Strangely enough, a ransomware virus variant that has Anubis for it’s theme has appeared, leaving encoded files in .coded file extension after it encrypts them. The virus then changes the wallpaper of the affected computer with a distinctive one showing the Egyptian god and alongside a ransom note explaining the situation to affected users. The virus also drops a “decryption_instructions.txt” file which aims to induce fear into users and get them to pay the ransom and contact the cyber-crooks for decryption instructions on their e-mail “support.code@aol.com”. Malware researchers who are reverse engineering the Anubis virus are advising users not to make any payoff the cyber-criminals behind this e-mail address and to remove the virus. If you seek alternative methods to restore your files and removal instructions for Anubis ransomware, you should read this article thoroughly instead of having to pay to crooks who may or may not restore your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Anubis |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with an encryption algorithm rendering them no longer oopenable until a ransom is paid to the cyber-criminals who are the only ones with the decryption keys. The Anubis virus is believed to be a part of the EDA2 ransomware family. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a decryption_instructions.txt file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
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| Data Recovery Tool | Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Technician’s License Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Anubis Ransomware – How Does It Spread
Users can get infected with this variant of Anubis ransomware in multiple scenarios. The virus may spread via malicious web links posted all over the web in widely visited websites, such as social media sites as well as websites that have comments and user content, like Reddit, Facebook, Twitter, and others. The weblinks themselves may not be malicious, and this is what gets them posted online without being detected. They may, however, perform a browser redirect and transfer to the actual malicious URL that causes a drive-by-download or a file-less JavaScript type of infection.
The most likely scenario of getting infected with ransomware like the Anubis virus is via e-mail. The crypto-virus may be spammed via spamming software that sends multiple e-mails to a pre-configured list of targets. Such e-mails may contain various subjects that are convincing, like:
- Invoice.
- Payment confirmation.
- PayPal transfers.
- Letter from your bank.
Such subjects may convince users to open e-mail attachments that seem legitimate but contain the Anubis ransomware. Given that most users nowadays are inexperienced, it is already a proven method to cause malware infections, and this is why cyber-criminals prefer it.
Anubis Ransomware – Further Information
When initially activated, the malicious file may be the ransomware itself, especially if it is a .JS type of file. However, the virus may also be downloaded by third party malware that causes the infection. The payload of Anubis ransomware may be located under different names in one of the following key Windows folders:
After the payload has already been dropped, Anubis ransomware may cause the computer to slow down and even freeze while it performs it’s encryption process. Initially, the virus may either modify the registry entries in the keys “Run” and “RunOnce” of the infected computer or drop files in the %Startup% folder to make the file encryptor run every time Windows starts. It may also delete the shadow copies and file history to ensure that no files are restored. This is usually achieved by executing the following command in incognito mode:
After it’s preparation stage is complete, Anubis ransomware may target multiple types of files for encryption:
After having encrypted the targeted files, Anubis ransomware changes their core structure, and they can no longer be opened. The .coded file extension is added to the files, and they may appear like the following example:
After having enciphered your files, the ransomware virus Anubis drops a ransom note on the affected computer, named decryption_instructions.txt. It has the following distinctive message:
→”IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
————————–
Your Computer ID: {uniqueID} <---- Remember it and send to my email.
--------------------------
All your files are encrypted strongly.!
-How to open my file?
-You need Original KEY and Decrypt Program
-Where can I get?
-Email to me: support.code@aol.com or support.code@india.com
(Open file Decryption Instructions on your Desktop and send your SID)"
But the notification and persistence of Anubis does not end there. The virus also changes the background of the infected computer with Anubis’s image and the following message:
Source: demonslay335 (Twitter)
Malware researchers believe that this virus is part of the open-source HiddenTear (EDA2) ransomware project and might be decyptable.
Anubis Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal, and File Restoration
As a bottom line everyone who has had they PC’s infected with this variant of ransomware, should not pay any form of ransom. This is because ransomware researchers are often looking for a method to decrypt viruses like Anubis and they may release free decryptor soon. Until then, probably your best bet is to remove Anubis ransomware from your computer by following the instructions below and restore your files by seeing the alternative methods in step “2. Restore files encrypted by Anubis”. The best method to remove the ransomware, especially if you are having difficulties following the manual instructions and you are with no experience in detecting the malicious files is to use an advanced anti-malware program which will take care of Anubis ransomware automatically and swiftly. After having removed this virus, make sure that you backup your encrypted files before trying the file restoration methods because they may be risky in some circumstances.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Anubis with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Anubis and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Anubis on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Anubis there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Anubis
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Anubis.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Anubis aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Anubis-FAQ
What is Anubis Ransomware?
Anubis is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Anubis Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Anubis Infect?
Via several ways.Anubis Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Anubis is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Anubis files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Anubis files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Anubis files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Anubis" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Anubis files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Anubis Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Anubis ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Anubis files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Anubis Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Anubis Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Anubis how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Anubis ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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