Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Embrace and other threats.
Threats such as Embrace may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
This article provides information about a ransomware dubbed Embrace that uses an extension of the same name .embrace to mark encrypted files. 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 ways to recover corrupted files.
Embrace is a newly detected data locker ransomware that targets specific files to encrypt them. With this action, it restricts the access to the information they store. The ransomware is designed to append the extension .embrace to all files it corrupts. As a typical crypto virus, Embrace blackmails victims into paying a ransom for their encrypted files. According to the ransom message associated with the threat, victims should contact hackers at [email protected] to receive further details on the ransom payment.
Threat Summary
Name
Embrace
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
Embrace ransomware encrypts important files stored on the infected host and then demands a ransom for a decryption key.
Symptoms
The ransomware encrypts your files with strong encryption algorithm. All locked files have the extension .embrace appended at the end of their names. A ransom payment is demanded for their decryption.
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.
Embrace Ransomware – Distribution
One of the executable files detected to trigger an infection with Embrace ransomware is identified as malicious by 31 antivirus engines of total 65 all listed on VirusTotal website. The distribution of this executable file is likely to happen with the help of several common methods preferred by hackers. The main one is believed to be email spam campaigns. As it allows them to craft email messages in a way that they seem legit and important they often choose it for the spread of their malicious code. Such emails may impersonate representatives of well-known companies or even governmental institutions. The text messages they provide usually attempt to convince you to download and open a file attached to the email or visit a webpage presented as a link in the text.
Malicious attachments that contain the infection code of Embrace ransomware may be presented as documents, invoices, tax payments, delivery receipts, reports and other. In case that you download and open such a corrupted file it lets the ransomware to corrupt your system and data.
For the sake of your security, you could use a free online file extractor before you open new file on your PC. Tools of this kind scan the files you upload for specific malicious traits. So after the scan, you could see whether the uploaded file contains malicious components or not. This information could help you to avoid infections with severe malware like Embrace ransomware.
Embrace Ransomware – Overview
Embrace ransomware is a newly discovered version of Everbe threat that was reported by our team earlier this week.
An infection with Embrace ransomware leads to heavily modified system settings and important data corruption. The attack begins after a payload is triggered on the system. This payload may be designed to create additional malicious files that support the infection process. More malware files may be dropped on the system after a connection between the computer and ransomware command and control server is established.
Malicious files usually are set to modify some essential system settings in order to plague it and ensure the persistent presence of the ransomware. Mostly data locker ransomware like Embrace access the Registry Editor to add some malicious values there. The Registry Editor is a database that stores all low-level settings for the operating system and the installed applications. The functionalities of some of the keys there could be used for the automatic execution of all ransomware files each time the Windows system is started.
At the end of the attack Embrace virus displays a ransom note on the PC screen. It is contained in a file named !=How_recovery_files=!.txt and the message it contains reads:
Hi !
If you want restore your files write on email – [email protected] In the subject write – id-*****{CODE}
Do not try to recover data, it’s wasting your time. Every 7 days the price doubles.
As it appears hackers don’t state the amount of the ransom in the message but instead demand victims to contact them at [email protected] email address. It is highly recommendable to avoid any negotiations with them as this can only lead to other security issues related to your data and system. Beware that ransom payment doesn’t guarantee the efficient decryption of .embrace files.
Embrace Ransomware – Encryption Process
The primary goal of Embrace ransomware is to utilize strongs cipher algorithm that encodes predefined types of files and restricts the access to them. 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 corrupted files are renamed with the extension .embrace. It is appended at the end of their original names. There is one more extension that could be placed in front of the last one and it is the contact email left on the ransom note. So encrypted files may look like this one:
The information that all these files store is inaccessible until a working files restore solution is applied to them.
Embrace cryptovirus could eliminate one of the possible files restore options by erasing all Shadow Volume Copies from your Windows system. This is hppens after the ransomware executes the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If a computer device is infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially restore some files back to their normal state.
Remove Embrace Ransomware and Restore .embrace Files
The removal of Embrace ransomware 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 Embrace is a severe threat that is designed to plague your whole system. Security researchers recommend the help of advanced anti-malware tool for maximum efficiency. Such tool further provides future protection against devastating threats like Embrace ransomware as well as all other kinds of malware.
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.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Embrace and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Embrace. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove Embrace follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Embrace files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by Embrace on your PC
Find files created by Embrace
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Embrace with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Embrace and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Embrace. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Embrace
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Embrace
Ransomware infections and Embrace aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
![locked .[embrace@airmail.cc].embrace file Embrace ransomware sensorstechforum removal guide](https://sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/locked-.embrace@airmail.cc.embrace-file-Embrace-ransomware-sensorstechforum-removal-guide.png)
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Embrace and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
