.AG88G file extension is placed on all of your files? .AG88G Virus File is also known as Matrix ransomware which locks files on a computer and demands money to be paid as a ransom for unlocking them.
Matrix Ransomware (.AG88G Virus File)
The .AG88G virus is the newest release of the Matrix ransomware family. At the moment a global attack campaign with it is being launched against users worldwide. As a new derivative of this group of viruses it will follow the usual mechanism of infection. The end results will be that the victims will find that they will have their files locked and encrypted. The users will be blackmailed into paying a decryption fee to the hackers.
Matrix Ransomware Virus
Virus infections that are part of the Matrix family of threats are considered very dangerous. They exhibit typical files encryption behavior and depending on the hacking group and their instructions other actions can be added as well. After the encryption phase has finished running the .AG88G virus will attempt to extort the users for a decryption fee payment. This is done in cryptocurrency form in order to hide the identity of the hackers.
.AG88G virus Summary
| Name | .AG88G virus |
| File Extension | .AG88G |
| 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 Matrix ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .AG88G extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | READ_ME.htm |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .AG88G virus. |
.AG88G Virus File – How Did It Infect My PC?
There are many ways through which the .AG88G virus can be distributed to the target end users. As it is part of the Matrix ransomware family it can be spread using the common virus tactics which include the following:
- Phishing Strategies — The criminals will impersonate companies and services that will sound familiar to the users. This is usually done by sending out such email messages and hosting such sites on domain names that sound logical and legitimate. Phishing content is designed to either copy down exactly the official versions of the impersonated companies. To supplement them the criminals can even add self-signed security certificates.
- Infected File Carriers — The .AG88G virus can be integrated in different types of data carriers. Common ones can be application installers — they are usually of the most popular software which are often downloaded by computer users and can range from creativity suites down to productivity tools and office programs. Take note that Matrix ransomware infections can also be done by integrating dangerous macros in documents which are usually of the most popular file formats: presentations, documents, text files and databases. When they are opened by the victims a prompt will be spawned asking the users to enable the built-in code.
- Standalone Files Execution — Matrix ransomware files can be created in patches, updates and small-sized files. When they are run the infection will be started.
- Redirects and Online Sources — The criminals can embed the files in various website redirects. File carriers can be uploaded also to file-sharing networks and also on social networks.
The hackers can consider other methods as well.
.AG88G Virus File – What Does It Do To My Computer?
As soon as the .AG88G virus infection is made the built-in sequence will be started. The malicious actions which will be started will depend on either the built-in code or the hacker instructions found in the attack campaign.
This can include information gathering which is usually started in the beginning of the sequence. It can hijack both information that can expose the identity of the users and also machine data. The harvested data can also be used by another module called security bypass — it will locate and disable applications and services that can stop the malware.
The virus files may also include different types of system changes, common ones include the following:
- Boot Options Change — Modifications to the ore configuration files and preferences and used to control the boot options can automatically start the malware when the computer starts. This can also prevent the users from entering into the recovery menus.
- Windows Registry Changes — If the virus affects the Windows Registry or other important system areas then the users can experience serious performance issues, data loss and unexpected errors when using services or applications. The Windows Registry edits can include the creation, modification and removal of strings.
- Additional Infections — Matrix ransomware variants are commonly used to infect the computers with other types of threats. Examples are the remote Trojan horses that are used to overtake control of the systems and also browser redirects and hijackers that are designed to open a hacker-controlled page which will open up various intrusive ads, affiliates and web scams.
.AG88G virus File infections will start the ransomware process when all prior actions have completed running. A very strong cipher will be used to lock target user files. The types of data that are affected usually includes: archives, documents, configuration files, backups, multimedia files and etc. All of them will receive the associated .AG88G extension. To blackmail the victims into paying the hackers a set fee the hackers can craft ransom notes or choose to display a lockscreen.
If your computer device was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially restore your files back to normal.
Remove .AG88G Virus File
If your computer got infected with the .AG88G Virus File, 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.
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .AG88G virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .AG88G 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 .AG88G 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 .AG88G 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 .AG88G virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .AG88G 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 .AG88G 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.
.AG88G virus-FAQ
What is .AG88G virus Ransomware?
.AG88G 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 .AG88G 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 .AG88G virus Infect?
Via several ways..AG88G 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 .AG88G 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 ..AG88G virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..AG88G 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 ..AG88G virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..AG88G virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..AG88G 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 .AG88G 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 .AG88G virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..AG88G 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 .AG88G 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 .AG88G virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .AG88G 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 .AG88G 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.