This article has been created to show you how to remove Ransomware 3301 from your computer effectively and how to restore files that have been encrypted by this virus.
A new Karmen ransomware variant, called Ransomware 3301 has been reported by MalwareHunterTeam @malwrhunterteam on Twitter. The virus not only encrypts documents, photos and databases, but also drops a file, named DECRYPT_MY_FILES.html which has a primary purpose of getting the victim to visit It’s website where instructions can be found on how to pay a hefty sum of BitCoins as a form of extortion to get the files back. If your computer has been infected by Ransomware 3301, be advised that paying the ransom may not be your best option. Instead we recommend that you read this article first.
Threat Summary
| Name | Ransomware 3301 |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts the files on the computers infected by it and then asks to open a ransom note file which leads to a payment site where a sum is requested to be transferred to the criminals in return for the files. |
| Symptoms | Changed wallpaper. A file, called DECRYPT_MY_FILES.html dropped on the computer. Encrypted files. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Ransomware 3301. |
| 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. |
Ransomware 3301 – How Does It Spread
I order for Ransomware 3301 to spread and infect the maximum amount of victims, the cyber-criminals may use advanced tactics which may include spreading the virus in a multitude of methods. One of those tactics has been reported to likely be e-mail spam messages, whose primary purpose is to get victims to either open suspicious e-mail attachment or click on a URL that may cause a drive by download. Usually the e-mail that are sent spreading Ransomware 3301 may contain a deceitful claim in them. The most often used claims in the e-mails are:
- Receipt.
- Invoice.
- Important banking report.
- Suspicious activity on your banked account.
- Someone added you on a social networking site.
As soon as the victim clicks on the suspicious URL or downloads the malicious file and opens it, the virus begins it’s malicious activity.
Besides the primary method of being spread via e-mail, the Ransomware 3301 infection may also be redistributed via other methods as well. The main of those methods are if the virus is uploaded online as a fake installer of a program or a license activator, such as key generator, crack or similar.
Ransomware 3301 – More Information
After the Ransomware 3301 infection has been initiated, the infection file may drop the payload of the virus which contains multiple different types of files. The files may have different functions and the virus makes sure they are concealed from the victim. They may exist under different names in the commonly targeted Windows folders:
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
After having already infected the computer, Ransomware 3301 virus may escalate it’s privileges, giving it total control over your computer. The virus uses this to change key settings in Windows, for example to delete the shadow volume copies via the bcedit and vssadmin commands in the background. The commands are as follows:
→ process call create cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
After deleting the shadow volume copies, the Ransomware 3301 executes a script that changes the wallpaper of the victim PC with a wallpaper that has the following message:
Text from Image:
“Ransomware 3301
! Attention !
All your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted
———————————————————
Only way to decrypt your files is to receive the private key and decryption program To receive the private key and decryption program go to any crypted folder inside there is the special file (DECRYPT_MY_FILES•HTML) with complete instructions how to decrypt your files”
After opening the DECRYPT_MY_FILES.HTML files which is usually located on the desktop of the affected computer, the victim sees the following image that leads to a TOR-based website:
Text from image:
You Are Locked by 3301
What happened? Your documents. photos. databases and other important files have been encrypted! If you want them back then follow the instructions. You have to pay us the amount that will be indicated on the site. Before paying you have no chance to get the key and decryptor. More information you will see on the site.
Other information
You have 168 hours/7 Days or your decrypt key will be deleted and hope to get the files disappears. Bellow & on your Desktop you will find your Unique ID. you must specify this Unique ID on the site to get the payment informations to buy your decrypt key and recover your files. I wait for you on the site.
Instructions
1. Download and Install the Tor Browser from here:
2. Run it
3. In the Tor Browser open the website
4. Click on your country & enter your ID
5. Follow the Instructions on the website
Notice: For any other browser that is not TOR. use the links at the bottom.
Ransomware 3301 – File Encryption
The encryption process of Ransomware 3301 is conducted by generating a unique identification which corresponds to the infected computer. This way the cyber-criminals can easily track the encryption process. The procedure of encrypting files includes replacing key data of the original files with data from the encryption algorithm, enough to make them unable to be opened. Ransomware 3301 may target the following file types for encryption:
- Image files.
- Videos.
- Audio files.
- Databases.
- Archives.
- Documents.
After the encryption process, Ransomware 3301’s end goal is to get victims TOR-based web page, which looks like the following:
The amount of bitcoins requested are 0.00036 and victims have 168 hours to comply. Paying the cyber-criminals for decryption is strongly inadvisable because of several key reasons:
- You aid the expansion of their cyber-criminal operations.
- Paying is not a guarantee that you will get your files decrypted.
Remove Ransomware 3301 and Restore Encrypted Files
For the removal process of 3301 ransomware, we strongly suggest that you focus on creating a backup of your important files first. After this, you can proceed removing Ransomware 3301 from your computer by following the removal instructions below. They are specifically created to help you completely be rid of this virus by isolating it. However, if you want to be certain that Ransomware 3301 is removed completely, we strongly suggest that you perform the removal process with a ransomware-specific anti-malware software automatically. Doing so will also ensure that your PC stays protected in the future as well.
If you want to restore the files that have been encrypted by this virus, we strongly suggest that you try our alternative methods in step “2. Restore files encrypted by Ransomware 3301” below. They are not 100% effective, however they may help you recover at least a portion of your encrypted files. However, be advised to always try those methods on copies of your encrypted files, not the original ones and from a secure computer, for maximum safety.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Ransomware 3301 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Ransomware 3301 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 Ransomware 3301 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 Ransomware 3301 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 Ransomware 3301
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware 3301.
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 Ransomware 3301 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.
Ransomware 3301-FAQ
What is Ransomware 3301 Ransomware?
Ransomware 3301 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 Ransomware 3301 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 Ransomware 3301 Infect?
Via several ways.Ransomware 3301 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 Ransomware 3301 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 .Ransomware 3301 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Ransomware 3301 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 .Ransomware 3301 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Ransomware 3301" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Ransomware 3301 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 Ransomware 3301 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 Ransomware 3301 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Ransomware 3301 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 Ransomware 3301 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 Ransomware 3301 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Ransomware 3301 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 Ransomware 3301 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.