Researches at MalwareHunterTeam have discovered a new kind of ransomware which locks the user’s files unless they play PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds or PUBG. Unlike other ransomware, the PUBG ransomware doesn’t want your money and just wants you to have a fun time playing PUBG.
According to a report from Kotaku, the ransomware makes the user’s files inaccessible as soon as it infects the system and displays a ransom note which reads:
“Your files is encrypted [sic] by PUBG Ransomware! But don’t worry! It is not that hard to unlock it. I don’t want money! Just play PUBG 1Hours [sic]!”
If you’re thinking that it’s just a troll software with a funny ransom note, then you’re most definitely wrong. Malware experts have confirmed that the PUBG Ransomware actually does lock down the files, but it isn’t as great at doing it like most other ransomware. Users can easily bypass the ransomware, however, it would just be better to play a game of PUBG instead.
The ransomware only encrypts the users’ desktop files and unlocks them after three minutes of playing PUBG, as opposed to the hour in the ransom note. Additionally, according to malware expert Lawrence Abrams, there are a few other easy workarounds for people who don’t wish to play a game of PUBG. Incidentally, the ransomware itself offers an unlock code, if you’re just not in the mood to play along. However, Abrams has also added that the ransomware looks like it’s still in development and “it is unsure if it will ever be spread or is simply being made as a joke.”
