REDKAW Ransomware: A New Data-Encrypting Threat Demanding Ransom

Understanding REDKAW Ransomware

REDKAW is a newly discovered ransomware variant designed to encrypt victims’ files and demand payment for decryption. It appends the “.redkaw” extension to encrypted files and leaves behind a ransom note titled “HOW-TO-FIX.txt”. The cybercriminals behind REDKAW demand $50 in cryptocurrency, threatening to leak sensitive information if the payment is not made within 24 hours.

Threat Summary

Feature	Details
Name	REDKAW Ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.redkaw
Ransom Note	HOW-TO-FIX.txt
Cybercriminal Contact	gniomhara@proton.me
Ransom Amount	$50
Payment Methods	Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDC, USDT
Detection Names	Avast (FileRepMalware [Misc]), CTX (Exe.trojan.redcap), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.HRDOOOY), Kaspersky (UDS:DangerousObject.Multi.Generic), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Leonem)
Symptoms of Infection	Files are inaccessible and have a .redkaw extension, ransom note appears, inability to open previously functional files, ransom demand displayed on desktop
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, malicious ads, torrents, pirated software, infected email attachments, software vulnerabilities
Potential Damage	File encryption, data theft, financial loss, risk of further malware infections
Danger Level	High

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How REDKAW Ransomware Works

1. Infiltration: REDKAW is typically spread through phishing emails, malicious ads, and compromised software.
2. Encryption: It scans the infected system for files and encrypts them using an unknown encryption algorithm, appending the ".redkaw" extension.
3. Ransom Demand: After encryption, it drops a text file (HOW-TO-FIX.txt) with ransom payment instructions.
4. Threat of Data Exposure: The note claims that sensitive data has been stolen and will be leaked unless the ransom is paid within 24 hours.

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Text of REDKAW Ransom Note (HOW-TO-FIX.txt)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                          R E D K A W
                     YOUR SYSTEM HAS BEEN COMPROMISED!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your files have been encrypted and all your private information has been stolen. If you don't take action now, your entire digital world will be destroyed.
-----------------------------------------
Ransomware ID: REDKAW-2024-USS33993FW0
-----------------------------------------
--- What has happened:
- All your documents, photos, databases, and files have been encrypted with an unbreakable encryption algorithm.
- Sensitive information, such as passwords, browsing history, private data, and any other relevant content, has been extracted and stored on a secure server.
--- What you need to do:
To recover your data and avoid the massive leak of your information, you must pay a ransom of **$50 USD** to one of the following cryptocurrency wallets:

Bitcoin Wallet:
3MEi6jfVxHuTVSAs8EcmCvSt46b3Yyj4Cd
Ethereum Wallet:
0x5546a6c439Cb82aBe7C4F168532c46FDA1CF56fF
Ltc:
MC2mAUyTpvN59CdjNwLFfXgXReonMqgykE
USDC:
0x3f0B164163Ca4ca34ccd629083a6854B5d63Eee8
USDT:
0xA405f18958C9761234856611b680410b0B7c2d16

You have **24 hours** to complete the payment. If time runs out, your data will be published on dark web forums.

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How to Remove REDKAW Ransomware?

Step 1: Boot Your PC in Safe Mode with Networking

1. Restart your PC and press F8/F12 (for older versions) or hold Shift + Restart (Windows 10/11).
2. Select Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 2: Use SpyHunter to Scan and Remove REDKAW

1. Download SpyHunter.
2. Install the tool and run a full system scan.
3. Allow SpyHunter to detect and remove REDKAW and any associated malware.

Step 3: Restore Your Files from Backups

If you have cloud backups or offline backups, restore your files from there. Avoid paying the ransom.

Step 4: Check for Backdoors and Other Infections

1. Run a secondary malware scan (e.g., Malwarebytes, HitmanPro).
2. Check for suspicious startup entries via Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc > Startup Tab).

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Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Ransomware Attacks

Regular Data Backups

Maintain backups on offline storage or cloud services like Google Drive or OneDrive.

Avoid Suspicious Emails and Links

Do not open unexpected attachments or click on unknown links.

Use Reliable Security Software

Install and keep SpyHunter updated.

Enable Firewall and Security Features

• Keep Windows Defender Firewall ON.
• Use email security filters.

Avoid Downloading Cracked Software

Do not download files from torrents, third-party sites, or pirated platforms.

Keep Your System Updated

Regularly update Windows, software, and security patches to prevent vulnerabilities.

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Final Thoughts

REDKAW ransomware is a severe threat that can encrypt and potentially leak sensitive files. It is crucial to remove the infection as soon as possible using SpyHunter or another reputable anti-malware tool. Never pay the ransom, as cybercriminals may not provide the decryption key. Instead, focus on removing the ransomware, restoring backups, and implementing preventive security measures to avoid future infections.