--- title: "Alpha Crypt: Most Recent Ransomware Has Big Payouts" description: Encryption is a useful tool that keeps private data unseen by users. However, with this malware, the encryption locks a user out of their files without the key. image: https://blog.seedspark.com/hubfs/Alpha-Crypt-ZZ-78.jpg --- [![logo-white-2020](https://blog.seedspark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-white-2020.png?width=80&height=80&name=logo-white-2020.png "logo-white-2020")](https://seedspark.com/) [![logo-square](https://blog.seedspark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-square.png?width=55&height=54&name=logo-square.png "logo-square")](https://seedspark.com/) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1546797/3ad3da3a-9602-4c46-afb0-274659a1f959.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1546797/3ad3da3a-9602-4c46-afb0-274659a1f959) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/alpha-crypt-most-recent-ransomware-has-big-payouts&title=Alpha%20Crypt:%20Most%20Recent%20Ransomware%20Has%20Big%20Payouts&description=Encryption%20is%20a%20useful%20tool%20that%20keeps%20private%20data%20unseen%20by%20users.%20However,%20with%20this%20malware,%20the%20encryption%20locks%20a%20user%20out%20of%20their%20files%20without%20the%20key.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/alpha-crypt-most-recent-ransomware-has-big-payouts&text=Alpha%20Crypt:%20Most%20Recent%20Ransomware%20Has%20Big%20Payouts%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/alpha-crypt-most-recent-ransomware-has-big-payouts) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/alpha-crypt-most-recent-ransomware-has-big-payouts&title=Alpha%20Crypt:%20Most%20Recent%20Ransomware%20Has%20Big%20Payouts&summary=Encryption%20is%20a%20useful%20tool%20that%20keeps%20private%20data%20unseen%20by%20users.%20However,%20with%20this%20malware,%20the%20encryption%20locks%20a%20user%20out%20of%20their%20files%20without%20the%20key.) 27 May 2015 Wednesday # Alpha Crypt: Most Recent Ransomware Has Big Payouts By [Robert Griffin](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/robert-griffin) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) In a previous post, we discussed the growing – and lucrative – hacking trend, [ransomware.](http://www.seedspark.com/en/blog/show/ransomware) For years, the malware infected vulnerable computers and demanded large sums of money to unlock the computer system. More recent and popular forms of malware encrypt files on the system’s hard drive. Typically, encryption is a useful tool that keeps private data unseen by users without the encryption key. However, in the case of this malware, the encryption locks a user out of their files without the key.   **What is Alpha Crypt?** Among this more common form of ransomware is the recently discovered, Alpha Crypt – “a file encrypting ransomware, which will encrypt the personal documents found on a victim’s computer…” and demand ransom to restore the files. This new strain of ransomware displays a message that offers to decrypt the data if a payment is made within 96 hours. If no payment is made, the files are destroyed. So far, Alpha Crypt has yielded $76,522 since February. From nonprofit organizations to small businesses, the criminals are seizing data files from most any vulnerable user, regardless of whether they are able to pay the ransom.   **How does Alpha Crypt infiltrate a computer?** Alpha Crypt is usually distributed by a user navigating to a malicious website, visiting a website that has been hacked, or opening a spam email or attachment infected with the malware. **What makes Alpha Crypt unique compared to other ransomware?** Alpha Crypt (ZZ 78) targets all versions of Windows, including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. Compared to previous ransomware, Alpha Crypt uses a different method to encrypt the user’s files; it uses AES-265 and RSA encryption method in order to ensure that the affected user has to purchase the private key.   **What happens when Alpha Crypt is installed?** When Alpha Crypt infects a computer, it does the following: - Creates a randomly named, executable file in the %AppData% or %LocalAppData% folder. - Launches file and begins to scan all the drive letters on your computer for data files to encrypt. - Searches for files with certain extensions to encrypt. The files it encrypts include important productivity files, such as .doc, .docx, .xls, .pdf, and others. - Appends a new .EZZ extension to the file name. - Creates a HELP_TO_Save_Files.txt file ransom note in each folder that a file has been encrypted and on the Windows desktop. **What can I do to prevent Alpha Crypt?** Avoid it. To prevent Alpha Crypt, or any other form of malware, be a knowledgeable and careful user – carefully watch and control what sites you visit, what you click on, and what files you open. Additionally, have a pro-active management agent on your computer. If you are a SeedSpark managed services client, you already have an agent that handles anti-virus and malware mitigation. If your computer is infected with Alpha Crypt, call your managed services provider or SeedSpark immediately to explore options to remove and restore it without paying a ransom fee. At SeedSpark, we want to help you protect, prevent, and secure your data from cyber criminals. If you have any questions about ransomware, malware, or viruses, please email or call us today. **Tags:** [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology), [Digital](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/digital) Share: - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/alpha-crypt-most-recent-ransomware-has-big-payouts&title=Alpha%20Crypt:%20Most%20Recent%20Ransomware%20Has%20Big%20Payouts&description=Encryption%20is%20a%20useful%20tool%20that%20keeps%20private%20data%20unseen%20by%20users.%20However,%20with%20this%20malware,%20the%20encryption%20locks%20a%20user%20out%20of%20their%20files%20without%20the%20key.