The Esmeralda ransomware is a new malware threat that is still under active investigation by various security engineers. According to the preliminary analysis this is a variant of the Alocalypse ransomware. To learn more about the threat read our article below.
| Name | Esmeralda |
| File Extensions | .encrypted |
| Ransom | Varies |
| Solution #1 | Esmeralda Ransomware can be removed easily with the help of an anti-malware tool, a program that will clean your computer from the virus, remove any additional cyber-security threats, and protect you in the future. |
| Solution #2 | Esmeralda Ransomware can be removed manually, though it can be very hard for most home users. See the guide below. |
| Distribution | Phishing links, click bait ads, email spam, and others. |
Esmeralda Ransomware Description
The Esmeralda ransomware threat is a newly reported malware that is still under active investigation. Security analysts presume that this is a new variant of the Apocalypse ransomware (more about it here) and it is operated from Russia or a Russian-speaking country.
Typical ransomware behavior is employed when the infection is complete – the virus compromises target user data and appends the .Encrypted extension to them. At this moment the complete list of targeted file name extensions is not yet available.
Here are the contents of the ransomware message:
Windows has encountered a critical problem and needs your immediate action to recover your data. The system access is locked and all the data have been encrypted to avoid the information be published or misused. You will not be able to access to your files and ignoring this message may cause the total loss of the data. We are sorry for the inconvenenience.
You need to cotact the email below to restore the data of your system.
Email: [email protected]
You will have to order the Unlock-Password and the Esmeralda Decryption Software. All the instructions will be sen to you by email.
From the contents of the ransomware we see that there are some obvious ransomware features that the criminal operators have included. First, they try to social engineer the user by claiming that the file encryption has been done by the Windows operating system. Second, they provide an email contact hosted on a free and popular Russian mail hosting provider (Mail.Ru). And finally, the Unlock-Password and the Esmeralda Decryption Software bundle is clearly not a Microsoft Windows program.
Esmeralda Ransomware Distribution
The Esmeralda ransomware can be distributed via various means – email spam campaigns, malicious ads, browser hijacker redirects and software bundles downloaded from untrusted sources. We highly recommend that you follow good security practices to stay protected from this and other threats.
Esmeralda Ransomware Removal
For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete Esmeralda 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 Esmeralda 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
