This article will aid you to remove Evolution Virus. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
Evolution Virus is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will be marked with the “.evolution extension. The Evolution Virus will leave ransomware instructions as a desktop wallpaper image. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
| Name | Evolution virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .evolution extension to mark the affected files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Evolution 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. |
Evolution Virus – Distribution Techniques
The Evolution virus has been found to be distributed using the most common ransomware delivery methods. The captured samples so far are relatively low and only a limited number of infections have been reported.
A popular method is the coordination of SPAM email messages that make use of various phishing tactics. This manipulates the users into thinking that the messages originate from a legitimate company or service. The body contents may include links or scripts that can lead to the Evolution virus download. In other cases the threat may directly be attached to the messages.
A similar technique is the creation of web sites that use the same phishing elements, disguising themselves as download portals, vendor landing pages and etc. They will direct the visitors to the ransomware files.
The Evolution virus may also be spread using infected payloads of which there are two main types:
- Infected Setup Files — The criminals can embed the virus infection code into the setup files of popular software that is downloaded by the users. This is done by taking the original installers from their official sources and modifying them. The resulting files will be directed towards the potential victims.
- Infected Documents — The criminals can devise malicious documents of all popular types: presentations, spreadsheets, rich text documents and databases. When they are opened by the users a notification prompt will appear asking for the built-in code to be launched. If this is done the Evolution virus will be delivered.
These payload carriers can also be distributed on file-sharing networks like BitTorrent. They are frequently used to distribute both legitimate and pirate content which makes them ideal for such use.
The other tactic that is used with ransomware distribution relies on the inclusion of the virus installation script in browser hijackers. They are hacker-made plugins for the most popular web browsers which are uploaded primarily on their respective repositories. The criminals will use fake user profiles to post reviews and even fake developer credentials. When installed they will manipulate the web settings of the applications in order to redirect the users to hacker-controlled pages. This in-turn will lead to the Evolution virus infection.
Evolution Virus – Detailed Analysis
The Evolution virus appears to contain code similarities from the Everbe ransomware, as well as the Rapid malware family. The collected samples appear to contain only the encryption module which means that the ransomware code will be launched as soon as the infection happens.
Future versions of the Evolution virus might contain other modules that are run as soon as the ransomware is launched.
Most of the typical infections will start a security bypass procedure as soon as they are deployed on the target machines. A sequence of commands will be run which will look for any installed security software or services that can interrupt the virus infection. Their real-time engines will be disabled or entirely removed. Advanced configurations can also instruct the virus to delete itself in the case where the bypass cannot be made. This is done in order to void detection by the device owners.
During the execution of the bypass function information gathering will take place. The collected data can be categorized into two main types:
- Personal Information — The engine can hijack information that can directly expose the identity of the victims: their name, address, phone number and any stored account credentials. The virus can lookup the data stored in the memory, hard disk contents and the Windows Registry.
- Device Metrics — The other type of collected information is attributed to the victim ID which is associated with every successful infection. It is generated via an algorithm that uses values taken from information such as the installed hardware components, operating system environment values and user settings.
When these two steps have finished running the Evolution virus will have control of the system. This is demonstrated in its ability to hook up to running processes, including service ones, as well as creating many of its. Obtaining administrative privileges allows the ransomware to modify the Windows Registry. This can lead to modification of values used by the operating system or third-party applications. Consequences of this can be feature limitations, the inability to run certain programs or overall system stability issues. The infected computers may slow-down substantially, this is a sure warning sign that a virus infection may be present.
Changes of the system settings may also lead to a persistent installation which makes it very difficult to remove active infections with manual instructions. This is done by modifying the boot options, system settings and other important parts of the operating system. The Evolution ransomware engine will thus be automatically started when the computer is booted.
Allowing the engine to delete System Data presents a very dangerous scenario. The Evolution virus will look for System Restore Points, Backups and Shadow Volume Copies which will be deleted instantly. Successful recovery must be done using a combination of a recovery and an anti-spyware solution, refer to our instructions for details.
A popular side infection would be the installation of a Trojan instance. It will set up a connection with a hacker-controlled server using this local client. This allows the malicious operators to spy on the users, steal their files and take over control of the machines at any given time.
The other malware that may be deployed is the miner, short for cryptocurrency miner. This is a popular type of infections that take advantage of the system resources in order to carry out complex mathematical tasks. They are downloaded from and reported to servers which keeps track of the workload. When they are active on the victim systems the overall stability will be affected as the tasks will utilize all important processing hardware: CPU, GPU, memory and hard disk space. When a given task is completed digital currency (usually Bitcoin or Monero) will be wired directly to their wallets.
Hackers can also push browser hijacker samples to the infected machines. This would be a malicious plugin, made compatible with the most popular web browsers, that can often found on the relevant extension repositories. The uploaded samples will typically feature fake user reviews and developer credentials in order to coerce the users into thinking that they are downloading a legitimate tool.
As the Rapid and Everbe code bases are modular in nature we expect that the future versions of the Evolution virus will contain other components as well.
Evolution Virus – Encryption Process
When all prior components have finished running the actual ransomware module will be started. Based on the traditonal behavior patterns the Evolution virus will also use a built-in list of target file type extensions. A typical one will target the following user data:
- Databases
- Archives
- Backups
- Images
- Music
- Videos
All of the processed files will receive the .evolution extension as part of their file name. They will become impossible to open and access. The accompanying ransomware note is created in a file called !#_Read_me_for_revocery_#!.txt which reads the following message:
Hello ! All your data have been encrypted !
Don’t worry , we can help you to return all your data.
Write to our email – evolution@rape.lol
In the subject write – id-s10b60c8 .
If within 24 hours we didn’t answer you , write to our backup email – backupevolution@tuta.io .
Remove Evolution Virus and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the Evolution 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.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for Evolution virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Evolution 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 Evolution 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 Evolution 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 Evolution virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Evolution 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 Evolution 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.
Evolution virus-FAQ
What is Evolution virus Ransomware?
Evolution 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 Evolution 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 Evolution virus Infect?
Via several ways.Evolution 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 Evolution 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 .Evolution virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Evolution 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 .Evolution virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Evolution virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Evolution 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 Evolution 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 Evolution virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Evolution 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 Evolution 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 Evolution virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Evolution 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 Evolution 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.