Indian Ransomware Holds People's Data Hostage Until They Perform Three Good Deeds

We've mostly heard of hackers who demand ransom from users in exchange for their data, but this new group of hackers is doing something unheard of.

If your device gets infected with the "GoodWill" ransomware, you could be forced to do a series of charitable acts to regain access to your data. Yep, these hackers want to blackmail everyone into doing good deeds.

Unsplash

Do good deeds, get your files back

The ransomware was spotted by threat analysis firm CloudSEK. In usual circumstances when users are infected with ransomware, they lose access to their photos, documents, and any other files. Hackers, then, usually demand money from the victims in order to give them the decryption key.

GoodWill is no regular ransomware. If GoodWill infects your device, you would have to perform three good deeds, record them, and post them on social media - urging everyone else to perform similar deeds.

Unsplash

Also read: Hackers Can Now Hijack Your Accounts Even Before You Create Them: Here's How

CloudSEK traced the hacker group's IP address to Mumbai, India but it's unclear where their home base is. GoodWill meticulously lays out three steps for each victim to follow after they've been hacked.

Three steps laid out by hackers

The first step is providing clothing and blankets to people who need it.

First Step / Image: CloudSEK

The second task requires all victims to feed five kids under the age of 13 at a Domino's Pizza, KFC, or Pizza Hut and then take a selfie with the kids after the meal.

Second step / Image: CloudSEK

In the third step, victims are expected to pay someone's hospital bill by approaching a stranger in a healthcare facility and paying as much as they can.

Third step / CloudSEK

Unsplash

All victims are required to document these acts using a photo frame provided by the hackers. Once done, victims are expected to post the images on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp stories.

Also read: What Is Clickjacking And How Hackers Can Steal Your Confidential Data? All You Need To Know

Unsplash

While we appreciate the sentiment, we are sure there are better ways to inspire people to help others out without holding their data hostage.

What do you think about this strange ransomware that is allegedly made-in-India? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

References

https://cloudsek.com/author/cloudsek/#author. (2022, May 24). GoodWill ransomware forces victims to donate to the poor and provides financial assistance to patients in need - CloudSEK. CloudSEK - Digital Risk Management Enterprise | Artificial Intelligence Based Cybersecurity.

Rabie, P. (2022, May 31). This Hacker Group Forces People to Do Good to Get Their Data Back. Gizmodo.