What Is Alice Virus?
Alice ransomware is a type of malicious software that is designed to encrypt a victim’s files and demand payment in exchange for restoring access. It is typically spread through malicious email attachments, infiltrated networks, and malicious websites. Victims should not pay the ransom, as there is no guarantee that their files will be restored. Good security practices can help protect against infection, while best practices for recovering from a ransomware attack should be followed if already infected.
Alice Virus – Why Is My Windows Infected?
Ransomware viruses, like Alice are malicious programs that aim to extort money from victims by encrypting their data and making it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. These viruses can be distributed through emails with malicious attachments, obfuscated files, malicious websites, and unsecured networks. Individuals can become infected with these viruses if their computers and networks are not adequately secured, or if they inadvertently download malicious software.
Alice Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
The following means are the main methods through which viruses, such as this one attack victims:
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
Alice Virus – What Does It Do?
Alice can wreak destruction on your computer, providing cybercriminals the opportunity to access and steal information, spoil documents, or even use your computer to carry out assaults on other computers. This virus can spread rapidly, so it is crucial to take action immediately once you detect one on your device.
This ransomware may leave one or more payload files, likely in the following directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
This virus may also create value entries in Windows Registries, like the Run and RunOnce ones.
What Are .alice Files
The .alice files are likely encrypted by this nasty ransomware and they may be of the following types as the virus targets the most often used ones, based on their file extensions:
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
After encryption, the files begin appearing, like the following:
Picture.jpg.alice
How to Open .alice Files
To unlock .alice encrypted files, you must look for a compatible decryption software that can decrypt the documents and make them readable using the virus’s decryption key. Many decryption tools are suitable for various encryption ciphers and techniques, so it is essential to find one that can open your specific file type. However, cybercriminals make this difficult to do because their sole purpose is for you to pay the ransom.
What To Do If My Files Are .alice?
It is best to contact a certified IT security expert who is familiar with the ransomware’s cipher in order to regain your encrypted files and avoid any further attacks on your system. Additionally, you should make sure your operating system and other software are kept up to date to ensure your system is guarded.
Alice Virus – Details
Name | Alice |
File Extension | .alice |
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 Alice Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .Alice extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by Alice
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
How To Protect Windows from Alice In The Future?
It is essential to keep software up-to-date, use strong passwords, employ reliable anti-malware software, back up data frequently, and remain vigilant for suspicious emails or downloads to guard against potential ransomware attacks on Windows. Additionally, you should be familiar with how to safely store your files to protect them from ransomware
How to Remove Alice Virus?
In order to successfully eliminate Alice ransomware virus, it is essential to first identify the virus and then get a dependable anti-malware application to assist in its removal. Additionally, it is prudent to make a backup of essential data and documents in the event the virus damages them. Also, make sure to upgrade your operating system, as well as any security programs you have.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Alice with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Alice 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Alice 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 Alice there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Alice
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Alice.
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 Alice 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.
Alice-FAQ
What is Alice Ransomware?
Alice 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 Alice 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 Alice Infect?
Via several ways.Alice 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 Alice 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 .Alice files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Alice 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 .Alice files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Alice" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Alice 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 Alice 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 Alice ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Alice 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 Alice 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 Alice Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Alice 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 Alice 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.