Update August 2019. What is .acute files virus .acute files virus is also known as .acute ransomware and encrypts users’ files while asking for a ransom.
The .acute file virus is a new malware that originates from the well-known Phobos ransomware family. It is a modified version of the original threat and is probably being operated by a yet unknown criminal collective or individual hacker. By taking the familiar behavior patterns it can launch a series of malicious actions that can extract data, steal user data and cause many system issues. The end goal of this threat is to encrypt user data and blackmail the victims. Signs of infection include the generation of a ransomware note and the renaming of files with the .acute extension.
Threat Summary
| Name | .acute files virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware designed to damage computer systems and encrypt valuable personal files. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with the .acute extension. Ransom message insists on payment for a files decryption tool. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .acute 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. |
.acute Files Virus — Update August 2019
The acute ransomware which processes data wit the .acute file extension has recently been observed in several attack campaigns.
This particular threat is known to enforce a complex ransomware infection which can commit various system changes. It doesn’t require an active Internet connection in order to make the necessary file processing that will encrypt the target user data. This is done according to a built-in list of target user data. The acute ransomware will also run in the background without raising awareness. What’s particularly dangerous about this infection is that it will also process the data found in the available network shares. Several persistent mechanisms are used in order to make the acute virus very difficult to remove. Some of the ransomware code is obfuscated and encrypted making it very hard to detect. When these modules are requested they will be decrypted in real time and called.
.acute Files Virus – Distribution and Impact
The .acute files virus is a new release of the Phobos ransomware which is being spread against victims worldwide. It is very probable that the hackers behind it have customized the main engine by themselves in order to create this custom release. The alternative is for them is to pay other hackers to make the .acute derivative.
The infection data can be distributed using a variety of methods, the most popular of them are the following:
- Documents and Installers — The hackers can embed the necessary installation scripts via macros in documents and also in setup packages of programs.
- Scam Emails and Sites — This is one of the most widely used strategies that take advantage of the fact that most computer users can be easily deceived into thinking that they are accessing legitimate contents. The hackers coordinate email campaigns and can craft sites that are hosted on domains that sound legitimate and safe.
- Malicious Web Browser Extensions — A widely used mechanism for the creation of viruses is the inserting of the relevant code into plugins for the most popular web browsers. They are uploaded to the relevant repositories using fake or stolen developer credentials.
When the .acute files virus is delivered onto a given computer it will immediately start to execute its built-in behavior pattern. Common modules that are run are also part of previous Phobos ransomware strains. An example is information gathering module which can hijack data that can be used to identify both the users and their machines. This is particularly useful for generating unique signatures for every infected host. Furthermore the hard disk and memory scan can reveal if there are any security programs and services available on the computers. The security bypass module can be used to remove or block the execution of applications such as: anti-virus programs, firewalls, sandbox environments, virtual machine hosts.
Usually this is followed by system changes that include modifications to the boot options thereby starting the virus engine when the computer is powered on. In some cases this also disable access to certain recovery menus and options. If any changes are made to the Windows Registry then existing values can be modified or new ones specific to the virus can be added.
One of the most dangerous aspects of having an active .acute files virus infection is the fact that it can be used to deploy other threats including Trojans depending on local conditions or by a trigger made by the hackers. The actual file encryption will follow — target user data will be processed by a powerful cipher according to a built-in list of file type extensions. Like previous Phobos ransomware it will act against data such as the following: archives, backups, databases, multimedia files and etc. All processed files will receive the .acute extension and a ransomware note will be generated in order to blackmail the victims into paying the hackers.
Remove .acute Files Virus and Attempt to Restore Data
The so-called .acute files virus is a threat with highly complex code that heavily damages both essential system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system securely again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For the purpose, you could follow our step-by-step removal guide.
In the event that you want to attempt to restore .acute files with the help of alternative data recovery methods, do check step four – Try to Restore files encrypted by .acute Files Virus. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before the recovery process.
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 .acute files virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .acute 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 .acute 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 .acute 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 .acute files virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .acute 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 .acute 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.
.acute files virus-FAQ
What is .acute files virus Ransomware?
.acute 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 .acute 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 .acute files virus Infect?
Via several ways..acute 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 .acute 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 ..acute files virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..acute 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 ..acute files virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..acute files virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..acute 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 .acute 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 .acute files virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..acute 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 .acute 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 .acute files virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .acute 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 .acute 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.
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