier and cheaper than recovering from them. Rhysida ransomware can cost your business’s future and even close its doors.
These are a few tips to ensure you can avoid ransomware attacks:
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