New Avaddon Ransomware launches in massive smiley spam campaign

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https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/new-avaddon-ransomware-launches-in-massive-smiley-spam-campaign/

With a wink and a smile, the new Avaddon Ransomware has come alive in a massive spam campaign targeting users worldwide.

Avaddon was launched at the beginning of this month and is actively recruiting hackers and malware distributors to spread the ransomware by any means possible.

In a wave of emails using subjects like "Your new photo?" or "Do you like my photo?" containing nothing but a winking smiley face, a JavaScript downloader for the Avaddon ransomware is being distributed.

In a related report shared with BleepingComputer, the cybersecurity firm Appriver stated that the Phorphiex/Trik Botnet is distributing the malicious emails.
This campaign is not small, as AppRiver security researcher David Picket told us that they had blocked over 300,000 emails in just a short period.

 

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Avaddon ransomware shows that Excel 4.0 macros are still effective

Avaddon ransomware has been spreading this week via an old technique that's making a comeback, Microsoft cautions on Thursday.

www.bleepingcomputer.com

"While an old technique, malicious Excel 4.0 macros started gaining popularity in malware campaigns in recent months. The technique has been adopted by numerous campaigns, including ones that used COVID-19 themed lures" - Microsoft Security Intelligence