Alma

Alma is a potent malware, specifically a ransomware, known for its ability to encrypt files using AES-128 encryption. Once it infiltrates a system, typically through suspicious downloads, emails, or websites, it proceeds to encrypt data and then creates two ransom-demand files titled “Unlock_files_(6 random characters).html” and “Unlock_files_(6 random characters).txt”. These files are saved on the desktop and in each folder that contains encrypted files. Victims are provided with a unique ID and numerous Tor network connections to download Alma Locker's decryption tool. The Alma ransomware came to prominence following research conducted by graduate students at George Mason University, who confirmed its existence and functionality. A decryption tool for this ransomware is available, as noted in the link provided (https://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/10403-alma-locker-ransomware). However, victims are often required to contact the Alma Locker ransomware developers to decrypt their affected data, which can be a risky process. Despite the threat posed by the Alma ransomware, there are protections and solutions in place. For instance, KernelCare supports all popular enterprise Linux distributions, including Debian, Ubuntu, RHEL, CentOS, Alma Linux, Oracle Linux, and more, potentially providing some level of protection against such threats. In addition, privacy laws like the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) and forthcoming regulations from the White House's National Cybersecurity Strategy offer additional protections against malicious software.