BQTLOCK: New Ransomware Uses Unbreakable Encryption, Destroys Windows Systems

The BQTLOCK Encryption Method: A Digital Fortress

BQTLOCK employs a hybrid encryption strategy, combining the speed of symmetric encryption with the security of asymmetric encryption. This multi-layered approach is designed to be both efficient and virtually unbreakable :k7computing+1

1. File Encryption (AES-256): The ransomware first generates a unique, random 32-byte AES-256 key for each file it targets. AES-256 is a symmetric algorithm, meaning the same key is used to both encrypt and decrypt the data. It's incredibly fast and is the same standard used by the U.S. government to protect classified information.

2. Key Protection (RSA-4096): Here's where the "unbreakable" part comes in. The unique AES key for each file is then encrypted using a public RSA-4096 key that is hardcoded into the ransomware. RSA-4096 is an asymmetric algorithm with a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. Without the corresponding private key, which only the attackers possess, it is computationally infeasible to decrypt the AES keys.

This two-step process means that even if a victim could somehow brute-force one file's AES key, it would be useless for any other file. Each file is essentially locked in its own digital vault, and the master key to all those vaults is protected by RSA-4096.k7computing

How BQTLOCK Operates

BQTLOCK operates as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), allowing affiliates with little technical skill to launch attacks. Once executed, it performs the following actions :socprime+1

• Renames Files: Appends the .BQTLOCK extension to all encrypted files (e.g., document.docx becomes document.docx.BQTLOCK).

• Drops a Ransom Note: Creates a text file named READ_ME-NOW_[victim_id].txt on the desktop, demanding payment in Monero (XMR) and threatening to double the ransom after 48 hours.

• Disables Recovery: It executes commands to delete shadow copies and inhibit Windows recovery mechanisms, preventing easy restoration.

• Evades Detection: It uses advanced anti-analysis techniques, including process hollowing (hiding within legitimate processes like explorer.exe) and UAC bypasses to gain administrative privileges silently.

• Exfiltrates Data: It follows a double-extortion model, stealing sensitive data before encryption and threatening to leak it on the dark web if the ransom is not paid.

Comparison to Other Ransomware (e.g., Blue Locker)

While other ransomware families like Blue Locker also use strong encryption, BQTLOCK's sophistication lies in its comprehensive approach:

• Encryption Strength: While many ransomware variants use RSA-2048, BQTLOCK's use of RSA-4096 provides a significantly higher level of security for the encrypted keys.

• Evasion Techniques: BQTLOCK's combination of process hollowing, UAC bypasses, and anti-debugging checks is more advanced than many of its contemporaries.

• RaaS Model: The professional, tiered subscription model for BQTLOCK's RaaS platform indicates a well-organized and commercially-driven operation, suggesting it will be a persistent threat.

Why Recovery is Nearly Impossible

The use of RSA-4096 to protect the individual AES keys is the critical point. Breaking RSA-4096 encryption with current computing technology would take trillions of years. This means that without the attackers' private key, there is no known method to decrypt the files. Victims are left with only two options: pay the ransom (which is never recommended) or restore their data from clean, offline backups.pcrisk

For organizations and individuals without a robust backup strategy, a BQTLOCK attack is a catastrophic, data-destroying event.

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