Petya Hackers Require $ 250K To Release Encrypted Files

Petya malware has spread to computers around the world encrypting files and requiring payment in bitcoin to free them. However, some security experts say that it erases files instead of encrypting them.

This story has just gotten even more intriguing. The hackers who control Petya's bitcoin portfolio gave a warning: pay $ 250,000 and we release the files from around the world.

The Motherboard noticed that hackers emptied the bitcoin wallet that received ransom payments, transferring the equivalent of $ 10,000. They also sent two small payments to the Pastebin and DeepPaste portfolios, services that allow you to publish texts anonymously.

At these platforms, hackers are asking for 100 bitcoins (about $ 250,000) in exchange for the private key that supposedly decrypts any file affected by Petya. They just did not leave the wallet bitcoin they should get this payment: Instead, you need to enter a chat room on the dark web and ask for more information.

The Motherboard talked to the hackers, and they offered a free trial to prove they were telling the truth. The site sent a file encrypted by Petya, but received no response.

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