How We Decrypted Fog Ransomware of a Small Firm?

In October 2024, a small IT consulting firm in the United States fell victim to a devastating ransomware attack. The attackers deployed Fog Ransomware, which encrypted critical business files, servers, and operational data, rendering the company’s IT infrastructure inoperable. The attack halted their operations, jeopardizing their relationships with clients and threatening their financial stability. The ransom demand exceeded $75,000, an amount the company could not afford to pay. They reached us via WhatsApp to get assistance regarding Fog Ransomware.

Challenges

• Business Operations at a Standstill: All critical files and systems were encrypted, halting operations entirely.
• Time Sensitivity: The company’s clients were expecting deliverables within days, making swift recovery essential.
• Limited Budget: As a small business, they lacked the resources to pay the exorbitant ransom or invest in costly recovery services.
• Complex Encryption: Fog Ransomware employs sophisticated encryption algorithms that make decryption without the right tools challenging.

Our Approach

Our team stepped in to assist the company in recovering their systems swiftly and cost-effectively. The process involved the following steps:

1. Initial Assessment

We conducted a thorough analysis of the ransomware’s behavior, file extensions, ransom note, and encryption methods. This helped us:

• Confirm that Fog Ransomware was responsible.
• Identify the specific encryption algorithms and patterns used.

Note: You can verify Fog Ransomware by the extension used: e.g (fog, flocked, fogg, fogged)

2. Containment and Mitigation

To prevent further damage:

• We isolated the infected systems from the network.
• Disabled any remaining access points used by the attackers.
• Ensured the ransomware’s persistence mechanisms were neutralized.

3. Decryption and Recovery

Utilizing our proprietary decryptor for Fog Ransomware, we:

• Recovered 99% of the encrypted files, including business-critical databases, project files, and client records.
• Restored server functionality within 48 hours, enabling the business to resume operations.

4. Post-Recovery Support

To prevent future incidents:

• Implemented endpoint security solutions.
• Conducted staff training on phishing awareness and best practices.
• Provided backup strategies to ensure rapid recovery in case of future attacks.

Outcome

Thanks to our intervention:

• The company recovered all critical data and servers for less than 10% of the ransom amount, saving over $67,000.
• Operations resumed within two days, minimizing client disruption.
• They implemented a robust cybersecurity framework to reduce the risk of future attacks.

Proof of Communication is Attached Below