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/alpha-crypt-most-recent-ransomware-has-big-payouts&text=Alpha%20Crypt:%20Most%20Recent%20Ransomware%20Has%20Big%20Payouts%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/alpha-crypt-most-recent-ransomware-has-big-payouts) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/alpha-crypt-most-recent-ransomware-has-big-payouts&title=Alpha%20Crypt:%20Most%20Recent%20Ransomware%20Has%20Big%20Payouts&summary=Encryption%20is%20a%20useful%20tool%20that%20keeps%20private%20data%20unseen%20by%20users.%20However,%20with%20this%20malware,%20the%20encryption%20locks%20a%20user%20out%20of%20their%20files%20without%20the%20key.) ### Written by [Robert Griffin](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/robert-griffin) Our COO, Robert Griffin, has a history of success applying analytical and technical expertise while leveraging various technology and cybersecurity solutions to optimize business capabilities and mitigate organizational risks. - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-griffin-gtcs/) PREVIOUS POST [** The New Snapchat Discover Feature ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/the-new-snapchat-discover-feature) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/alpha-crypt-most-recent-ransomware-has-big-payouts#top) Next Post [iPhone 6 Lightning Dock **](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/iphone-6-lightning-dock) [Content Title](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/alpha-crypt-most-recent-ransomware-has-big-payouts#) Description ### Search ### Recent Posts [ Building a Resilient Business: Strategies for Navigating Economic Uncertainty ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/building-a-resilient-business-strategies-for-navigating-economic-uncertainty) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Feb 1, 2024 [ Harnessing Data for Business Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Data-Driven Decision-Making ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/harnessing-data-for-business-success-a-comprehensive-guide-to-data-driven-decision-making) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Jan 8, 2024 [ Top Business Trends of 2024: Strategies for Growth and Success ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-business-trends-of-2024-strategies-for-growth-and-success) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Jan 4, 2024 [ Empowering Organizations with CISA's Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Toolkit ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) Oct 26, 2023 [ Four Essential Steps to Enhance Your Online Safety ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) Oct 19, 2023 ### Popular Posts [ The 8 Best Productivity Tools Included with Microsoft 365 ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/meet_office365) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Apr 21, 2021 [ Bots Are Stealing MFA Codes and Accessing Accounts - The New Cyber Threat in 2021 ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/mfa-code-stealing) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Nov 3, 2021 [ What is Windows 11 S Mode and Should You Use It? 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This comprehensive resource is designed to empower organizations, IT professionals, and individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex world of cyber threats.   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&title=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety&description=Whether%20you're%20an%20individual%20looking%20to%20protect%20your%20personal%20data%20or%20an%20IT%20professional%20tasked%20with%20safeguarding%20company%20information,%20there%20are%20fundamental%20steps%20you%20can%20take%20to%20enhance%20online%20safety.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&text=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&title=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety&summary=Whether%20you're%20an%20individual%20looking%20to%20protect%20your%20personal%20data%20or%20an%20IT%20professional%20tasked%20with%20safeguarding%20company%20information,%20there%20are%20fundamental%20steps%20you%20can%20take%20to%20enhance%20online%20safety.) ## [Four Essential Steps to Enhance Your Online Safety](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) As cyber threats continue to evolve, both individuals and businesses must be proactive in their approach to cybersecurity. Whether you're an individual looking to protect your personal data or an IT professional tasked with safeguarding company information, there are fundamental steps you can take to enhance online safety. Here are four essential steps to consider:   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&title=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond&description=As%20cyber%20threats%20continue%20to%20evolve,%20so%20must%20our%20approach%20to%20safeguarding%20our%20digital%20realm.%20Enter) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&text=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&title=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond&summary=As%20cyber%20threats%20continue%20to%20evolve,%20so%20must%20our%20approach%20to%20safeguarding%20our%20digital%20realm.%20Enter) ## [Secure Our World: The New Mantra for Cybersecurity in 2023 and Beyond](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must our approach to safeguarding our digital realm. Enter "Secure Our World" – the groundbreaking cybersecurity awareness program launched by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). As we delve into 2023 and look towards the future, this initiative promises to redefine our understanding and approach to cybersecurity.   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) ## Growth Is Just One Click Away Want to chat? Just share some project details and a member of our sales team will be in touch to learn more about your vision and how we can help!   ##### How can we grow together? 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