In an era where digital threats are becoming more sophisticated and widespread, protecting your devices from malware has never been more important. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, and the latest ransomware threat, known as Insom Ransomware, clearly shows the dangers lurking online. This malicious software is designed to encrypt your files, making them inaccessible and unusable until a ransom is paid. Understanding how Insom Ransomware works and implementing robust security measures are essential steps in protecting your data and digital assets.

The Insom Ransomware: A New Variant of an Old Enemy

The Insom Ransomware is a recently discovered variant of the infamous Makop Ransomware family. Like its predecessors, Insom encrypts files on compromised systems and demands payment for decryption. Once it infects a device, it locks files and renames them by appending a unique identifier, the attackers’ email address, and a “.insom” extension. For example, a file initially named “1.png” would be renamed to “1.png.(2AF20FA3).([email protected]).insom.”

After encryption, the ransomware drops the threat actors’ demands as a ransom note named “+README-WARNING+.txt” on the victim’s desktop. Additionally, it also changes the desktop wallpaper to further emphasize the urgency of the situation. The ransom note is short but threatening, informing victims that their files have been encrypted and stolen. The attackers warn that if they do not contact them, the stolen data will be leaked to their Tor network site.

The Dangers of Paying Ransom: Why Compliance Isn’t the Answer

While the idea of ​​paying the ransom to recover your data may seem tempting, experts strongly advise against it. There is no guarantee that paying the demanded ransom will result in decryption of your files. Cybercriminals often fail to deliver the promised decryption keys or software even after receiving payment, leaving victims with encrypted files and no recourse. Furthermore, paying the ransom only fuels these criminals’ illegal activities, funds further attacks, and encourages the spread of ransomware.

It is important to note that once files are encrypted by Insom Ransomware, restoring them without the attackers’ decryption tools is virtually impossible, unless the ransomware contains significant bugs, which is rarely the case. The best course of action is to prevent the ransomware from spreading further and remove it from your system, although this will not restore already compromised files.

Understanding the Spread: How Insom Ransomware Infiltrates Systems

The Insom Ransomware, like many other malware threats, is primarily spread via phishing and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals often disguise malicious files as legitimate software or bundle them with other programs. These infected files can take various forms, including archives (ZIP, RAR), executables (.exe, .run), documents (Microsoft Office, PDF), and even JavaScript.

Common distribution methods include:

• Phishing emailsCybercriminals often send emails with malicious attachments or links, posing as legitimate messages from trusted sources.
• Suspicious downloadsMalware can be hidden in files downloaded from unofficial sources, such as free file hosting sites, P2P networks, and other untrustworthy download sites.
• Trojans:Some malware spreads via backdoor or loader Trojans, which can deliver additional payloads, including ransomware.
• Drive-by downloads:These stealth attacks occur when visiting compromised websites, which automatically download unsafe software without the user’s knowledge.
• Network propagation:Certain ransomware variants can spread via local networks or via removable storage devices such as USB sticks.

Best Practices for Defending Against Ransomware

Given the destructive potential of Insom Ransomware and other similar threats, it is crucial to implement strong security practices to protect your devices and data. Here are some essential steps to strengthen your defenses against ransomware:

1. Regular backups: Back up your data regularly: Make sure you have up-to-date backups of all important files. Store these backups offline or in a secure cloud storage that is not directly connected to your primary system. Use version backups: This allows you to restore files to previous versions before they were compromised.
2. Email and Web Vigilance: Be careful with emails: Do not open attachments or click on links in unsolicited emails, especially if they seem suspicious or come from unknown senders. Check download sources: Always download software from official and reputable websites. Avoid downloading software or media from peer-to-peer networks or free file-hosting sites.
3. Security software: Use reliable anti-malware software: Keep your security program up to date to protect yourself from the latest threats. Enable real-time protection: Make sure your security software is actively scanning for threats in real time.
4. Software updates: Keep your system and applications up to date: Update your operating system, browsers, and other software to patch vulnerabilities that could be exploited by ransomware. Enable automatic updates: This helps ensure that your system receives critical security patches as soon as they are released.
5. Network security: Use a firewall: Make sure your network firewall is set up to prevent unauthorized access to your system. Secure Wi-Fi connections: Use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi network and enable encryption protocols such as WPA3.
6. Access control: Restrict user rights: Use limited-rights accounts for everyday tasks, and reserve administrative accounts for only necessary actions. Disable macros and scripts: Disable macros in Microsoft Office files and block JavaScript in your PDF viewer unless absolutely necessary.

Conclusion: proactive defense is key

Ransomware threats like Insom highlight the importance of a proactive approach to cybersecurity. By understanding how these threats work and implementing strong security practices, users can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to such infections. Remember, prevention is the best defense against ransomware. Stay informed, stay cautious, and keep your data safe.

The full text of the ransom letter generated by Insom Ransomware reads:

Your data has been STOLEN and your servers have been BLOCKED.
If you do not contact us, the data will be published on the TOR website.
For further instructions, please contact us directly via email:

[email protected]

Please include your personal ID in the subject.

YOUR ID:

The message displayed as the desktop background is:

Your files are encrypted!
Please contact us for decoding.