The group behind the CryptXXX ransomware, which covertly installs itself onto the machines of users who access compromised websites and encrypts their data, have gotten into the Christmas spirit by offering their victims a staggering 50% reduction in their asking price until December 31st.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to prevent users access to a computer system or their files by encrypting it. They offer to decrypt it once a sum of money is paid.

Previously, CryptXXX asked for a payment of 1.2 Bitcoin (BTC), about €944.91. However upon visiting one of the payment sites they can be seen to be offering the decryption of data for just 0.5 BTC or roughly €393.71 at current exchange rates.

Kaspersky have offered a free tool that will decrypt the data previously inaccessible by the infected users. This is the third attempt made by the CryptXXX team to make the users data unusable, and this is now the third time that their attempts have been delt with swiftly.

“Victims may genuinely believe they are receiving a ‘good’ deal to decrypt their data, but by paying the ransom they are motivating cybercriminals to continue such malicious activities.”

It can be assumed that the group lowered the price in the hope that victims of the malware will pay up before they realize that a tool can now retrieve their data for free.

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