Update: Petya aimed at destroying data

Created at 27.June 2017, 18:15 | Category: Blog

Update: July 3, 2017, 12:45:

Leading security firms now consider that Petya (also known as “PetrWrap” and “NotPetya”) was aimed at destroying data. Petya apparently disguised itself as ransomware but its aim was not to extort money. Analyses by IT security companies Kaspersky and Comae Technologies show that the malware did not encrypt data on the affected systems but instead deleted it. It appears that Petya overwrites data irreversibly, rendering restoration impossible. For the parties concerned, paying the ransom or contacting the attackers would have been useless.

The Posteo address specified in connection with the attack was immediately blocked by Posteo on Tuesday at midday, before the attack spread. The attackers did not replace the blocked address with another one.

June 27, 2017, 18:15:

Info on the PetrWrap/Petya ransomware: Email account in question already blocked since midday

Midway through today (CEST) we became aware that ransomware blackmailers are currently using a Posteo address as a means of contact. Our anti-abuse team checked this immediately – and blocked the account straight away. There was no press coverage at that time. We do not tolerate the misuse of our platform: The immediate blocking of misused email accounts is the necessary approach by providers in such cases.

During the afternoon it emerged that the “PetrWrap/Petya” malware is currently spreading quickly in many places, including Ukraine.

Here are the facts that we can contribute to “PetrWrap/Petya”:

– Since midday it is no longer possible for the blackmailers to access the email account or send emails.

– Sending emails to the account is no longer possible either.

We are in contact with the Federal Office for Information Security (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik).

What is ransomware?

“Ransomware” denotes malicious software, which becomes installed on a device, for example, by clicking a bad link or attachment. This primarily occurs when the device is poorly protected – when software installed there has not been updated for an extended time, for example. The malicious software prevents access to data and systems – and the user affected is requested to pay a ransom for the release of their data. Payment often does not lead to the data being released, however.

Best regards,

The Posteo team