The article will help you remove Unidentified ransomware fully. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end.
Unidentified ransomware is how a virus with a lock-screen function is named. Its name is featured both on an image associated with it and on its ransom note. 1000 US dollars are demanded as ransom and to be paid in Bitcoin. If the condition is not met, the virus threatens to delete the files after a bit more than six days. When a computer system gets infected, the Unidentified virus will make itself known by displaying a window with its ransom note message.
Threat Summary
| Name | Unidentified |
| Type | Ransomware, Virus |
| Short Description | The ransomware virus could encrypt files and has the function to lock your computer screen. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will display a window containing instructions about payment and might encrypt files, too. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Unidentified. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix 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. |
Unidentified Ransomware – Distribution
The “Unidentified” ransomware could distribute itself by using different methods. The payload file that initiates the malicious script for the ransomware that in turn infects your computer machine, is circling the Internet and a malware sample has been found by researchers. You can see the VirusTotal detections of that sample by checking the screenshot of the service here:
Unidentified ransomware could also distribute its payload file along social media websites and file-sharing networks. Freeware applications which are found on the Web could be presented as useful but at the same time could be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Refrain from opening files right when you have downloaded them, especially if they come from an unknown source. Scan them beforehand with a security tool, while also checking sizes and signatures of all files for anything that seems suspicious. You should read the ransomware prevent tips in the forum.
Unidentified Ransomware – Analysis
“Unidentified” is the name of a virus that has been recently discovered by malware researchers. Currently, it is in-development, but at a later point there could be variants which are worse than this one. It has been dubbed “Unidentified” by its ransomware developers, which also becomes evident from its ransom note.
Unidentified ransomware might make entries in the Windows Registry aiming to achieve a higher level of persistence. Those registry entries are typically designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System.
The ransom note that appears has the function to lock your computer screen. The note provides information about the ransomware and the demands for payment of the cybercriminals. The note of Unidentified opens in a window, which also activates the already mentioned lock-screen feature. You can see the ransom message from the screenshot provided down below:
That ransom message states the following:
Warning!
Hi! I am Subham Dasgupta leader of Unidentified!
Your computer is locked and to get the decryption key
you must transfer $1000 bitcoins to our account!
Yours Sincerely,
Team Unidentified
ALL FILES WILL BE DELETED AFTER
149:59
PASSWORD
UN I DENT I FIED
As you can see from the ransom message above, the name Unidentified is dubbed to the ransomware. The amount of 1000 US dollars is demanded as ransom, but to be paid in the Bitcoin currency. If the demand is not met, you are threatened to have your files deleted by the virus. However, you should NOT under any circumstances pay the cybercriminals behind it. Nobody could guarantee that your computer and data will get recovered to normal. Besides, there is already an unlock password discovered for this version of the virus (hopefully there won’t be any other ones).
The following picture is associated with the Unidentified Ransomware threat:
The text from that picture is the following:
UNIDENTIFIED
WE COULD SEE YOU!
The Unidentified virus doesn’t encrypt files for the moment, but that could change in the future.
To remove the lock on your screen and get the ransom message window down, all you have to do is type the following Password code:
In case the Unidentified ransomware is set to encrypt files in the future, it could be also set to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
In the case that the above mentioned password didn’t work, or you have your files locked and want to make sure the ransomware is removed from your PC, your should refer to the instructions given below.
Remove Unidentified Ransomware and Restore Your Data
If your computer got infected with the Unidentified ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Unidentified with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Unidentified 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 Unidentified 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 Unidentified 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 Unidentified
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Unidentified.
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 Unidentified 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.
Unidentified-FAQ
What is Unidentified Ransomware?
Unidentified 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 Unidentified 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 Unidentified Infect?
Via several ways.Unidentified 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 Unidentified 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 .Unidentified files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Unidentified 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 .Unidentified files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Unidentified" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Unidentified 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 Unidentified 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 Unidentified ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Unidentified 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 Unidentified 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 Unidentified Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Unidentified 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 Unidentified 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.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.