How To Remove Polyglot Ransomware From Your Computer

Polyglot Ransomware Description

The Polyglot Ransomware is a new malware strain that appeared in late August. This particular type of ransomware captured the interest of the security researchers because it imitates the features of one of the most popular threats – CTB-Locker. The graphical user interface, the language switch and the sequence for requesting the encryption key are almost the same as CTB-Locker. The designers of the threat have copied very closely the style of the famous ransomware, and this is one of the reasons why its name is Polyglot.

Polyglot Ransomware – Distribution

The main route of infection for the Polyglot ransomware is through spam email messages. The message body contains a link to a malicious RAR file archive that includes the executable code of the threat.

Polyglot Ransomware – More Details

Upon infection, the ransomware copies itself under random names in a lot of system locations, adds itself to the autostart folder and to the Windows Task Scheduler. When the installation is complete, the encryption is started. The actual file names do not change. However the user is denied access to their contents. The user files are packed into ZIP archives and encrypted with the AES-256 cipher.

The desktop wallpaper is changed to display the ransom message. The interesting thing with this strain of ransomware is that the generated image is unique to each victim. Like other popular ransomware types, the Polyglot threat also offers the users to decrypt several files for free.

A time limit is displayed to blackmail the users into paying the ransom fee. The malicious code contacts the remote C&C servers, located on the TOR network, to retrieve the exact sum of the ransom and the bitcoin address to which it should be sent by the victim.

If the user does not pay the money, the software notifies the victim that it is no longer possible to restore access to the affected files.
According to the detailed analysis conducted by security researchers, Polyglot was created independently from CTB-Locker.

A team of researchers from Kaspersky have uncovered a mistake in the ransomware’s key generator that allowed them to create a decryptor. You can use it to recover the affected file from the malware.

It is called “Smash Rannoh & Co” and also works for other ransomware variants such as: Rannoh, AutoIt, Fury, Crybola, Cryakl, CryptXXX. You can get it from the specialist site developed by Kaspersky Labs.

Polyglot Ransomware Removal

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