In case anyone was wondering when the new Bitcoin ransomware collection would be presented, look no further. Zcrypt has arrived, and it is unfortunately much more than just ransomware. Unlike most other types of malware, this particular type is also a virus.
To some people, it may seem unclear as to why it is so annoying to have malware that is both ransomware and a virus at the same time. A virus is capable of spreading itself, rather than orchestrating distribution such as the ones needed for malware and ransomware. In the case of Zcrypt, there is no need for malicious email attachments or infected ad networks per se.
But that is not all, as virii also have a habit of remaining in circulation for far longer. Most types of malware die out after a few months, but things are very different with a virus. Despite all of that, it is important to note this is not the first attempt to create a self-spreading ransomware either.
One thing that may put some users at ease is knowing that Zcrypt has not managed to spread itself too far just yet. So far, security experts have not seen this virus in the wild, which may indicate Zcrypt is not as effective as anticipated. Moreover, it seems to try and spread itself through a malicious email attachment, although that is not the most efficient method.
When a user gets infected with Zcrypt, they will be presented with a text telling them to pay a Bitcoin ransom. The fee seems to be fixed at 1.2 Bitcoin, regardless of what the market value of BTC might be at that time. But the text also issues a stern warning to users who want to attempt and remove the malware themselves. Trying to do so will allegedly result in the user’s decryption keys being destroyed.
In the end, it appears as if Zcrypt will not make a significant impact in the foreseeable future. The method of distribution seems rather half-assed, as no one will download an attachment in an email coming from the government of California. Applying common sense will be enough to keep users safe from harm.
Source: Sophos
If you liked this article follow us on Twitter @themerklenews and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest bitcoin and altcoin price analysis and the latest cryptocurrency news.
Back into Spotlight: Tron Network Fee Cut Could Push TRX to ATH, But This DeFi…
Shiba Inu (SHIB) gave enormous returns in 2021, making many early holders millionaires. After the…
Spooky season might be over but doom is still looming as Ripple’s XRP falls below…
Three promising altcoins are causing a stir among investors this November: Avalanche (AVAX), Cardano (ADA),…
Everyone knows what the hottest crypto can do. When it was so hot it was…
The Tron network has witnessed incredible growth in several areas, especially in its adoption, which…