This article explains the issues that occur in case of infection with .vendetta files virus and provides a complete guide on how to remove malicious files and how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
The .vendetta files virus is malicious infection of ransomware type. It invades computer systems in order to plague essential sections and encode valuable files stored on them. Since the encryption process is carried out via sophisticated cipher algorithm, corrupted files remain inaccessible until an efficient solution reverts back their code. At this point, available decryption approaches are the help of the decryption key possessed by hackers which in turn could be broken or alternative data recovery methods like specialized tools and free decrypters for other ransomware.
Threat Summary
| Name | .vendetta Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware programmed to apply significant changes to target files and leave them broken. All malicious changes it does enable it to extort a ransom payment from its victims. |
| Symptoms | Important files are transformed with the help of sophisticated cipher algorithm and renamed with the .vendetta extension. A ransom message appears on screen to extort ransom payment in Bitcoin for a decryption tool possesed by hackers. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .vendetta 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. |
.vendetta Files Virus – Distribution
It all begins with the execution of a single malicious file. This file is called payload. It contains predefined commands that enable the ransomware to fulfill all subsequent infection stages. How this payload is usually distributed is via spam email campaigns, corrupted web pages, compromised third-party installers, fake software update notifications and other shady techniques.
The one most preferred by hackers remains the malspam. It enables them to spread their malicious code by posing as legitimate and commonly used services. Emails that are part of ransomware distribution campaigns usually have spoofed email address and sender names. They could either contain infected file attachments or links to corrupted web pages. Both malicious elements provide for the execution of ransomware payload on target systems. So in case that you got tricked into opening the file on your device or loading the web page in your browser, you unnoticeably activated .vendetta files virus infection.
Variants of [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/skype-virus-remove/”]Skype viruses may be also part of the distribution scheme of this ransomware. By exploiting some security flaws of the software hackers could deliver their malicious code directly through this channel.
.vendetta Files Virus – Overview
The so-called .vendetta files virus is data locker ransomware that once executed on a computer system initiates a sequence of malicious activities that corrupt essential settings and valuable data. It is named after the extension it appends to each encrypted file.
Soon after the payload of this ransomware is started on the system, it becomes heavily damaged and extremely vulnerable to additional malware attacks. In order to complete all needed changes, the ransomware could be designed to connect its command and control server or a web address and download additional malicious files from there. Unfortunately, once it establishes a connection between your device and hackers’ controlled host, it enables them to deliver and run additional malware on the system. As a result, hackers may not only be able to corrupt valuable data but obtain financial and login credentials as well.
To remain undetected by any active security measures, .vendetta crypto virus may initially hijack legitimate Windows processes and use their functionalities for its malicious purposes. One of the affected system components is likely to be the Registry Editor. Ransomware like .vendetta is usually designed to access this hierarchical database as it could perform various activities associated with the details it contains.
By adding its malicious values there, the ransomware may ensure its persistent presence on the system and complete its final attack stage – ransom note display. The note could be found in a file How to decrypt files.txt. It is created on all infected systems as its purpose is to inform victims about the presence of .vendetta ransomware and blackmail them into paying hackers a ransom for file decryption.
Here is what it reads:
All your filed have been encrypted!
All your filed have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the email DecryptFox@protonmail.com
Write this ID in the title of your message [redacted 32 lowercase hex]—[redacted different 32 lowercase hex] You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. the total size of files must be less than 10Mb (non archived), and the files should not contain valuable information. (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
The text does not state what amount of Bitcoin is demanded but guesses are that it varies from 0.1 to 1.0 BTC. Beware, that if you pay the ransom you can only get tricked for second time. There is no guarantee that hackers have working solution for your .vendetta files. What’s more there is chance that they will not contact you even when the ransom is paid.
.vendetta Files Virus – Encryption Process
Once .vendetta files virus plagues the system, it can continue with the data encryption stage. For it, the ransomware performs a scan of all computer drives as it needs to locate target files. Each file that is part of its target data list is transformed by the treat.
During data encryption process, .vendetta ransomware is believed to use strong cipher algorithm. This cipher modifies parts of the original code of target files making their new versions completely unusable.
Unfortunately, it is likely that the threat corrupts all files that store valuable information. So you may find that all of the following files are no longer accessible:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
After a file is encrypted, it could be recognized by the file extension .vendetta that is appended to the original file name.
Remove .vendetta Files Virus and Restore Data
Below you could find how a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove .vendetta files virus. The manual removal approach demands practice in recognizing traits of malware files. Beware that ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So infected system should be cleaned and secured properly before it could be used regularly again.
The automatic approach enables you to check your infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks. An active reliable anti-malware program is also one of the best ways to keep your PC protected from ransomware and other kinds of malware in future. Additional security layer you could add to prevent ransomware attacks is [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/the-most-popular-free-anti-ransomware-tools/”]anti-ransomware tool.
If you want to understand how to fix .vendetta files without paying the ransom please make sure to read carefully all the details mentioned in the step “Restore files” that is part of the guide that follows. Beware that before data recovery process you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive in order to prevent their irreversible loss.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for .vendetta Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .vendetta 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 .vendetta 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 .vendetta 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 .vendetta Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .vendetta 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 .vendetta 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.
.vendetta Files Virus-FAQ
What is .vendetta Files Virus Ransomware?
.vendetta 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 .vendetta 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 .vendetta Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..vendetta 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 .vendetta 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 ..vendetta Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..vendetta 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 ..vendetta Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..vendetta Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..vendetta 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 .vendetta 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 .vendetta Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..vendetta 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 .vendetta 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 .vendetta Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .vendetta 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 .vendetta 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.
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