Octopus ransomware

Octopus ransomware – a dangerous cyber infection that asks for 0.31 BTC for the encrypted file recovery

Octopus ransomware is a type of virus that locks all data with AES and then demands 0.31 BTC for the decryption tool

Octopus ransomware is a Phobos virus variant that was first spotted in the wild in early November 2019 and is known to be spread via poorly protected RDP connections.^[1] Just as its predecessors, malware aims to encrypt all personal data on the machine and the connected networks/drives and then blackmail victims into paying a ransom in Bitcoin for the decryption software that only developers of Octopus virus have access to. In the case of this version, all personal pictures, videos, images, documents, databases, MS Office, and other files get marked with .octopus file extension and are no longer available to be used.

After file encryption, Octopus ransomware delivers two ransom notes: info.txt, which is a standard message from the perpetrators and info.hta – a pop-up window that shows more detailed instructions. The attackers ask victims to contact them via [email protected] or [email protected] emails, and then demand the ransom to be paid for the decryption tool. While the price might vary (criminals do not specify the ransom amount in the message), in the known instances, they demanded 0.31 BTC for file release.

Phobos is one of the most well-established ransomware families in the wild – it accounts for around 9% of worldwide infections of cryptolockers.^[2] While it mostly targets corporations and public entities, Octopus ransomware might infect regular PC users as well. The main propagation method of this malware strain is via the RDP connections, credentials of which were stolen by other cybercriminal groups and sold on the black market. Since late December 2018, the malware is establishing a name for itself, as it released dozens of versions throughout its short time of the operation (in comparison to other ransomware families like Djvu).

Once installed, Octopus ransomware starts preparing a Windows system for the file encryption process:

• Deletes Shadow Volume Copies
• Establishes a network connection with C&C server
• Deletes, installs and opens various registry entries
• Executes Shell Commands, etc.

System modifications might also prevent easy Octopus ransomware removal by hindering System Restore function or disabling anti-malware software. To avoid that, victims should access Safe Mode with Networking to temporarily pause these effects.

Octopus ransomware is a file locking virus that stems from the broad Phobos malware family

After that, Octopus ransomware initiates the file encryption process with AES cipher, and each of the files located on the host computer receives .octopus extension, although the complete extension looks as follows: instructions.pdf.id[8E95D737-2497].[[email protected]].octopus – the ID varies based on the victim.

The Octopus virus ransom note info.txt states the following:

!!!All of your files are encrypted!!!
To decrypt them send e-mail to this address: [email protected].
If we don’t answer in 24h., send e-mail to this address: [email protected]

Another note, which comes as a pop-up window, explains everything in more detail – users are informed that they can get a test decryption service. Crooks offer to decrypt up to five files for free, as long as they do not include valuable information. However, this is one of the tricks that many ransomware authors use, and Octopus ransomware developers are no exception – they are trying to gain victims’ trust and prove the decryption is possible.

Nevertheless, there were several instances where users did not receive the decryption tool, even after paying the ransom. Therefore, paying crooks is always a risk, as loss of money along with loss of files might be devastating to many. Instead, users should remove Octopus ransomware by scanning the computer with anti-malware. To repair the system after the infection, we recommend using Reimage Reimage Cleaner . One of the alternatives to paying criminals is trying data recovery software – check out the recovery section below for more details.

Secure your Remote Desktop connection to prevent ransomware attacks 

Phobos is a large malware family, and most of the attacks are performed with brute-force attacks – cybercriminals scan the internet for insecure Remote Desktop (RDP) connections and then use a predetermined list of credentials to gain remote access to the host machine. In some cases, the credentials might be acquired from the underground forums due to data leaks in various security breaches.

Once the access is granted, malicious actors can control the computer remotely and, while the brute-forcing process is usually automated, they download and install the malicious payload manually. This allows hackers to act “on the spot,” and this method has been extremely prevalent when corporate entities and high-profile victims are targeted.^[3]

To avoid ransomware attacks via RDP, adequate protection measures should be employed. Security experts^[4] advise the following:

• Disconnect from the Remote Desktop as soon as the feature is not needed anymore;
• Use strong passwords and change them frequently – do not reuse them;
• Never use default TCP port for your connection – 3389, as attackers can easily identify;
• Keep all your software updated so that hackers could not abuse software vulnerabilities to get into your machine.

Because bad actors can use several other methods for malware distribution (spam email, software cracks, fake updates, etc.), it is vital to protect your machine with reputable anti-malware solutions.

Once files get encrypted with Octopus ransomware, they become useless

Attempt to restore your files only after you remove Octopus ransomware from your machine

While it is possible to remove Octopus ransomware manually, it is a huge task even for IT professionals. Malware makes thousands of changes to the infected systems, and reverting them might be extremely difficult and would take an enormous amount of time. Thus, this operation should be conducted with powerful anti-malware software – it would detect all the malicious components on the infected Windows machine and eliminate them at once. However, the Octopus virus might prevent security software from operating normally. In such a case, you should access Safe Mode and perform a full scan from there – we explain how to do that below.

Only after you complete Octopus ransomware removal, you can proceed with the data recovery process. If the opposite is performed, all the recovered files will be encrypted by the virus repeatedly, making the whole restoration process useless. Before you do that, however, you should backup all the encrypted files, as the data might get corrupted in the process.

While there is no Octopus ransomware decryptor available from security researchers, you might be able to get at least some of your data back by using data recovery software – find the download links and usage instructions below.

Remove Octopus using Safe Mode with Networking

If Octopus ransomware is interfering with your anti-malware tool, access Safe Mode with Networking and perform a full system scan from there:

• Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list

  Windows 10 / Windows 8

  1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
  2. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
  3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.

• Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage Reimage Cleaner or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Octopus removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.

Remove Octopus using System Restore

You can eliminate the virus with System Restore:

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Octopus from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by Octopus, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro method might be able to help you

If you make sure that you do not use your computer that much post-infection, you might be able to recover a significant amount of data by using Data Recovery Pro.

• Download Data Recovery Pro;
• Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
• Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Octopus ransomware;
• Restore them.

Make use of Windows Previous Versions Feature

If you had System Restore enabled before you got infected with octopus ransomware, try Windows Previous Versions Feature.

• Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
• Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
• Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

ShadowExplorer might recover all your files

Due to various inconsistencies within ransomware code, it might fail to remove Shadow Volume Copies. If that is the case, you should be able to recover your files with ShadowExplorer.

• Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
• Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
• Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
• Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

No decryption tool is currently available

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Octopus and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner , SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes