This article aims to provide instructions and information on how to remove .EMPTY file ransomware virus and how to restore files that have been encrypted by it.
The CryptoMix family of ransomware viruses has received new update and this time it uses the .EMPTY file extension. The ransomware aims to encrypt each important file on your computer leaving behind a ransom note. The note demands to contact the cybercriminals on one of three different e-mails provided and eventually receive further instructions on how to pay ransom In return of the encrypted file.
Threat Summary
Name | .EMPTY File Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Encrypts the files on the infected computer and then demands victims to pay a hefty ransom fee in order to decrypt them. Decryptable for free. |
Symptoms | Files are encrypted with the added .EMTPY file extension as the picture above displays. Users are asked to contact the cyber-criminals via e-mail. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
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 .EMPTY 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. |
.EMPTY Files Virus – How Does It Spread
For this virus to be widespread it may us various different methods, the main of which may be e-mail spam. The e-mail messages that may spam the .EMPTY ransomware virus may contain convincing statements whose end goal is to get the victim of the ransomware virus to open the malicious infection file, like the example statement below:
- Financial Activity Statement Keep track of your account with your latest Online Financial Statement from NatWest Bank.
- Please download and view Microsoft Word attachment.
- So check out your statement right away, or at your earliest convenience.
- Thank you for managing your account online. Sincerely, NatWest Bank.
Besides an infected Microsoft Word document that may contain malicious macros, the e-mails may also carry other type of malicious executables, one of which has been reported on VirusTotal.com to be the following:
.EMPTY File Virus – More Information
Once the victim becomes infected with the .EMPTY variant of CryptoMix, the virus may initially drop the malicious files on the user’s computer. The files may exist under different names and be located in the commonly targeted Windows folders below:
After the files of .EMPTY ransomware are dropped on the user’s computer, the malware may begin it’s malicious activity. It executes the payload files which run in the background as processes. Those files are obfuscated so that any security software running on the computer fails to detect them. They contain multiple functions within them that take advantage of critical Windows components. These functions may result in .EMPTY ransomware to modify crucial registry entries on the user’s computer, adding registry strings to change different Windows settings. One of the strings added may be located in the Run and RunOnce Windows registry sub-keys, responsible for running malicious files automatically on Windows start up. The sub-keys have the following location:
• 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
Not only this, but the .EMPTY files variant of CryptoMix may also execute a batch (.bat) file that may delete the shadow volume copies on the compromised computer. This file may contain the following administrative Windows command:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
Among the files that may be executed may also be the ransom note dropped by the .EMPTY virus. It has the following contents:
Hello!
Attention! All Your data was encrypted!
For specific information, please send us an email with Your ID number:
empty01@techmail.info
Empty02@yahooweb.co
Empty003@protonmail.com
We will help You as soon as possible!
The virus then proceeds to encrypt the files on the infected computer, resulting in them appearing with the .EMPTY file extension. Luckily most CryptoMix ransomware variants are decryptable without you having to pay any ransom at all. Continue reading this article to learn how to remove the virus and decrypt your files for free.
Remove .EMPTY CryptoMix from Your PC
Before beginning to remove this virus, we strongly suggest you to backup all of your encrypted files, just in case. Then, you can proceed removing the .EMPTY files ransomware from your computer, preferably by following the instructions underneath.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .EMPTY File Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .EMPTY 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .EMPTY 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 .EMPTY File Virus 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 .EMPTY File Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .EMPTY 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 .EMPTY 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.
.EMPTY File Virus-FAQ
What is .EMPTY File Virus Ransomware?
.EMPTY 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 .EMPTY 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 .EMPTY File Virus Infect?
Via several ways..EMPTY 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 .EMPTY 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 ..EMPTY File Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..EMPTY 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 ..EMPTY File Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..EMPTY File Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..EMPTY 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 .EMPTY 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 .EMPTY File Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..EMPTY 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 .EMPTY 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 .EMPTY File Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .EMPTY 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 .EMPTY 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.
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.
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