New ransomware GandCrab attacks Vietnamese enterprises

PSNews - The Vietnam Computer Emergency Responses Teams (VNCERT) just released a new report on the detection of new ransomware called GandCrab. The malware is distributed through the RIG Exploit Kit.

Once infected, all data files on the user's computer will be encrypted, and the file extension will be changed to *.GDCB or *.CRAB. From this point, the infected files become unusable.

To decrypt the file, the ransomware generates a file named CRAB-DECRYPT.txt, and requests user to pay a ransom of 400 to 1000 USD in the e-currency of DASH.

The malware is distributed through the RIG Exploit Kit. Photo: VNN
The malware is distributed through the RIG Exploit Kit. Photo: VNN

VNCERT claimed that GandCrab is a very dangerous ransomware. VNCERT recommended enterprises and other users to block connection to the GandCrab host server and update anti-virus software such as IDS/IPS, Firewall.

Computer users should not open or click on links or email's attachments containing .doc, .pdf, .zip files sent from strangers, or from acquaintances but with an unusual title or language.

In case of detecting infected computers, organizations and enterprises should immediately isolate the infected computer and notify VNCERT for early treatment.

In the first two months of 2018, more than 1,500 cyber attacks were recorded in Vietnam, including 962 Deface attacks, 324 Malware attacks and 218 Phishing attacks. These included hundreds of attacks on websites of State agencies with the domain name ".gov.vn".

In 2017, the aggregate damage caused by computer viruses to Vietnamese users reached 12,300 billion VND (540 million USD), while this figure in 2016 was 10,400 billion.

By An Nhien

Other News

Vietnam targets at least 10 large strategic technology firms by 2030

Vietnam targets at least 10 large strategic technology firms by 2030

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has signed a decision approving a plan to develop large domestic strategic technology enterprises in the 2026–2030 period, aimed at advancing digital infrastructure, digital human resources, digital data, strategic technologies and cybersecurity.

Protecting users crucial in building digital trust: Experts

Protecting users crucial in building digital trust: Experts

In Vietnam, digital transformation in the finance and banking sector is accelerating cashless payments, expanding access to financial services, improving market transparency and supporting economic growth and macroeconomic management.

Fostering skilled workforce for innovation era: experts

Fostering skilled workforce for innovation era: experts

Experts said close coordination among State management agencies, research institutes, universities, and businesses will improve training quality and serve the dual goals of quality education and practical research application.

Startup forum bridges Silicon Valley and local innovation ecosystem

Startup forum bridges Silicon Valley and local innovation ecosystem

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), Saigon Asset Management (SAM), and Plug and Play Tech Centre co-hosted the “From Vietnam to Silicon Valley” forum, exploring AI innovation, venture capital, and pathways to integrate Vietnam’s startup ecosystem with Silicon Valley and global markets.

Experts call for stronger action against fake news online

Experts call for stronger action against fake news online

Experts have warned that fake news, misinformation and harmful online content are increasingly shaping public perceptions, particularly among young people, and stressed the need for stronger legal safeguards, technology tools and wider dissemination of credible information to tackle the problem effectively.

Protecting digital future in post-quantum, AI era

Protecting digital future in post-quantum, AI era

Participants highlighted the importance of building a proactive, synchronised and sustainable national cybersecurity ecosystem through closer cooperation among regulators, technology firms, research institutions and cybersecurity experts.

Vietnam attends SAHA 2026 defence, aerospace exhibition in Türkiye

Vietnam attends SAHA 2026 defence, aerospace exhibition in Türkiye

Vietnam’s participation in SAHA 2026 International Defence & Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul reflects the country’s consistent policy of enhancing international defence integration and promoting defence industry cooperation towards self-reliance, self-strengthening, modernisation and dual-use development.

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Innovation and SK Telecom signed MoUs with Nghe An province and the National Innovation Centre of Vietnam to advance AI ecosystem development and support the country’s long-term growth strategy.

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Under the Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship (VREF) for the 2026–2030 period, PhD students are identified as a core research force directly contributing to breakthroughs in sci-tech and innovation. Investing in top-tier doctoral candidates is more than workforce development, but a high-stakes strategic bet to forge a cohort of world-class scientists and technologists who can power Vietnam’s long-term economic ambitions.