The STOP/Djvu Ransomware Family Continues to Grow with Another EFDC Variant
EFDC Ransomware is another infection that is part of the STOP/Djvu Ransomware family. Like its predecessors, it was discovered locking files and demanding a ransom fee to restore file access. If you tend to install applications from misleading and/or potentially unreliable third-party sites, you may end up exposing yourself to threats like EFDC Ransomware.
EFDC Ransomware can corrupt and encrypt multiple file types, including photos, music, documents, and videos. EFDC Ransomware, upon installation, appends the .EFDC file extension to encrypted files and leaves a ransom note named !README!.txt on the user’s desktop and in every folder containing encrypted files.
Unfortunately, the EFDC ransomware victims do not have access to a free decryption tool at the moment. The only reliable way to recover affected files is to restore them from a backup or use alternative data recovery options.
Although the hackers behind EFDC ransomware promise to provide a decryptor in exchange for payment, the possibility exists that you may pay and never receive the decryption tool with the key.
In terms of distribution, EFDC Ransomware spreads similarly to many other ransomware variants, generally via malicious spam emails or unreliable third-party websites. Once access to the victim’s system is achieved, the ransomware utilizes the AES cipher algorithm to encrypt important files and then demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. The cost of decryption is $980, but the hackers will offer a 50% discount if contact is established within the first 72 hours after infection.
Dealing with the EFDC Ransomware
To protect yourself from the EFDC Ransomware attack, you should have a reputable malware remediation tool installed on your computer. That way, you can constantly scan for all elements associated with this troublesome ransomware infection.
