AlphaLocker
Intelligence Profile
A new form of ransomware named AlphaLocker that is built by cybercriminals for cybercriminals. Like all incarnations of Ransomware As A Service (RaaS), the AlphaLocker malware program can be purchased and launched by pretty much anyone who wants to get into the ransomware business. What makes AlphaLocker different from other forms of RaaS is its relatively cheap cost. The ransomware can be purchased for just $65 in bitcoin.
AlphaLocker, also known as Alpha Ransomware, is based on the EDA2 ransomware, an educational project open-sourced on GitHub last year by Turkish researcher Utku Sen. A Russian coder seems to have cloned this repository before it was taken down and used it to create his ransomware, a near-perfect clone of EDA2. The ransomware's author, is said to be paying a great deal of attention to updating the ransomware with new features, so it would always stay ahead of antivirus engines, and evade detection.
AlphaLocker's encryption process starts when the ransomware contacts its C&C server. The server generates a public and a private key via the RSA-2048 algorithm, sending the public key to the user's computer and saving the private key to its server. On the infected computer, the ransomware generates an AES-256 key for each file it encrypts, and then encrypts this key with the public RSA key, and sent to the C&C server.
To decrypt their files, users have to get ahold of the private RSA key which can decrypt the AES-encrypted files found on their computers. Users have to pay around 0.35 Bitcoin (~$450) to get this key, packaged within a nice decrypter.
Threat Analysis
AlphaLocker is a advanced-sophistication threat actor of undetermined national origin, engaged in cyber operations with a primary motivation of espionage.
The group's espionage-oriented operations suggest a state-sponsored or state-aligned mandate, typically focused on stealing intellectual property, government secrets, or military intelligence. Targets are usually selected for strategic value rather than financial gain.
Classified as an advanced threat actor, AlphaLocker likely develops or acquires zero-day exploits, employs custom malware toolchains, and demonstrates long-term persistence capabilities — hallmarks of a well-resourced operation consistent with nation-state backing.