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Suncrypt

  • Also known as: -
  • Category: Malware.
  • Type: Encryption ransomware.
  • Platform: Windows.
  • Variants: There are multiple variants with the same name but slightly different encryption algorithms and obfuscation techniques. 
  • Damage potential: Encrypts files to deny access and demands a ransom payment in exchange for an encryption key, might steal data from the encrypted files.

Overview

Suncrypt is a ransomware strain that prevents its victims from accessing files by encrypting them. The files then can only be accessed with a decryption key, which the attackers hold and typically only release upon payment of a ransom. Additionally, Suncrypt renames the files by adding a string of random characters as a new extension. 

It’s easy to catch Suncrypt malware by opening a malicious attachment or following a link in a phishing email. 

Possible symptoms

When Suncrypt ransomware infects your system, you cannot open files and usually receive a ransom note on your desktop. However, other signs that could signal a Suncrypt ransomware infection include:

  • New, unfamiliar extensions added to the file names, for example, “.suncrypt,” “.encrypted,” or a set of random characters like “.xyz123.”
  • Inability to open files.
  • System slowdown or malfunction.
  • Ransom notes on the desktop or within affected directories.
  • Unexpected network communications and data exfiltration to unknown IP addresses.
  • Increased CPU and disk activity due to the encryption process. 

Sources of the infection

Suncrypt usually ends up on your device when you open malicious attachments or links, or when attackers take advantage of unpatched system vulnerabilities. Like most types of ransomware, it can also be downloaded by other malware already present on your device. The infection sources below can help you adjust your behavior online so that you avoid them:

  • Phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links.
  • Exploitation of unpatched vulnerabilities in software and operating systems.
  • Downloads from compromised or malicious websites.
  • Clicking on malicious ads.
  • Attacks on the remote desktop protocol, particularly those involving brute-force attacks on weak credentials.
  • Droppers or other malware already present on the system.

Protection

Suncrypt is typically distributed through malicious attachments in phishing emails and on malicious websites or by hackers exploiting software vulnerabilities. Therefore, staying vigilant and keeping your systems updated is key. Here are some more things you can do:

  • Install software and operating system updates as soon as they become available.
  • Use strong, unique passwords and implement multi-factor authentication, especially on services exposed to the internet.
  • The best way to avoid dealing with infected devices is to make sure malware never gets that far. Try NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro solution against phishing — it will protect you from accidentally downloading malicious files from the internet and keep you away from malware-ridden websites and ads. 
  • Learn to recognize phishing attempts and develop safe browsing practices.
  • Limit user permissions based on roles to reduce the impact of a ransomware infection in organizations.

Removal

To remove Suncrypt, use a reputable antivirus software to scan, detect, and delete the ransomware. But first, isolate the infected systems from the network to prevent the spread of ransomware. Then you can restore affected files from backups — but only after ensuring the malware is completely removed and systems are secure.