Article created to help remove AvastVirusinfo ransomware and assist in attempts to restore files encrypted with an added .A9v9Ahu4 file expansion.
A virus that encrypts files using Xorist Builder genealogy and XOR encryption algorithm has been reported to cause damage to computers by rendering their files encrypted. The files can no longer be opened after the virus known as AvastVirusinfo attacks your computer and they have a file extension added to them – .A9v9Ahu4. After encryption the virus also adds a .txt file which aims notify victims with what has happened exactly to their files and extort them to pay the sum of 15 $ to get the files back. In case you have been attacked by this ransomware infection, we advise you to read this article with care.
Threat Summary
| Name | AvastVirusinfo |
| Type | Ransomware Virus |
| Short Description | This ranosmware virus encrypts the files using XOR encryption mode and asks the victims to pay ransom to get the files back. |
| Symptoms | Files are enciphered and become inaccessible by any type of software. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a .txt file in english and russian., |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks, Malicious Executable in Torrent Trackers. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Cerber 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. |
AvastVirusinfo Ransomware – How Does It Infect
Ever since it was discovered back in 2015, this ransomware infection may still resort to the very same methods of infection for which it was firstly responsible. The ransomware may infect via e-mail spam messages which carry e-mail attachments that are malicious, like the example below displays:
Another method which can spread the AvastVirusinfo ransomware infection has been reported to be via infected installers of programs which slither and execute it’s malicious files on the compromised computers. It is also a scenario that malicious game cracks or program patches and activators that are published on suspicious sites or uploaded as torrents to be carrying the AvastVirusinfo infection malware in them.
AvastVirusinfo Ransomware – Further Information
After this ransomware gets you to open a malicious files, the infection is immediate and no longer avoidable. Once infection is commenced this ransomware virus creates multiple different files on the computers infected by it. The files are as follows
- An executable, named Setup.exe.
- Another two executables, named up_date.exe and update.exe.
- A randomly named executable.
- A randomly named .tmp.exe file.
- A plugin.dll file.
- A randomly named .dll type of file.
In addition to those files the virus also drops two .txt files, named HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt and it’s Russian analogue, named КАК РАСШИФРОВАТЪ ФАЙЛЪI.txt.
The files are usually located in the administrative Windows user directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
Then, this ransomware may delete any shadow volume copies on the compromised computers. This is usually achievable by using the vssadmin command in a /quiet mode.
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
The Encryption Process of AvastVirusinfo Ransomware
Regarding encryption, this ransomware uses a relatively simple encryption algorithm in comparison to the other ones – XOR. What is very particular about this infection is that regarding the encryption, it attacks a very wide variety of file types. The file extensions it is pre-configured to encrypted are over 1000:
After encryption, the files become no longer openable and have an added file extension to them, named – .A9v9Ahu4. They may appear without file icon, similar to the following:
After this has happened, the ransomware infection may drop it’s ransom note to notify the victims of this virus that they must make a ransom payoff in order to restore access to the encrypted files. The ransom note is called HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt and has the following content:
→ “What happened to your files?
All of your files were protected by a strong encryption.
There is no way to decrypt your files without the key.
If your files not important for you just reinstall your system.
If your files is important just email us to discuss the price and how to decrypt your files.
You can email us to avastvirusinfo@yandex.com”
There is also a Russian version of the ransom note with the same message.
Remove AvastVirusinfo Ransomware and Decrypt XOR Encrypted Files
Before beginning any removal process, it is recommended that you not pay any ransom and you backup the encrypted files by creating multiple copies of them on removable drives.
For the removal of this ransomware, just like with any other, some steps must be followed. To simplify the situation for you we have created the removal manual below and we recommend that you follow it. In case you are having difficulties or lack the experience in removing this ransomware virus, experts often advise using an advanced anti-malware program. Such will surely take care of the automatic removal of this ransomware infection and future protection of your computer as well.
In case you want to restore your files, there are several alternative tools that may help you out. We have mentioned these methods with links in step “2. Restore files encrypted by AvastVirusinfo” below. Be advised that these methods are not 100% effective but fortunately they may restore at least some of your files.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the AvastVirusinfo Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this AvastVirusinfo 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 AvastVirusinfo 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove AvastVirusinfo from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of AvastVirusinfo from Mac OS X.
How to Remove AvastVirusinfo from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove AvastVirusinfo
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall AvastVirusinfo and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by AvastVirusinfo 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 AvastVirusinfo there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for AvastVirusinfo with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by AvastVirusinfo.
Ransomware infections and AvastVirusinfo 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of AvastVirusinfo from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall AvastVirusinfo and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to AvastVirusinfo:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to AvastVirusinfo. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to AvastVirusinfo. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove AvastVirusinfo via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as AvastVirusinfo. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by AvastVirusinfo.
Ransomware infections and AvastVirusinfo 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
AvastVirusinfo FAQ
What is AvastVirusinfo ransomware and how does it work?
AvastVirusinfo 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 algorithm how 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.
How does AvastVirusinfo ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.AvastVirusinfo Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of AvastVirusinfo 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 .AvastVirusinfo files?
You can't. At this point the .AvastVirusinfo files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .AvastVirusinfo files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by AvastVirusinfo ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".AvastVirusinfo" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .AvastVirusinfo files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of AvastVirusinfo ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate AvastVirusinfo ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .AvastVirusinfo files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like AvastVirusinfo ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
