New Philadelphia Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

Malware researchers have uncovered a New Philadelphia ransomware strain which features a new loader code. To learn more about the threat and remove existing infections read our removal gude.


Name
New Philadelphia

File Extensions
.locked

Ransom
Varies, the identified samples indicate 0.7 Bitcoins

Solution #1
You can skip all steps and remove New Philadelphia with the help of an anti-malware tool.

Solution #2
New Philadelphia ransomware can be removed manually, though it can be very hard for most home users. See the detailed tutorial below.

Distribution
Spam Email Campaigns, malicious ads & etc.

New Philadelphia Ransomware Description

Computer security researchers have uncovered a New Philadelphia ransomware strain which is being used in live attack campaigns against various targets. The new version of the virus features code changes in the loader module and other significant parts of the ransomware.

Upon infection it follows the typical behavior pattern by encrypting target user file types and renames the affected files with the .locked extension. The crafted ransomware note reads the following message:

All your files have been encrypted!

All your documents (databases, texts, images, videos, music etc.) were encrypted. The
encryption was done using a secret key that is now on our servers.

To decrypt your files you will need to buy the secret key from us. We are the only on the world
who can provide this for you.

What can I do?

Pay the ransom, in bitcoins, in the amount and wallet below. You can use LocalBitcoins.com to
buy bitcoins.

The malware researchers have also been able to extract the configuration variables of the virus. The code allows the hackers to modify and implement a large variety of features including the following capabilities:

  • User Access Control Window Popup Notification Mode
  • Setting up of custom payment gateways
  • Ransomware message customization
  • Deadline string
  • Russian Roulette string
  • Last file deleted string
  • Bitcoin Amount string
  • Wallet for Sending Bitcoins
  • Copy string
  • Decrypt your Files string
  • “Paste here the transaction ID to get your files back” string
  • “Click to Check” string
  • Speech function
  • Removable storage devices check
  • Network shares check
  • Custom folders whitelist
  • Custom folders blacklist
  • Affected file type extensions by the encryption module

By default the virus targets the following file extensions:

*.7z;*.avi;*.bmp;*.cdr;*.doc;*.docx;*.gif;*.html;*.jpeg;*.jpg;*.mov;*.mp3;
*.mp4;*.pdf;*.ppt;*.pptx;*.rar;*.rtf;*.tiff;*.txt;*.wallet;*.wma;*.wmv;*.xls;*.xlsx;*.zip

New Philadelphia Ransomware Distribution

The New Philadelphia Ransomware is being distributed as a malicious binary file through spam email messages, browser hijackers, exploit kits and etc.

New Philadelphia Ransomware Removal

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

Windows-key-plus-R-button-launch-Run-Box-in-Windows-illustrated

    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

    show-hidden-files-win8-10

    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 New Philadelphia Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Manual removal of New Philadelphia requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removal of any important data can lead to permanent system damage. Prevent this troublesome effect – delete New Philadelphia ransomware with SpyHunter malware removal 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

    restore-your-personal-files-using-File-History-bestecuritysearch

      – Hit the “Restore” button

    3) Using System Restore Point

      – Hit WIN Key
      – Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

restore-files-using-system-restore-point

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

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Author : Martin Beltov

Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.


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