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Bad Rabbit is a strain of ransomware that first appeared in 2017 and is a suspected variant of Petya. Like other strains of ransomware, Bad Rabbit virus infections lock up victims’ computers, servers, or files preventing them from regaining access until a ransom—usually in Bitcoin—is paid.
Like other strains of ransomware, Bad Rabbit virus locks up victims’ computers, servers, or files prevents them from regaining access until a ransom—usually in Bitcoin—is paid.
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History
Bad Rabbit first appeared in 2017 and has similarities to ransomware strains called WannaCry and Petya.
Disguised as an Adobe Flash installer, a Bad Rabbit attack spreads through drive-by downloads on compromised websites, meaning victims could be exposed to the malware simply by visiting a malicious or compromised website. The Bad Rabbit malware is embedded into websites using JavaScript injected into the site’s HTML code.
If a person clicks on the malicious installer, BadRabbit ransomware encrypts files and presents users with an austere black-and-red message. It reads in part: “If you see this text, your files are no longer accessible. You might have been looking for a way to recover your files. Don’t waste your time.”
The text demands around $280 in Bitcoin and gives a 40-hour deadline for payments to be made.[1] Victims reported that making the payment did unlock their files, though this isn’t always the case in other ransomware attacks.
Remediation
Ransomware such as Bad Rabbit attacks a network in one of two ways: as an encryptor (as is the case with Bad Rabbit malware) or as a screen locker. Encryptors lock data on a targeted system, making the content inaccessible without a decryption key. A screen locker simply blocks access to the system via a lock screen that simply claims that the system is encrypted.[2]
In either case, preventing Bad Rabbit ransomware is a far better option than remediating it.
Once you realise that you are the victim of Bad Rabbit ransomware attack, follow these steps to respond:[3]
- Contact law enforcement.
- Disconnect from any computers, servers or other equipment your network.
- Determine the scope of the problem based on your knowledge of threat intelligence.
- Orchestrate a response. Some types of ransomware, such as screen lockers, are easier to remediate. Others may require completely re-imaging (wiping) systems and recovering files from backup.
- Look for free ransomware decryption tools—but don’t rely on them. They don’t work for every type of ransomware and may not help you get your files back.
- Restore captive files from your backup systems.
[1] Lena Fuks (Security Boulevard). “10 Ransomware Attacks You Should Know About in 2019”
[2] Proofpoint. “Ransomware is Big Business”
[3] Proofpoint. “The Ransomware Survival Guide”