This article will aid you to remove Project57 Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
Project57 Ransomware is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. The Project57 Ransomware will leave ransomware instructions as text file. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
| Name | Project 57 Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with the .костя баранин extension 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 Project 57 Ransomware. |
| 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. |
Project57 Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
The Project 57 ransomware is a typical malware threat which was identified in an ongoing attack campaign. The captured samples were sufficient in number to conduct an analysis of the way the ransomware operates. We anticipate that several methods are to be used at once in order to maximize the number of impacted computers.
One of the most popular methods is the coordination of email SPAM campaigns which are being sent to the recipients with various social engineering elements built-in. This is done in order to coerce them into thinking that they have received a legitimate message from a well-known company or service that they might be using. In the body contents the users will be shown interactive and multimedia links call to actions, if any of them are clicked the victims will download the virus files. In other cases the malware can be directly attached to the messages.
Another technique that is often used by malicious users is the creation of payload carriers, these are files that contain the Project57 ransomware virus installation code. It is launched as soon as the required user interaction has been made. There are two primary types which are the following:
- Infected Documents — The hackers embed macro scripts in all of the popular document types in order to maximize the number of infected users. Possible carriers include all forms of text files, databases, spreadsheets and databases. In the most common case whenever one of them is opened a notification prompt will be launched asking the users to enable the built-in interactive content. This will lead to the virus infection.
- Setup Files — The malicious actors can also choose to embed the Project 57 ransomware code in application installers of popular software. In most cases applications that are often used by end users are most likely to carry out virus infections. The criminals will take the real setup files and modify them to include the necessary code.
Ransomware can be spread across file-sharing networks such as BitTorrent which are often used to distribute both legitimate and pirate content.
When larger Project 57 ransomware infections are planned the criminals may make use of browser hijackers which are dangerous extensions made for most of the popular web browsers. They can be found on the relevant repositories of the browsers, masking themselves as useful additions. Their descriptions will promise feature additions or performance optimizations while at the same time fake or hacked developer credentials and user reviews may be used.
Project57 Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
What we know about the Project 57 ransomware is that it does not appear to originate from any of the popular malware families. It is possible that it is created by the same malicious actors responsible for its distribution or it may be ordered from the underground markets. Whatever the case the captured samples contain only the encryption engine showing that the impacted computers will have their files encrypted right after the infection has been made.
It is possible that if the Project 57 ransomware proves to be a successful tool for infiltration it can be upgraded to act like the other common malware viruses of this type. In these cases a typical behavior pattern can be modeled.
As soon as the ransomware is introduced to the system an information gathering component will be started. Using a pre-programmed engine this module will search for strings that contain useful information that will be collected by the malicious actors. Many of the contemporary viruses will assign an unique computer infection ID to each machine. It is generated using an algorithm that takes its input values form from the list of installed hardware components, user settings, regional preferences and etc. It can also be configured to hijack sensitive user data which can expose the identity of the victims. This is made possible by scanning the hard disk contents and memory for strings such as their name, address, phone number, location and stored account credentials.
The collected information can then be used to bypass security software and services that can potentially block the virus’s distribution: anti-virus applications, sandbox and debug environments, as well as firewalls and other related products.
When this step is complete the Project 57 ransomware will have obtained control of the infected machine, having the ability to create its own processes and hook up to existing ones, including those belonging to the operating system. One of the most dangerous actions are the ones that are related to modifications to the Windows Registry. Modified values belonging to the operating system can result in severe performance issues, while those that affect user-installed applications can block them from running.
If the malware is installed as a persistent virus then its removal will be made very difficult. Such ransomware will change important system options and can even make some of the manual user removal guides non-working. When this behavior is engaged the infection will be started automatically each time the computer is booted. This particular component is also responsible for any for any removal of user data: Backups, Shadow Volume Copies and Restore Points. If the main Project 57 ransomware engine interacts with the Windows Volume Manager it may also access any connected removable devices and network shares.
Another malicious command issued by most other ransomware is payload delivery of other malware. The three most popular categories that can be carried by ransomware are the following:
- Trojans — These instances are responsible for establishing a connection to a hacker-controlled server allowing the malicious actors to overtake control of the infected hosts. Additional possibilities include the non-stop option to spy on the users, steal valuable data before and after the encryption module has started and to deploy other threats if programmed to do so.
- Cryptocurrency Miners — They will take advantage of the available hardware resources of the impacted machines by downloading complex mathematical tasks that will be run on the compromised hosts, all performance-related components will be utilized: CPU, GPU, memory and hard disk space. As soon as one of the tasks is complete and reported the malicious operators will receive income in the form of cryptocurrency.
- Intrusive Browser Hijackers — Future versions of the Project 57 ransomware can be programmed to deploy browser hijackers which will modify the settings of the affected programs and redirect the users to a hacker-controlled landing page.
Project57 Ransomware – Encryption Process
The security analysis confirms that a powerful encryption engine is used by the Project 57 ransomware. It will process all system and user files as defined by the built-in list of target file type extensions. An example one would include the following data:
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
- Music
- Images
- Videos
All victim files will be renamed with the .костя баранин extension. The associated ransomware note is created in two files called DECRYPT.HTML and DECRYPT.TXT which contain the same message written in Russian.
Remove Project57 Ransomware and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the Project57 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 Project 57 Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Project 57 Ransomware 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 Project 57 Ransomware 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 Project 57 Ransomware 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 Project 57 Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Project 57 Ransomware.
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 Project 57 Ransomware 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.
Project 57 Ransomware-FAQ
What is Project 57 Ransomware Ransomware?
Project 57 Ransomware 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 Project 57 Ransomware 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 Project 57 Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Project 57 Ransomware 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 Project 57 Ransomware 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 .Project 57 Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Project 57 Ransomware 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 .Project 57 Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Project 57 Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Project 57 Ransomware 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 Project 57 Ransomware 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 Project 57 Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Project 57 Ransomware 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 Project 57 Ransomware 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 Project 57 Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Project 57 Ransomware 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 Project 57 Ransomware 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.
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