This article provides information about a ransomware named after the extension it uses to mark encrypted files .decodeme666@tutanota_com. At the end of it, you will find a step-by-step guide that helps for the removal of this threat as well as alternative data recovery approaches.
The .decodeme666@tutanota_com is a newly detected data locker ransomware that appends an extension of the same name to all files it corrupts. Another name that security researchers use to indicate this ransomware is PGPSnippet. As a typical crypto virus, .decodeme666@tutanota_com blackmails victims into paying a ransom for their encrypted files. According to the ransom message associated with the threat, the ransom amount equals to $500 and hackers demand it in Bitcoin. Keep reading and find out how to remove all malicious files and restore encrypted data.
Threat Summary
| Name | .decodeme666@tutanota_com Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The .decodeme666@tutanota_com encrypts important files stored on the infected host and then demands a ransom for a decryption solution. |
| Symptoms | Valuable data becomes unopenable and is marked with the extension .decodeme666@tutanota_com. A ransom message demands a ransom payment of $500 in BTC. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| 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 .decodeme666@tutanota_com 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. |
.decodeme666@tutanota_com Crypto Virus – Distribution
The ransomware payload may land on the computer after a visit of a compromised web page as it can be set to drop it on the hosts of all its visitors. The URLs of such pages can be distributed via various advertising campaigns, posted on social media channels or send in email spam messages.
Another spread technique which is probably the most preferred by hackers is sending the ransomware payload in spam email messages. The malicious code could be embedded in file email attachments like archives, documents, images, text files, PDFs and other. Beware and practice caution before you download and open files from received emails even when they seem legitimate as hackers often pose as representatives of well-known companies, services, websites and even governmental institutions. This way they attempt to trick you into infecting your system with devastating infections like .decodeme666@tutanota_com files virus.
.decodeme666@tutanota_com Files Virus – Overview
An infection with .decodeme666@tutanota_com happens after its malicious payload is started on the system. One of the ransomware payloads analyzed by security researchers is named PGPSnippet.exe. The code of this file triggers the infection process and is supposedly designed to support the following steps that lead the attack to its very end.
For the infection process may be utilized other malicious files that are either created directly on the system or downloaded from the ransomware’s command and control server. Commonly malware of this kind use some essential system folders to store its malicious files. So if .decodeme666@tutanota_com files virus is not set to delete all its malicious traits at the end of the attack, some of its associated files may be located at:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
It is also likely that some registry keys will be plagued by malicious values set by the ransomware. Usually, the sub-keys Run and RunOnce get affected by crypto viruses like .decodeme666@tutanota_com as they can execute automatically all its malicious files on each system start. The functionalities of the same keys may be used at the end of the attack when the ransomware needs to display its ransom note on the PC screen.
The note is contained in a file called !!!README_DECRYPT!!!.txt and all what it reads is:
ATTENTION !
All your documents and other files ENCRYPTED !!!
TO RESTORE YOUR FILES YOU MUST TO PAY: 500$ by Bitcoin to this address: 1Nvhebx6EHmFmXokSbXMxbCNGN2fwtgq8W
You can open an wallet here:
https://electrum.org/#download
https://blockchain.info
https://localbitcoins.com/
https://paxful.com/en
https://www.bestchanee.com/
Send the file on the way “WIN + R >> %APPDATA%” file name hosts.txt to our e-mail after paymentat this email address: decodeme666@tutanota.com
We will confirm payment and send to you decrypt key + instruction
Remember: you have a 72 hours and if you not paid, that price will up
ATTENTION : all your attempts to decrypt your PC without our software and key can lead to irreversible destruction
of your files !
As it reveals the demanded ransom equals to $500 which at the moment of writing this article is approximately 0.06 BTC. A time frame attempts to provoke victims into paying the ransom within 72 hours as afterward it will increase to an undefined amount of money. Beware that the ransom payment does not guarantee the decryption of .decodeme666@tutanota_com files as hackers may not have a working decryption solution. Furthermore, they may skip sending any decryption key even when the transaction is made.
.decodeme666@tutanota_com Ransomware – Encryption Process
The primary goal of the so-called .decodeme666@tutanota_com crypto virus is to encode predefined types of files and make them inaccessible. It is likely that the following files are encrypted by this ransomware:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
After encryption, all these have the extension .decodeme666@tutanota_com appended at the end of their original names.
The crypto virus is also likely to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system. This is possible with a single command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
As a result one of the possible ways for data restore is eliminated. Happily, there are other available methods that may help you to restore some files back to their normal state. Keep reading to find some of them.
How to Remove .decodeme666@tutanota_com Files Virus and Restore Data
The removal of .decodeme666@tutanota_com crypto virus demands a bit of technical experience and ability to recognize characteristics of malware files. And there is no doubt that you should remove this nasty threat from the infected PC as quickly as possible. Below you could find how to do it step by step. Beware that .decodeme666@tutanota_com is a severe threat that is designed to plague the whole system. Security researchers recommend the help of advanced anti-malware tool for maximum efficiency and future protection against such devastating threats.
After you remove the ransomware make sure to check the “Restore Files” step listed in the guide below. But before you take any further actions, don’t forget to back up all encrypted files to an external drive in order to prevent their irreversible loss.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for .decodeme666@tutanota_com Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 .decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 .decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 .decodeme666@tutanota_com Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 .decodeme666@tutanota_com 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.
.decodeme666@tutanota_com Files Virus-FAQ
What is .decodeme666@tutanota_com Files Virus Ransomware?
.decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 .decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 .decodeme666@tutanota_com Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 .decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 ..decodeme666@tutanota_com Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 ..decodeme666@tutanota_com Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..decodeme666@tutanota_com Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 .decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 .decodeme666@tutanota_com Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 .decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 .decodeme666@tutanota_com Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .decodeme666@tutanota_com 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 .decodeme666@tutanota_com 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.
- 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.