What Is Micro Virus
Micro virus is the name of a dangerous ransomware infection, whose primary goal is to enter your computer system and encrypt the important files in it. The main idea of this ransomware is to add the .micro file extension to the important files and make it so that you won’t be able to open them. The files cannot be opened even if you remove the .micro extension, because their core file structure has been changed.
The Micro virus is the type of ransomware that may extort you to pay a hefty ransom fee in return for your files. The main purpose of this virus is to get you to pay the criminals in BitCoin. Read this article to learn more concerning this virus plus understand how to remove it.
Micro Summary
Name | Micro, also known as Trojan.Agent.BQCW, Ransom.TeslaCrypt.C5, Trojan/Win32.Teslacrypt.R173404, Trojan.Encoder.3727, Ransom:Win32/Tescrypt.E, Trojan.Win32.Encoder.eaaxcw, Hoax.Bitman, Trojan.TeslaCrypt.Win32.9, Ransom:Win32/Bitman.013d69fc – VirusTotal |
File Extension | .micro |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Micro ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .micro extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | help_recover_instructions.txt, help_recover_instructions.HTM, and help_recover_instructions.png |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Micro Virus. |
Micro Virus – What We Know About It
The Micro virus is the type of threat that has been created with the main purpose of convincing victims to pay ransom to the criminals. Other viruses of this type include MILIHPEN virus, Milleni500 Virus and Plam Virus.
Micro Virus may enter your computer via two main ways:
- If it is sent to you via e-mail as a malicious attachment added to it, pretending to be an important document.
- If it is uploaded on a website free for download, like a keygen, crackfix, patch or a portable program.
Micro ransomware is the type of virus that has been created with the primary purpose to perform different types of virus actions on your computer, ending in encryption of your files. Once this infection has already landed on your computer, it could drop its virus files to be added in the following Windows directories:
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %AppData%
Once the files are already on your computer, this ransomware may begin to perform multiple virus activities, such as:
- Check if it has previously infected your computer and if so may shut itself down.
- Set up registry values in the Run and RunOnce Windows Registry sub-keys.
- Obtain your IP and MAC addresses.
- Get information about your language and region.
- Assume rights as an administrator.
- Delete your Windows shadow copies and system backups.
- Disable Windows Recovery services.
Micro ransomware has been created with the main purpose to encrypt your files. To do that, the virus initiates a scan of your drive, skipping the system directories of Windows. The main goal of this is for you to still be able to pay the ransom. The files, which are attacked by this ransomware are from the following file types:
- Documents.
- Videos.
- Images.
- Audio files.
- Archives.
- Other files.
After encrypting your files, this virus may leave behind its ransom note file, that appears like the following:
.micro Files
The files, encrypted by this virus have the data within them changed with the encryption algorithm. The main idea of this process is to prevent you from opening them, unless you have a unique decryption key that is offered by the cyber-criminals.
It is strongly reccomended not to pay any ransom to the criminals who have infected you with this virus. The primary reason for this is you cannot trust the words of these cyber-crooks and you support their criminal activities this way.
Remove Micro Virus and Try to Restore Files
In order to get rid of Micro virus from your computer, we strongly reccomend that you follow the removal instructions that are posted below this article. They have been specifically made with the main idea to help delete this virus safely. For best removal, we advise following the reccomendations of cyber-security experts and removing this ransomware infection using an advanced anti-malware software. Such a professional software will scan your computer for all virus files and make sure they are completely gone from it.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Micro Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Micro 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 Micro 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 Micro 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 Micro Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Micro 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 Micro 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.
Micro Virus-FAQ
What is Micro Virus Ransomware?
Micro 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 Micro 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 Micro Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Micro 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 Micro 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 .Micro Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Micro 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 .Micro Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Micro Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Micro 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 Micro 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 Micro Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Micro 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 Micro 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 Micro Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Micro 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 Micro 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.