Phobos Decryptor

Introduction

Mimic-Based Ransomware with the .LI extension is a dangerous new strain of malicious software, belonging to the notorious Proton ransomware family. This ransomware is designed to encrypt victims’ files and demand payment in exchange for decryption.

Once the system is infected, the ransomware appends the “.LI” extension to all affected files, making them inaccessible. For example, a document named “report.pdf” would be renamed to “report.pdf.LI” after encryption. Victims are then presented with a ransom note, coercing them into contacting the attackers for decryption instructions.

This article explores the infection methods, encryption mechanisms, ransom demands, prevention strategies, and recovery options for Mimic-Based Ransomware, including the potential effectiveness of the Phobos Decryptor in file recovery.

Related article: Data Ransomware Decryption and Removal Using Phobos Decryptor

Understanding Mimic-Based Ransomware

How Does Mimic-Based Ransomware Infect Systems?

Mimic-Based Ransomware primarily spreads through several common cyberattack vectors, including:

1. Phishing Emails
   
   • Attackers send deceptive emails containing malicious attachments or links.
   • These emails often impersonate legitimate businesses, tricking users into downloading the ransomware.
2. Malicious Advertisements (Malvertising)
   
   • Cybercriminals embed malware in online advertisements.
   • Clicking on an infected ad unknowingly downloads the ransomware.
3. Exploiting Software Vulnerabilities
   
   • Attackers take advantage of unpatched security flaws in operating systems and applications.
   • Once inside, the ransomware encrypts files without user consent.
4. Trojanized Software & Cracked Programs
   
   • Downloading software from untrustworthy sources increases the risk of installing ransomware disguised as a legitimate program.

Also read: Mamona Ransomware Decryption and Removal Using Phobos Decryptor

How Mimic-Based Ransomware Encrypts Files?

Once executed, Mimic-Based Ransomware systematically scans the system for various file types, including:

• Documents: Word, Excel, PDF files
• Multimedia Files: Photos, videos, music
• Database & Backup Files: SQL, JSON, XML

Using a strong encryption algorithm, the ransomware locks files, making it impossible to decrypt without the unique decryption key stored on the attacker’s server. Each encrypted file is given a “.LI” extension, and a victim ID is assigned for identification.

Ransom Note Details

After encryption, Mimic-Based Ransomware delivers a ransom note titled “README.txt” and changes the desktop wallpaper with instructions to contact the hackers.

Full Ransom Note Text:

Hello my dear friend (Do not scan the files with antivirus in any case. In case of data loss, the consequences are yours)

Your data is encrypted

Your personal ID: F4ztImQBf1oGFjyE2Dz5xqQFf61fSry9hWc69DMaOEQ*[email protected]    

Unfortunately for you, a major IT security weakness left you open to attack, your files have been encrypted

The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.

Write to our mail – [email protected]

In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this backup e-mail: [email protected]

Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

Contact us soon, because those who don’t have their data leaked in our press release blog and the price they’ll have to pay will go up significantly.

Attention!

Do not rename encrypted files. 

Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software – it may cause permanent data loss. 

We are always ready to cooperate and find the best way to solve your problem. 

The faster you write – the more favorable conditions will be for you. 

Our company values its reputation. We give all guarantees of your files decryption.

What are your recommendations?

– Never change the name of the files, if you want to manipulate the files, be sure to back them up. If there are any problems with the files, we are not responsible for them.

– Never work with intermediary companies because they charge you more money.Don’t be afraid of us, just email us. 

Sensitive data on your system was DOWNLOADED.

If you DON’T WANT your sensitive data to be PUBLISHED you have to act quickly.

Data includes:

– Employees personal data, CVs, DL, SSN.

– Complete network map including credentials for local and remote services.

– Private financial information including: clients data, bills, budgets, annual reports, bank statements.

– Manufacturing documents including: datagrams, schemas, drawings in solidworks format

– And more…

What are the dangers of leaking your company’s data.

First of all, you will receive fines from the government such as the GDRP and many others, you can be sued by customers of your firm for leaking information that was confidential. Your leaked data will be used by all the hackers on the planet for various unpleasant things. For example, social engineering, your employees’ personal data can be used to re-infiltrate your company. Bank details and passports can be used to create bank accounts and online wallets through which criminal money will be laundered. On another vacation trip, you will have to explain to the FBI where you got millions of dollars worth of stolen cryptocurrency transferred through your accounts on cryptocurrency exchanges. Your personal information could be used to make loans or buy appliances. You would later have to prove in court that it wasn’t you who took out the loan and pay off someone else’s loan. Your competitors may use the stolen information to steal technology or to improve their processes, your working methods, suppliers, investors, sponsors, employees, it will all be in the public domain. You won’t be happy if your competitors lure your employees to other firms offering better wages, will you? Your competitors will use your information against you. For example, look for tax violations in the financial documents or any other violations, so you have to close your firm. According to statistics, two thirds of small and medium-sized companies close within half a year after a data breach. You will have to find and fix the vulnerabilities in your network, work with the customers affected by data leaks. All of these are very costly procedures that can exceed the cost of a ransomware buyout by a factor of hundreds. It’s much easier, cheaper and faster to pay us the ransom. Well and most importantly, you will suffer a reputational loss, you have been building your company for many years, and now your reputation will be destroyed.

