Updated: How To Remove The Apocalypse Ransomware

The Apocalypse ransomware is an important malware strain, because it it used by many other ransomware to create further threats, learn how to remove it from this guide.

Apocalypse Ransomware Description

The Apocalypse ransomware is an important strain of ransomware as its code base has been used to create other strains such as Fabianransomware and ApocalypseVM. Apocalypse Ransomare encrypts target user files and adds the “.encrypted” extension to the victim files. The malware also creates an individual copy of the ransom note for each file that is named with the following scheme: [Filename].encrypted.How_to_Decrypt.txt.

A newer version of the malware appends the *filename*.ID-*8characters+countrycode[[email protected]].access_denied suffix to the compromised files and crafts a ransomware note in a file named Decryption Instructions.txt.

Apocalypse ransomware encrypts all files except those located in the Windows folder and the ones that have the following extensions:

.dat, .bat, .bin, .encrypted, .ini, .tmp, .lnk, .com, .msi, .sys, .dll, .exe.

The ransomware also deletes the Volume Shadow Copies on the victim machines to prevent file recovery. Apocalypse also installs a rogue binary named windowsupdate.exe which is assigned to the Startup folder. This is the application which displays the lock screen containing the following ransom instructions:

IF YOU ARE READING THIS MESSAGE, ALL THE FILES IN THIS COMPUTER HAVE BEEN CRYPTED!!
documents , pictures, videos, audio, backups, etc
IF YOU WANT TO RECOVER YOUR DATA, CONTACT THE EMAIL BELOW.
EMAIL: 
WE WILL PROVIDE DECRYPTION SOFTWARE TO RECOVER YOUR FILES
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IF YOU DONT CONTACT BEFORE 72 HOURS, ALL DATA WILL BE LOST FOREVER

This lock screen is started every time the computer boots. Another ransom note is the following:

Attention!
All your data was Encrypted!
If you wanna get it back contact via email:
[email protected]
Your Personal ID: XXXXXXXX
WARNING: If you don’t contact next 72 hours, then all DATA will be damaged unrecoverably!!!

Depending on the Apocalypse ransomware variant there are different contact email addresses provided. There are various ransom fees that are blackmailed from the victims.

Apocalypse Ransomware Distribution

The ransomware is distributed via different tactics – spam email campaigns, exploit kits and malicious ads. Depending on the hacker attack campaign it may be delivered in this configuration or in a modified version.

Apocalypse Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete Apocalypse 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 Apocalypse 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.

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

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