In a new twist on a growing scam, a newly discovered form of ransomware offers users a chance to unencrypt the data on their computer if they infect two other friends who subsequently pay the ransom.

Called Popcorn Time (not related to the video streaming service of the same name), the malware was first found by the Malware Hunter Team on the dark web. It uses a referral link that is given to victims to get their friends to sign up.

If that’s not bad enough, the malware is said to delete data on an infected machine if the wrong decryption key is used four times. But since the ransomware is still in development, it’s unknown whether this is just a scare tactic or whether the code for deleting files will eventually be added.

The malware itself is able to infect more than 500 file types and is configured to use AES-256 encryption to lock files with the .filock extension. According to BleepingComputer.com, victims are given a week to pay the ransom or find new victims with a ransom note giving two options, the “fast and easy way” or “the nasty way”:

“We are sorry to say that your computer and your files have been encrypted, but wait, don’t worry. There is a way you can restore your computer and all of your files… Send the link below to other people, if two or more people will install the file and pay, we will decrypt your files for free.”

The malware goes on to claim that it has been written by “a group of computer science students from Syria” and that proceeds will go to food, medicine and shelter for Syrians suffering from the civil war in that country.

Believed to be the first time ransomware has been developed with a referral scheme as a way to unlock an infected machine, the appearance of Popcorn Time marks an insidious development in what is already a dark part of the Internet.

Aside the moral aspects of getting your friends to sign up to ransomware, it’s also an illegal act as well. But with a demand for 1 bitcoin ($772) as payment, no doubt some will feel forced to comply – perhaps even trying to get people they dislike to sign up.

Image credit: Pixabay/Public Domain Cc0