Nitro Ransomware, a new variant of file encrypting malware is shaking up the internet by demanding Discord Nitro Gift Cards from victims instead of cryptocurrency. Researchers from MalwareHunterTeam have discovered this activity and discovered that the distributors of this malware are giving only 3 hours to buy the gift card after which the stolen data will leaked to the internet.
Discord is an online messaging platform that also allows VOIP calls and is also designed to share media- similar to that of WhatsApp. The platform allows users to purchase a premium subscription for $9.99 that allows its subscribers to upload files that are large and also offers to its users better emoji option along with HD Video streaming that is free of advertisements.
It is still unknown why the threat actors are stressing on Discord Nitro gift cards. But as soon as the victim enters the purchased gift card code, their data is being unlocked.
Analysts say that the decryption key can be extracted from the executable itself and there is no need to pay the $9.99.
Note- All these days we have seen hackers stealing data and then encrypting the database to involve in double extortion schemes later. But with Nitro Ransomware the situation seems to be different. In this malware attack, hackers indulge in data stealing and encryption as usual. But they ask for gift cards instead of Bitcoins or Monero in return of the decryption key.
