What is Vendetta Ransomware: Prevention & Remediation

Vendetta is a type of ransomware, specifically a ransomware-type virus. It belongs to the family of RSAUtil ransomware. Like other ransomware, Vendetta demands payment of a ransom in exchange for the decryption key needed to restore the affected files.

Once it infects a system, the Vendetta ransomware will encrypt most stored data and rename each file using the “[random_characters].vendetta” or “[random_characters].vendetta2” pattern and file extension. For example, a file named image.jpg can be named I2-5F-HH-T3.vendetta after being encrypted.

The Vendetta ransomware seems to have taken its name and visual design from the 2005 action thriller film “V for Vendetta.” However, unlike its inspiration, it is not clear whether the Vendetta ransomware specifically is politically motivated.

The best protection against Vendetta ransomware, as with most encryption ransomware, is to maintain regular backups of important data and avoid phishing attacks by screening suspicious emails and attachments.

In case of a Vendetta ransomware attack, contact our ransomware recovery experts immediately.

What kind of malware is Vendetta?

The Vendetta ransomware is a version of the RSAUtil Ransomware, which is a family of ransomware that has been active since May 2017. Cybersecurity experts discovered Vendetta in February 2023 on a subdomain of Cuba ransomware.

The ransomware is distributed using spam email campaigns, trojans, fake software updaters, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, and other unofficial download sources. Once infiltration is successful, Vendetta encrypts the victim’s files using a strong encryption method and demands payment of a ransom to receive the decryption key necessary to restore the affected files.

Everything we know about Vendetta Ransomware

Confirmed Name

• Vendetta virus

Threat Type

• Ransomware
• Crypto Virus
• Files locker
• Double extortion

Encrypted Files Extension

• [random_characters].vendetta
• [random_characters].vendetta2

Ransom Demanding Message

• How to decrypt files.txt

Is There a Free Decryptor Available?

No, Vendetta ransomware does not have a decryptor

Distribution methods

• Spam email campaigns
• Trojans
• Fake software updaters
• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks

Consequences

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

What is in the Vendetta ransom note

The ransom note used by Vendetta ransomware contains instructions on how to make the payment for the decryption of the encrypted files. The note instructs the victims to contact the developers of Vendetta ransomware via email to initiate the decryption process. The email address provided is mentioned in the ransom note and each victim has a specific decryption key. This means that the decryptor used by one victim does not work to decrypt the files from a second victim.

Example of the content of the Vendetta ransomware text file:

All your files have been encrypted!

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the email [email protected]. Write this ID in the title of your message [-]—[-].

You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files. Free decryption as guarantee

Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. the total size of files must be less than 10Mb (non archived), and the files should not contain valuable information. (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.) 

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 Vendetta ransomware infect a system?

Vendetta ransomware uses several methods to infect a computer or a system, especially social engineering. It’s crucial that businesses invest in cybersecurity to ensure their critical and sensitive data is protected against cyberattacks.

Infected Email Attachments

Vendetta ransomware may be distributed through malicious email attachments. Users may receive an email that appears legitimate but contains an infected attachment. When the attachment is opened, the ransomware is executed, infecting the system.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks

Cybercriminals use P2P networks to distribute malware by uploading infected files to the network. When users download and execute these files, the malware is installed on their system.

Malicious Websites and Downloads

Visiting compromised or malicious websites, or downloading files from untrusted sources, can also lead to Vendetta ransomware infection. The ransomware may be disguised as legitimate software or files, tricking users into downloading and executing it.

Trojan

Vendetta ransomware can be distributed through trojans. Trojans are a type of malware that is disguised as legitimate software or files. Cybercriminals use trojans to trick users into downloading and executing the malware. Once the trojan is executed, it can download and install additional malware, including Vendetta ransomware.

How does Vendetta ransomware work

Like most ransomware, Vendetta encrypts the data fast once it infects a computer or a system. It’s crucial that businesses take immediate action to stop the ransomware from spreading across the network.

Infiltration

Researchers did not find which vulnerability the group exploits or the exact method of infiltration used by Vendetta ransomware. However, it is likely that Vendetta uses spam email campaigns, trojans, fake software updaters, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, and other unofficial download sources as its distribution methods.

Encryption

Once Vendetta ransomware infiltrates a system, it proceeds to encrypt most stored data. It renames each file using the “[random_characters].vendetta” or “[random_characters].vendetta2” pattern. The encryption process makes the files inaccessible and unusable without the decryption key, which is different for each victim.

Ransom Note

After encrypting the files, Vendetta ransomware leaves a ransom note.

Do not pay the ransom! Contacting a ransomware removal service can not only restore your files but also remove any potential threat.

How to handle a Vendetta ransomware attack

After a Vendetta ransomware attack, isolate the infected computer by 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:

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

However, if you prefer to contact professionals, then do nothing. Leave every infected machine the way it is 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.

What not to do after a 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. Contact 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 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.

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), 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.

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.

4. 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 Vendetta ransomware from attacking your network again. Contact our experts 24/7 for ransomware recovery services.

Prevent the Vendetta ransomware attack

Preventing ransomware is the best solution for data security. And it is also easier and cheaper than recovering from them.

Keep Software and Systems Updated

Regularly update your operating system, software, and applications with the latest security patches. This helps to address vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may exploit.

Exercise Caution with Email Attachments

Be cautious when opening email attachments, especially from unknown or suspicious sources. Avoid opening attachments that you were not expecting or that seem suspicious. Cybercriminals often use email attachments to distribute ransomware.

Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication

Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to protect against unauthorized access.

Backup Your Data Regularly

Regularly backup your important files to an external storage device or cloud storage. This ensures that you have a copy of your data in case of a ransomware attack. Make sure to disconnect the backup device or storage from the network after the backup to prevent it from being compromised.

Implement Cyber Security Solutions

Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to detect and block ransomware threats. Keep the security software up to date to ensure it can effectively identify and mitigate new threats.

Educate and Train Employees

Provide cybersecurity awareness training to employees to educate them about the risks of ransomware and how to identify and avoid potential threats. This includes teaching them about phishing emails, suspicious websites, and safe online practices.

Implement Network Segmentation

Segment your network to isolate critical systems and data from the rest of the network. This can help contain the spread of ransomware in case of an infection.

Regularly Test Incident Response and Recovery Plans

Regularly test and update your incident response and recovery plans to ensure they are effective in the event of a ransomware attack. This includes testing backups, recovery procedures, and communication protocols.