VECT 2.0 Ransomware Irreversibly Destroys Files Over 131KB on Windows, Linux, ESXi

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VECT 2.0 Ransomware Irreversibly Destroys Files Over 131KB on Windows, Linux, ESXi

Thehackernews •[email protected] (The Hacker News) • April 28, 2026

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This article is one source in a clustered incident — the cluster page carries the summary, timeline and every other outlet covering it.

Vect 2.0 Ransomware Functions as Data Wiper, Not Encryptor The Vect 2.0 ransomware, emerging from a partnership with the TeamPCP group, has been found to irreversibly destroy files larger than 128 KB instead of encrypting them for ransom. This critical flaw, identified by Check Point Research, affects all three variants targeting Windows, Linux, and VMware ESXi systems. The ransomware discards essential decryption information during its operation, rendering recovery impossible even if victims pay the ransom. Vect was first noted in December 2025 and gained notoriety for its aggressive marketing and affiliate program on BreachForums. As of April 2026, the ransomware has reportedly impacted multiple organizations, particularly those involved in supply chain operations. Analysts warn that paying the ransom is futile, as the necessary decryption keys are lost during the attack. The situation is exacerbated by the ransomware's amateur coding, which includes multiple additional flaws and non-functional features. Organizations are advised to focus on resilience and recovery strategies rather than negotiating with attackers. 15 sources 70

Extracted Entities

Attack Types (1)

MITRE ATT&CK (1)

T1485 - Data Destruction

Platforms (3)

ESXi Linux Windows

Ransomware Groups (1)