Do not go to the police or FBI for help and do not tell anyone that we attacked you. 

They won’t help and will only make your situation worse. In 7 years not a single member of our group has been caught by the police, we are top-notch hackers and never leave a trace of crime. The police will try to stop you from paying the ransom in any way they can. The first thing they will tell you is that there is no guarantee to decrypt your files and delete the stolen files, this is not true, we can do a test decryption before payment and your data will be guaranteed to be deleted because it is a matter of our reputation, we make hundreds of millions of dollars and we are not going to lose income because of your files. It is very beneficial for the police and the FBI to let everyone on the planet know about the leak of your data, because then your state will receive fines under GDPR and other similar laws. The fines will go to fund the police and FBI. The police and FBI will not be able to stop lawsuits from your customers for leaking personal and private information. The police and FBI will not protect you from repeat attacks. Paying us a ransom is much cheaper and more profitable than paying fines and legal fees.

If you do not pay the ransom, we will attack your company again in the future.

Association with the Proton Ransomware Family

Mimic-Based Ransomware is classified as a variant of the Proton ransomware family, a notorious malware group responsible for multiple ransomware evolutions.

Characteristics of Proton Ransomware Variants:

• Zola Variant: Introduced privilege escalation to bypass security defenses.
• Disk Overwriting Features: Some variants attempt to destroy forensic evidence after encryption.

This ongoing development makes Proton-based ransomware increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect by traditional security software.

How to Prevent a Mimic-Based Ransomware Attack?

To safeguard against Mimic-Based Ransomware and other similar threats, follow these best practices:

1. Maintain Regular Backups

• Use Offline Backups: Store critical data on external hard drives or cloud storage with versioning.
• Test Restores: Ensure backups are functional before an attack occurs.

2. Practice Email Security

• Do not open suspicious email attachments.
• Verify sender authenticity before clicking on links.

3. Keep Systems Updated

• Regularly apply security patches to operating systems and software.
• Disable unnecessary remote access features (e.g., RDP).

4. Install Reputable Security Software

• Use antivirus and anti-malware with real-time protection.
• Enable firewall and network monitoring tools.

How to Respond to a Mimic-Based Ransomware Infection?

If your system is compromised:

1. Isolate the Infected System
   
   • Disconnect from the network and external drives to prevent spread.
2. Do NOT Pay the Ransom
   
   • Payment does not guarantee file recovery and funds cybercriminals.
3. Seek Cybersecurity Assistance
   
   • Contact law enforcement or cybersecurity experts.
4. Attempt File Recovery
   
   • Use backup files or specialized ransomware decryptors.

Recovering Files: Can Phobos Decryptor Help?

If your files are encrypted with the .LI extension, you might consider using Phobos Decryptor, a decryption tool designed to counter ransomware threats.

How Phobos Decryptor Works?

• Uses advanced decryption algorithms tailored for Proton-based ransomware.
• User-friendly interface—no technical expertise required.
• Ensures 100% data integrity, preventing further corruption.

How to Use Phobos Decryptor for .LI Encrypted Files?

1. Obtain Phobos Decryptor from a trusted cybersecurity provider.
2. Run the tool as an administrator on the infected system.
3. Connect to secure decryption servers to retrieve keys.
4. Enter your Victim ID from the ransom note.
5. Start the decryption process and recover your files.

Also read: Nightspire Ransomware Decryption and Removal Using Phobos Decryptor

Why Choose Phobos Decryptor?

✔ The only proven solution for Mimic-Based Ransomware.
✔ Guaranteed file recovery without data loss.
✔ 24/7 cybersecurity support available.

Conclusion

Mimic-Based Ransomware, with its “.LI” extension, is a severe cybersecurity threat. Its advanced encryption methods and data extortion tactics make it a formidable attack.

By implementing strong security practices, maintaining offline backups, and avoiding ransom payments, organizations can effectively mitigate risks and recover from attacks.For victims seeking decryption options, tools like Phobos Decryptor may provide a solution, but prevention remains the best defense against ransomware threats.