What Is Prince Ransomware Virus?
Prince Ransomware is the type of threat that may encrypt your files and hold them hostage until a ransom has been paid by the victim to decrypt them. We have checked more info on this threat and found it may also replicate through dangerous e-mails. This virus may be obfuscated and run in the background without you realizing it and may spread via different ways.
Read this article to understand more on this ransomware and how you can get rid of it.
Prince Ransomware Virus – Details
File Extension | .ran. |
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 Prince Ransomware Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending a random name extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | Decryption Instructions.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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How Did I Get Infected?
We have found that Prince Ransomware virus can infect your system in several ways:
- By clicking on email attachments or attachments or links.
- Through downloads from risky websites.
Prince Ransomware Virus – What Does It Do?
During the course of our investigation, we have found out that Prince Ransomware may cause a serious harm as it takes into consideration your important files. It does this by scanning your device and estimating where are your files of different specific types. It may copy those files on the servers of the cyber criminals behind it and then encrypt it on your machine in order to extort you for cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin.
When this virus causes an infection on your machine, it may connect to its server and download its malicious payload files from it. These files are often located in the following Windows Directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
Then, this ransomware may also target your Windows Registry Editor, setting changes in the Run and RunOnce registry keys. This is done for activities, like this threat running automatically on Windows start up.
This malware also leaves a ransom note that may have the following text:
———- Ransomware ———-
Your files have been encrypted using Prince Ransomware!
They can only be decrypted by paying us a ransom in cryptocurrency.Encrypted files have the .prince extension.
IMPORTANT: Do not modify or rename encrypted files, as they may become unrecoverable.Contact us at the following email address to discuss payment.
example@airmail.cc
Your ID: BODUGSSVTKHZYASW
———- Ransomware ———-
What Are .ran Encrypted Files?
The .ran encrypted files are data, that is encoded by an encryption algorithm, which scrambles them at their core. This virus may scan for files of the following types:
- Video files (.mp4, .avi, etc.)
- Audio files (.mp3, .wav, etc.)
- Image files (.jpg, .png, etc.)
- Archive formats (.zip, .rar, etc.)
- Documents (.docx, .pptx, etc.)
- And more.
Then, the files are encrypted and a unique key to unlock them is generated that is sent to the cyber-criminals. They in return want you to pay ransom to remove the extension from the files. The encrypted files may appear, like the following:
Picture.jpg.ran
How to Remove Prince Ransomware Virus
If you want to get rid of this ransomware, the first thing to do is to immediately scan your computer using a professional anti-malware software. This will detect all of the malicious files set by this ransomware infection and eliminate them completely. For a full manual removal, check the specific instructions below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Prince Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Prince Ransomware 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 Prince Ransomware 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 Prince Ransomware 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 Prince Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Prince Ransomware.
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 Prince Ransomware 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.
Prince Ransomware-FAQ
What is Prince Ransomware Ransomware?
Prince Ransomware 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 Prince Ransomware 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 Prince Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Prince Ransomware 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 Prince Ransomware 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 .Prince Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Prince Ransomware 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 .Prince Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Prince Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Prince Ransomware 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 Prince Ransomware 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 Prince Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Prince Ransomware 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 Prince Ransomware 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 Prince Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Prince Ransomware 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 Prince Ransomware 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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