A new ransomware variant encrypts files on a computer but uses a novel twist on monetizing the extortion threat. Instead of demanding money directly for decryption keys, it presumes that the owner of an infected computer will search for information to help unlock the files. The search typically leads to a fraudulent company offering a fix but requiring a payment to obtain it. Researchers at Recorded Future report a rise in cracked Cobalt Strike and other open-source adversarial tools with easy-to-use interfaces.
Source: https://threatpost.com/ransomware-variant-features-novel-payment-scheme-110209/72992/