The WannaFriendMe ransomware requires that victims buy a decryptor from Roblox’s Game Pass store using the service’s in-game Robux currency.
When visiting the URL of the Roblox Game Pass Store, the victims will see the ‘Ryuk Decryptor’ which is sold under the username ‘iRazormind’ for 1,499 Robux and was last updated on June 5.
According to MalwareHunterTeam researchers, while the WannaFriendMe ransomware is impersonating the notorious Ryuk Ransomware, it is, however, in reality a variant of Chaos ransomware.
The Chaos ransomware variant not only encrypts data, but also destroys it. When encrypting a device, files that are larger than 2 MB are overwritten with random data and not encrypted. This means if victims purchase a decryptor, only files smaller than 2 MB can be recovered.
It remains unclear how the ransomware is spread or whether it was used in attacks.
Roblox, is an online games platform for children where members can create and monetize their own games by selling game cards that offer in-game items, special access or enhanced features.