Discord Nitro gift codes now demanded as ransomware payments

[silversurfer]

Content source

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/discord-nitro-gift-codes-now-demanded-as-ransomware-payments/

In a novel approach to ransom demands, a new ransomware calling itself 'NitroRansomware' encrypts victim's files and then demands a Discord Nitro gift code to decrypt files.

While Discord is free, they offer a Nitro subscription add-on for $9.99 per month that provides additional perks, such as larger uploads, HD video streaming, enhanced emojis, and the ability to boost your favorite server, so its users enjoy extra functionality as well.

When purchasing a Nitro subscription, users can apply it to their own account or buy it as a gift for another person. [...]

While most ransomware operations demand thousands, if not millions, of dollars in cryptocurrency, Nitro Ransomware deviates from the norm by demanding a $9.99 Nitro Gift code instead.

Based on filenames for NitroRansomware samples shared by MalwareHunterteam and analyzed by BleepingComputer, this new ransomware appears to be distributed as a fake tool stating it can generate free Nitro gift codes.

Discord Nitro gift codes now demanded as ransomware payments

In a novel approach to ransom demands, a new ransomware calling itself 'NitroRansomware' encrypts victim's files and then demands a Discord Nitro gift code to decrypt files.

www.bleepingcomputer.com