The Indian cyber-scam industry has a new member – [email protected] ransomware virus or OpenToDecrypt as it was dubbed by cybersecurity researchers. The virus locks your files with decryption. The locking scrambles the data within your computer which makes them inaccessible without a decrypter tool. Despite that [email protected] can be removed. Here’s all you need to know!
[email protected] Ransomware Virus – Technical Details
The usual method of distributing malware is via email spam. If you take a look at our ransomware archive you’ll see that virtually all viruses take that route. It’s crude, but effective method. The crooks send out emails that have malicious files attached. The letters are masked to look like regular inquiries sent from an automated software or a company employee. This is what tricks people into downloading the attachments.
Once [email protected] is in your system, it‘s going to make a few changes to the Windows registry so the virus can start along with the PC. This makes it impossible to simply restart your PC and disable the virus.
The virus targets the following types of files – pictures, games saves, archives, videos, audio files, and more. Here are all the extensions that [email protected] encrypts:
.3ds, .3fr, .4db, .7z, .7zip, .accdb, .accdt, .aes, .ai, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .apk, .arch00, .arj, .arw, .asset, .avi, .bar, .bay, .bc6, .big, .bik, .bkf, .bkp, .blob, .bpw, .bsa, .cas, .cdr, .cer, .cfr, .cr2, .crp, .crt, .css, .csv, .d3dbsp, .das, .dazip, .db0, .dba, .dbf, .dbx, .dcr, .der, .desc, .dng, .doc, .mlx, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpd, .mpp, .mpqge, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dwfx, .dwg, .rwl, .saj, .sav, .dwk, .dxf, .dxg, .eml, .gdb, .gho, .gpg, .gxk,.idx, .ifx, .indd, .iso, .itdb, .itl, .itm, .iwi, .jpe, .kdb, .kdbx, .kdc, .key, .litemod, .lrf, .mcmeta, .mdb, .mddata, .mdf, .mef, .menu, .mrwref, .myo, .nba,.ncf, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt, .p7c, .pak, .pdb, .pdd, .pdf, .pef, .pfx, .pgp, .png, .ppj, .pps, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .kf, .ksd, .layout, .lbf, .prproj, .psd, .psk, .pst, .psw, .ptx, .py, .qba, .qbb, .qbo, .qbw, .raw, .rb, .re4, .rgss3a, .rim, .rofl, .rtf, .rw2, .sb, .sdf, .sid, .sidn, .sie, .sis, .sko, .slm, .snx, .sql, .sr2, .srf, .srw, .sum, .svg, .sxc, .syncdb, .t13, .tar, .tax, .tbl, .tib, .tor, .txt, .upk, .vcf, .vdf, .vfs0, .vpk, .ff, .flv, .forge, .fos, .fpk, .fsh, .vpp_pc, .vtf, .w3x, .wmo, .wmv, .wotreplay, .wpd, .wps, .x3f, .xf, .xlk, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xml, .xxx, .zip, .ztmp, .bc7, .iwd, .crw, .sidd, .t12, .pkpass, .xlsx, .pem, .ppsx, .mdbackup, .dmp, .p7b, .raf, .epk, .eps, .erf, .esm, .wallet, .wb2, .wdb, .wma, .nrw, .qdf, .qfx, .qic, .qif, .rar, .nsf, .ntl, .nv2, .ltx, .lvl, .m2, .m3u, .m4a, .map, .max, .ofx, .orf, .p12, .hkdb, .hkx, .hplg, .hvpl, .ibank, .icxs.
The infected files have “[email protected]” added at the end of their names. This is the email of the crooks. The ransomware note of the virus states:
Your files are encrypted!
To decrypt write on email – [email protected]
Identification key – [your key]
The virus was reported by Amigo A at IDransomware.
[email protected] Ransomware Virus – How To Remove it and Prevent It From Coming Back
There are two ways of removal:
- With an anti-malware tool – this will also help prevention
- Manually – using the instructions below
You should also know that ransomware is only getting worse. There was a spike in Cerber ransomware just last week and its not going to get much better now that the holidays have passed.
[email protected] Ransomware Removal
For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete [email protected] completely with a few mouse clicks.
STEP I: Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently.
- 1) Hit WIN Key + R
- 2) A Run window will appear. In it, write “msconfig” and then press Enter
3) A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named “Boot”
4) Mark “Safe Boot” option and then go to “Network” under it to tick it too
5) Apply -> OK
Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking”
STEP II: Show Hidden Files
- 1) Open My Computer/This PC
2) Windows 7
- – Click on “Organize” button
– Select “Folder and search options”
– Select the “View” tab
– Go under “Hidden files and folders” and mark “Show hidden files and folders” option
3) Windows 8/ 10
- – Open “View” tab
– Mark “Hidden items” option
4) Click “Apply” and then “OK” button
STEP III: Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
- 1) Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2) Get over to “Processes”
3) When you find suspicious process right click on it and select “Open File Location”
4) Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose “End Process”
5) Next you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
STEP IV: Remove Completely [email protected] Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
STEP V: Repair Windows Registry
- 1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) and hit Enter
3) Type the CTRL+F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4) In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Further help for Windows Registry repair
STEP VI: Recover Encrypted Files
- 1) Use present backups
2) Restore your personal files using File History
- – Hit WIN Key
– Type “restore your files” in the search box
– Select “Restore your files with File History”
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
- – Hit the “Restore” button
3) Using System Restore Point
- – Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
STEP VII: Preventive Security Measures
- 1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
3) Secure your web browser.
4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
5) Disable macros in Office documents.
6) Use strong passwords.
7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
8) Backup regularly your data.
