A new ransomware campaign dubbed “Prince Ransomware” has emerged, targeting individuals and organizations in the UK and the US through a sophisticated phishing scam that impersonates the British postal service, Royal Mail. Discovered by researchers at Proofpoint in mid-September, this attack showcases the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals, who now utilize contact forms on target organizations’ websites instead of traditional email phishing methods. This innovative approach allows attackers to bypass conventional email security measures, enabling them to reach multiple recipients within an organization.
The mechanics of the attack are particularly insidious. Victims receive messages that appear to originate from a Proton Mail address, masquerading as official communications from Royal Mail. These messages contain a PDF attachment that instructs victims to download a ZIP file from Dropbox. Upon extraction, this ZIP file reveals another password-protected ZIP file and a text file with the password needed to access it. Once opened, the second ZIP file contains a shortcut (LNK) file that executes JavaScript code designed to deploy the ransomware, which encrypts files on the victim’s computer and adds the “.womp” extension. A ransom note is then displayed, demanding payment in Bitcoin for decryption.
Notably, this ransomware campaign lacks a decryption mechanism, which distinguishes it from typical ransomware attacks that aim to extort money in exchange for restoring access to encrypted files. The ransom note falsely claims that files have been exfiltrated and promises automatic decryption upon payment of 0.007 Bitcoins (approximately $400). However, there is no capability for data exfiltration or victim identification, leading to speculation that even if victims pay, their files will remain permanently inaccessible. The nature of the attack raises questions about the motives behind it—whether it was an intentional disruption or a mistake on the part of the threat actors.
The emergence of Prince Ransomware underscores the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity awareness and preparedness. Organizations are urged to educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts and suspicious communications, particularly those involving unexpected attachments or requests for sensitive information. Implementing robust security measures such as multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, and comprehensive data backup strategies can help mitigate the impact of ransomware attacks and ensure business continuity. Furthermore, the open availability of Prince Ransomware on platforms like GitHub highlights a growing concern within cybersecurity regarding the accessibility of malicious tools that can be easily repurposed by threat actors, necessitating stricter regulations and monitoring of open-source repositories to prevent misuse.
