The encrypted virus is a computer virus that encrypts its payload with the intention of making it difficult to detect the virus. However, because anything encrypted requires a decryptor or key, an antivirus can use the decryptor as a detection method.
Cybercriminals use encrypted ransomware which has become the most common type because it is difficult to crack the encryption and remove the malware. Everything you save on your PC is encrypted by malicious code in exchange for a ransom. Most ransomware these days use AES – RSA encryption methods that are incredibly difficult to crack.
Attempting to decrypt a file without first removing the malware may cause the file to be re-encrypted. If you are not sure which ransomware you were attacked with, a ransomware tool called Crypto Sheriff can identify the virus by examining one of the encrypted files.
Encryption is a double-edged sword because both for companies seeking to better protect their data, criminals encode and encrypt malicious files to make it harder for them to eliminate and combat the threat they are spreading.
See also:
Main differences of Worm, Trojan and virus
The most dangerous virus on history
