// Ransomware Negotiation Transcript
fog Ransomware Negotiation — Redacted Organisation
// Context
About This Negotiation
This transcript documents a fog ransomware negotiation with a redacted victim organisation. The negotiation consisted of 26 messages exchanged.
The initial ransom demand was $125,000. The final outcome is not confirmed in the transcript.
// Primary Source
Full Transcript — Verbatim
Reproduced from Casualtek's Ransomchats archive. URLs have been redacted.
Victim names are shown only where the breach was publicly reported in mainstream media. Any organisation wishing their name redacted can contact us at enquiries@binary-response.com — we will act promptly.
My name is [redacted]. I am 72 and have maintained this server for the last 23 years. I am not a cybersecurity expert, but I thought I would contact you to see how we can get you to release the data.
I know the boss will not pay the Ransom, but it may be cheaper for me to pay it out of my pocket if it is not too much so that I can keep this job.
Hello. They are a tiny firm of Architects with four people in a squishy office.
I am waiting for your reply.
Hello. Please wait for details.
OK
I have some chores to do. I will be back as soon as I can, and I will check before I go to sleep.
I am back.
Please. Let these people work. They recently received some good jobs to turn them around after many years of hardship. The profit margins are very slim. Architects are expensive and hard to find good people.
+These are nice people. Please let them and me work. Please.
It is nearly 9:30 p.m. and I need to go to sleep. Please think about this. They are good people. Please.
I am not going to rob you
No data was taken. We can decrypt your systems in a couple of hours for only $125,000. Just send us 3 random encrypted files to be sure - we'll decrypt them for free.
They do not have $125,000.
You are going to kill this business.
what do they have?
Not even $10,000 to spare. It is costly to run a business in Australia nowadays. Eighty per cent of start-ups go broke within the first three years, and many companies go broke daily. A major Airline went broke, owing millions of dollars. The Server is nine years old, and they cannot afford to buy another, but it will cost more with AWS, etc. Things are very tight here in Australia. I will lose this job after this. I make $800.00 per two weeks after their expenses, plus my Aged Pension of $1,100.00 per two weeks gets me through. Electricity and Gas are both at a ridiculous level.
We do not have that sort of money. Please let us go.
Good night. It is now 11:45 p.m. I must sleep.
Windows
unlocker.exe -nomutex -console -target \\SERVER\C$
unlocker.exe -nomutex -console -target C:\
Esxi \ LINUX
chmod +x unlocker_key
./unlocker_key --id [redacted] --log --target "/vmfs/volumes/"
Good morning. If this is what I hope it is, thank you very much. I am so relieved that these people will keep their businesses and their livelihoods. You have made this old man very happy. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. I can be contacted at [redacted]@gmail.com or +61 [redacted]. I want to give you a big hug. Thank you again.
ok
It is working. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and understanding. As I stated before, please let me know if there is anything I can do in the future. You have my details. My e-mail address should have read [redacted]@gmail.com.
I dont need anything from you anymore
all the best
Thank you. All the best for you too. I appreciate what you did for me, very much.
thanks
// Analysis
Analyst Observations
- This transcript documents a fog ransomware negotiation. The exchange provides insight into the group's negotiation tactics and communication style.