TWISTRO

TWISTRO is a type of malware that emerged around 2014. It is known for its ability to encrypt files on a victim's computer and demand a ransom payment for their decryption. The name TWISTRO is derived from the malware's internal strings and analysis conducted by security researchers.

This malware typically spreads through phishing emails, malicious websites, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in software. Once executed, TWISTRO searches for specific file types, such as documents, images, and archives, and encrypts them using strong encryption algorithms. A ransom note is then displayed on the screen, instructing the victim on how to pay the ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, to receive a decryption key.

Security researchers have identified several variants of TWISTRO over time, with attackers constantly updating its code to evade detection by antivirus software and to improve its functionality. The effectiveness of TWISTRO lies in its ability to target widely used file types, making data recovery without the decryption key extremely difficult.

While the primary goal of TWISTRO is financial gain through ransom payments, it also poses a significant risk to data integrity and system functionality. Victims are advised not to pay the ransom, as there is no guarantee of data recovery, and doing so can encourage further criminal activity. Instead, reliable backups and robust security practices are the most effective defenses against this type of threat.