Unfortunately, removal will not restore already compromised files. Removing Merlin ransomware from the operating system will prevent it from encrypting more files. Therefore, we advise against paying and thus inadvertently supporting this illegal activity. However, despite meeting the ransom demands – victims often do not receive the promised decryption keys/software. The sole exceptions involve ransomware-type programs that are deeply flawed. The message warns that renaming or otherwise modifying files may render them undecryptable.īased on our considerable experience researching ransomware infections, we can conclude that decryption is usually impossible without the attackers' interference. Victims are offered a free decryption test that can be performed on two files (within certain specifications). The note states that decryption will necessitate paying a ransom, and refusal to do so will result in the stolen data being leaked on the dark web. It informs victims that their files have been encrypted and that highly sensitive data (e.g., databases, financial/developmental, accounting, and strategic documentation) was exfiltrated. The ransom-demanding message starts with instructions on contacting the attackers. Screenshot of files encrypted by Merlin ransomware: Based on the message therein, it is evident that Merlin ransomware targets companies rather than home users. Once the encryption process was finished, a ransom note named " Merlin_Recover.txt" was created. For example, a file initially titled " 1.jpg" appeared as " 1.jpg.Merlin", " 2.png" as " 2.png.Merlin", and so forth. After we executed a sample of this malware on our test system, it encrypted files and appended their filenames with a ". Our researchers discovered the Merlin ransomware during a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal.
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