The article will aid you to remove Anonfive ransomware fully. Follow the ransomware removal instructions at the end of the article.
Anonfive is the name given to a recently found ransomware cryptovirus that is dubbed that way by malware researchers. The reason for that name is most probably the extension .anonfive, which will get appended to every encrypted file. That is also the name of a known hacking group. The encryption algorithm that is believed to be used is AES as the ransomware is revealed to be a variant of the HiddenTear cryptovirus. The Anonfive virus will create a ransom note held within a text file. Keep reading and see how you could try to potentially restore some of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | .Anonfive File Virus |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer and leaves a ransom message afterward. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and put the extension .anonfive on your files after it finishes its encryption process. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .Anonfive File 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. |
.Anonfive File Virus – Infection
Anonfive ransomware could spread its infection in multiple ways. A payload file which initiates the malicious script for the ransomware in question is seen on the Internet. Your computer system will get encrypted by the cryptovirus if its malicious script gets executed. You can view one payload dropper found by malware researchers, which is uploaded to the VirusTotal service from the below screenshot:
The Anonfive ransomware might also be spreading its payload file on social media sites and file-sharing networks. Freeware that is spread on the Internet can be presented as helpful but could also hide the malicious script for this cryptovirus. Refrain from opening files after you have downloaded them, especially if they are coming from suspicious places like emails or links of unknown origin. Instead, you should scan the files with a security tool and check their size and signatures for anything that seems out of place. Read the ransomware prevention tips from the forum section to see how to avoid infection.
.Anonfive File Virus – Specifics
The .Anonfive file virus is ransomware. According to the analysis of the malware researcher Karsten Hahn, the virus is a variant of HiddenTear. The extension .anonfive will get appended to all files that become locked after the encryption process is finished.
The Anonfive ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve some kind of persistence, and might even launch or repress processes inside the Windows operating system. Some of these entries are designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with every booting of Windows.
The ransom note will be placed inside a .txt file after the encryption process is set and done. The file with the ransom note is called READ_IT.txt. It should contain very strict instructions for payment and file recovery.
The note will read something in the lines of the following:
Anonfive was Encrypt your File
Send 50 USD BTC Address 1BYT6TBwwJzr2vXXkhz918VvkB7yb3MgAD
[some email is given for contact]
The ransomware is reported to be a HiddenTear/EDA2 variant by the malware researcher Karsten Hahn. You can read more about the HiddenTear/EDA2 open-source project from the corresponding article in the blog.
The note of the Anonfive ransomware the cybercriminal behind the virus demands 50 US dollars to be paid out as ransom in the form of BitCoins. A Bitcoin address is provided and an e-mail address is given as a contact. However, you should NOT under any circumstances pay the crook behind this virus, neither should you use the provided e-mail for contact. Your files may not get restored, and nobody could guarantee it. Furthermore, giving money to the criminal will likely just be the motivation needed for distributing more ransomware viruses or doing other criminal activities.
.Anonfive File Virus – Encryption Process
As it is a HiddenTear variant the Anonfive ransomware probably seeks to encrypt files with the following extensions:
→.txt, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .pdf, .pps, .ppt, .pptx, .odt, .gif, .jpg, .png, .db, .csv, .sql, .mdb.sln.php, .asp, .aspx, .html, .xml, .psd, .frm, .myd, .myi, .dbf, .mp3, .mp4, .avi, .mov, .mpg, .rm, .wmv, .m4a, .mpa, .wav, .sav, .gam, .log, .ged, .msg, .myo, .tax, .ynab, .ifx, .ofx, .qfx, .qif, .qdf, .tax2013, .tax2014, .tax2015, .box, .ncf, .nsf, .ntf, .lwp
Each of the files that gets encrypted will receive the same extension appended to the end of their names, and that is precisely the .anonfive extension. The encryption which is utilized by the ransomware is believed to be AES as that is the encryption algorithm used by HiddenTear variants.
The .anonfive cryptovirus is highly likely to delete the Shadow Copies from the Windows operating system by utilizing the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Keep on reading and check out what type of ways you can try to potentially restore some of your files.
Remove .Anonfive File Virus and Restore Your Data
If your computer got infected with the .anonfive 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.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .Anonfive File Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .Anonfive File 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 .Anonfive File 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 .Anonfive File 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 .Anonfive File Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .Anonfive File 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 .Anonfive File 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.
.Anonfive File Virus-FAQ
What is .Anonfive File Virus Ransomware?
.Anonfive File 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 .Anonfive File 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 .Anonfive File Virus Infect?
Via several ways..Anonfive File 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 .Anonfive File 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 ..Anonfive File Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..Anonfive File 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 ..Anonfive File Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..Anonfive File Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..Anonfive File 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 .Anonfive File 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 .Anonfive File Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..Anonfive File 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 .Anonfive File 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 .Anonfive File Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .Anonfive File 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 .Anonfive File 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.
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