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A cybercriminal group using Fog ransomware has demanded $1 trillion in Dogecoin (DOGE) from victims, mocking Elon Musk in their ransom notes. The attack incorporates satirical references and a unique request for victims to describe their work schedule, mirroring Musk's email format. In a bizarre twist, a cybercriminal group behind the Fog ransomware has made headlines with a series of ransom notes that mockingly demand US$1 trillion in Dogecoin (DOGE).
The attackers, using a variant of the Fog malware, have incorporated satirical references to Elon Musk and the fictional "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), adding a layer of absurdity to their extortion attempts. Notably, the ransom notes request that victims submit a five-point description of their work schedule, eerily mirroring an email format previously used by Elon Musk. Despite the unorthodox tone, experts confirm that the attacks are real, leaving victims and cybersecurity professionals alike baffled.
Ransomware Attacks Employ New Techniques According to cybersecurity experts from Trend Micro, the attackers have adapted their approach. Unlike previous Fog ransomware campaigns that targeted VPN credentials, this latest wave relies on phishing emails containing a zip archive titled “Pay Adjustment.zip.
” The archive triggers a PowerShell script, which downloads the ransomware and related malicious tools if opened. The script, which includes politically charged content, can open YouTube videos and collect detailed system information. The attackers also employed a mocking tone in their ransom demands.
Sometimes, they offer victims free decryption if they forward the malware to someone else. The victims must pay their ransom in Monero, a cryptocurrency that offers enhanced privacy protection. Trend Micro reported that the ransomware gang would disclose confidential data unless victims paid the demanded ransom.
Victims have gained traction with this latest campaign as it targets technology, manufacturing, and education. Growing Threat of Ransomware and Impact on Critical Infrastructure The FBI's April 23, 2025, report underscores the growing threat of ransomware to critical infrastructure. The FBI reports that Fog ranks among the top ransomware variants police forces encountered in 2024.
According to FBI crime data, ransomware-related cyberattacks in the United States increased, contributing to US$16.6 billion in losses last year. Trend Micro's findings show that 173 ransomware incidents tied to Fog have been recorded since June 2024.
In February 2025 alone, 53 new victims fell prey to this attack. Experts warn against quietly paying ransoms. Dr.
Ilia Kolochenko, a cybersecurity expert , stressed the importance of obtaining legal and technical advice before making such decisions. Trend Micro advises organizations to protect themselves by implementing secure backup practices, performing regular updates, providing employee training on phishing, and utilizing network partitioning. Additionally, they have offered indicators of compromise to help organizations detect and respond to Fog ransomware attacks.
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