Mole66 Cryptomix Ransomware Variant Released

[Faybert]

Today MalwareHunterTeam discovered a new variant of the Cryptomix Ransomware that appends the .MOLE66 extension to encrypted files, changes the contact email, and slightly changes the ransom note's name. In the past, we used to see new Cryptomix variants a few times a month, but this time it has been almost 2 months since the previous System variant was released.

In this article I will provide a brief summary of any changes that have occurred in this new variant. As we are always looking for weaknesses, if you are a victim of this variant and decide to pay the ransom, please send us the decryptor so we can take a look at it. You can also discuss or receive support for Cryptomix ransomware infections in our dedicated Cryptomix Help & Support Topic.

Changes in the MOLE66 Cryptomix Ransomware Variant
While the encryption methods stay the same in this variant, there have been some slight differences. The ransom note is has been slightly changed to _HELP_INSTRUCTIONS_.TXT and now uses the alpha2018a@aol.com email for a victim to contact for payment information.
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How to protect yourself from the MOLE66 CryptoMix Ransomware
In order to protect yourself from ransomware, it is important that you use good computing habits and security software. First and foremost, you should always have a reliable and tested backup of your data that can be restored in the case of an emergency, such as a ransomware attack.

You should also have security software that incorporates behavioral detections to combat ransomware and not just signature detections or heuristics. For example, Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware both contain behavioral detection that can prevent many, if not most, ransomware infections from encrypting a computer.
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