This article has been created in order to help you by showing you how to remove the .ANNABELLE files virus from your computer and how to restore files encrypted by it completely.
The .ANNABELLE files virus is yet another horror movie – based ransomware infection which aims to encrypt the files on the computers of victims in order to demand a hefty ransom fee from it’s victims to pay in return for their files. The ransomware infection’s primary purpose is to also perform numerous other activities, which aim to disable a lot of tools on Windows to deny access by the user. The virus also displays it’s ransom screen as a lockscreen, which has a scary Annabelle message, that asks victims to pay the ransom, threatening them that their files will be deleted if they don’t pay the ransom. In the event that your computer has been infected by the .ANNABELLE ransomware virus, it is important that you follow the instructions down below.
Threat Summary
| Name | .ANNABELLE Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on the infected computers by it and ask a ransom payoff in BitCoins to decrypt the files of victims. |
| Symptoms | The files on the victim’s computer are encrypted with an added file suffix .ANNABELLE and the screen displays a horrific image of Annabelle,the horror movie which came out back in 2014. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .ANNABELLE Files Virus. |
| 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. |
.ANNABELLE Files Virus – How Does It Infect
The primary method of infection, which is used by the cyber-criminals who are behind this ransomware infection has been reported to be conducted via e-mail spam messages that are sent out to victims and may contain either a malicious e-mail attachment or a malicious web link embedded within them. These e-mails have various different types of deceitful messages accompannying them as well, the preten as if they come from well-recognized companies from the likes of PayPal, Amazon or other big companies, like the example malicious spammed e-mail below demonstrates:
In addition to malicious e-mail spam messages, other methods of infection may also include using malicious files that are masked as legitimate ones and uploaded on various different websites, such as:
- Fake program installers.
- Fake game patches or cracks.
- Fraudulent key generators.
- Fake software license activators.
.ANNABELLE Files Virus – Malicious Activity
The primary malicious activity of this ransomware infection is to drop it’s malicious file on your computer after it infects it. The files may be located in the following system folders in Windows and the main malicious file is an .exe file, which causes the initial infection. The folders in which the payload may be dropped are the following:
- %Windows%
- %System%
- %System32%
- %Temp%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
In addition to this ,the .ANNABELLE ransomware virus aims to perform various different types of modifications on the computer of the victim, such as delete the backups and the shadow volume copies in it. This is achievable by executing the following commands as an administrator on the victim PC:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet & bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no & bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
The primary and most noticable activity of the .ANNABELLE ransomware virus, besides encrypting the files on your computer is to display it’s ransom nore, which looks like the following:
Text from image:
“What happenned to my files?
All your files are encrypted and secured with a strong key. There is no way to get them
back without your personal key.How can I get my personal key?
Well, you need to pay for it. You need to visit one of the special site below & then you need to
enter your personal ID [you find it on the top] & buy it. Actually it costs exactly 0.1 Bitcoins.How can I get access to the site?
You easily need to download the Torbrowser, you can get it from this site:
What is going to happen if I’m not going to pay?
If you are not going to pay, then the countdown will easily ran out and then your system will be broken. If you are going to restart than the countdown will ran out much faster.”
In addition to this, the ransomware infection also uses the following image to further stress it’s victims:
.ANNABELLE Ransomware – Encryption Process
In order to encrypt the files on the victim’s computer, .ANNABELLE files virus may use different strategies that can make it perform the encryption only on your important files while avoiding Windows system files that may damage your PC. The malware attacks primarily files that are often used, like:
- Documents.
- Videos.
- Images.
- Music.
- Audio files.
- Archives.
After doing so, the .ANNABELLE ransomware virus may encrypt portions of the original files, enough to make them no longer able to be opened and in addition to this, add the .ANNABELLE file suffix to them, making them appear possibly like the image below shows:
To addition to this, the .ANNABELLE files virus also has a purpose to lock your screen, to scare you off into not resetting your computer. However, we recommend that you not panic and act quickly towards removing this ransomware from your PC and restoring files that have been encrypted by it.
Remove .ANNABELLE Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
The .ANNABELLE ransomware can be removed either manually or automatically, if you follow the removal instructions down below. They are created so that they can help you focus on removing the malware after isolating it in Safe Mode. If manual removal is not helpful for you, experts strongly recommend to follow the automatic removal instructions and download an advanced anti-malware software, which will make sure that this virus is removed fully and your PC stays protected against future infections as well.
In addition to this, if you want to restore files that have been encrypted by .ANNABELLE files virus, we would suggest that you check our suggestions for recovering data in step “2. Restore files encrypted by .ANNABELLE Files Virus”. They are specifically created to help you, although they are not guaranteed that you will be able to recover all of your encrypted files.
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 .ANNABELLE Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .ANNABELLE Files Virus 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 .ANNABELLE Files Virus 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 .ANNABELLE Files Virus 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 .ANNABELLE Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .ANNABELLE Files Virus.
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 .ANNABELLE Files Virus 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.
.ANNABELLE Files Virus-FAQ
What is .ANNABELLE Files Virus Ransomware?
.ANNABELLE Files Virus 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 .ANNABELLE Files Virus 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 .ANNABELLE Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..ANNABELLE Files Virus 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 .ANNABELLE Files Virus 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 ..ANNABELLE Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..ANNABELLE Files Virus 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 ..ANNABELLE Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..ANNABELLE Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..ANNABELLE Files Virus 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 .ANNABELLE Files Virus 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 .ANNABELLE Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..ANNABELLE Files Virus 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 .ANNABELLE Files Virus 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 .ANNABELLE Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .ANNABELLE Files Virus 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 .ANNABELLE Files Virus 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.