Ransomware virus, called AiraCrop that has been reported to encrypt servers is the reason for several reports of users, primarily about encrypted servers. The virus uses the ._AiraCropEncrypted! file extension to encipher files and the algorithms RSA and AES are being used in combination to make data of those files inaccessible. After encryption, the virus leaves a ransom note that contains instructions on how to visit Tor-based web pages and follow further steps to pay a ransom fee and hopefully restore the encrypted files. Users infected by AiraCrop ransomware are strongly advised not to pay any ransom and read the information in this article to learn how to remove AiraCrop encrypted files.
Threat Summary
| Name |
AiraCrop |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness ransom notes all linking to a web page and a decryptor or an e-mail address. Changed file names and the file-extension ._AiraCropEncrypted! is added to the enciphered files. |
| Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
| 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 AiraCrop Ransomware. |
| 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. |
How Does AiraCrop Spread
To cause successful infection, AiraCrop ransomware uses several different methods that if combined ensure successful infection. These tools may be the following:
- Spam bots to spread the virus files.
- Malicious servers for command and control. (C2)
- Malicious obfuscators that aim to hide the payload and infection from security software.
- Evasive tools.
- Exploit kits or JavaScript files.
To successfully execute this the ones who spam AirCrop ransomware may undertake massive spam campaign either by themselves by sending messages one by one or by using special e-mail spammer bot. They might also use third-party services to spread the malware for payment or percentage. The malware may be disguised as a legitimate file in a phishing e-mail that resembles a document an image or anything that can fool the average user. However, the virus also infects servers which also suggest several other scenarios on how it may be spread, for example:
- Via social media.
- Via cloud services.
- Hands-on approach if the attack is targeted.
- Fake setup files.
- Malicious archived files.
AiraCrop Ransomware – More Information
Once AiraCrop has been installed on an infected computer or server the virus may immediately begin to modify it’s settings, setting it’s files to run and encrypt automatically on Windows Boot after it downloads them from a third-party host quietly.
After the encryption module of the AiraCrop threat has ran, it immediately gets down to business and begins to encrypt a variety of file types, primarily related to:
- Archives.
- Videos.
- Images.
- Audio files.
- Microsoft Office documents.
- Adobe Reader types of files.
The ransomware claims to use one of the strongest stables at this point ciphers which are believed to be AES-256 and RSA-2048 encryption algorithms to encrypt the files. One algorithm (AES) may be used to encrypt the files and then generate a unique decryption key. This decryption key can then be additionally encrypted with the other (RSA) cipher. Then the unique decryption key which is usually divided by public and private is copied and sent to the control servers of cyber-criminals who are behind AiraCrop ransomware. The files that are encoded are left to look like corrupt, and they can no longer be opened. The unique ._AiraCropEncrypted! file extension is added to them, for example:
After encryption, the AiraCrop virus leaves it’s distinctive ransom note, reported by victims on security forums to be the following:
→ “Encrypted Files!
All your files are encrypted. Using encryption AES256-bit and RSA-2048-bit.
Making it impossible to recover the files without the correct private key.
If you are interested in getting is key, and retrieve your files
visit one of the link and enter your key;
https://6kaqkavhpu5dln6x.onion.to/
https://6kaqkavhpu5dln6x.onion.link/
https://mvy3kbqc4adhosdy.onion.to/
https://mvy3kbqc4adhosdy.onion.link/
Alternative link:
https://6kaqkavhpu5dln6x.onion
https://mvy3kbqc4adhosdy.onion
To access the alternate link is mandatory to use the TOR browser available on the link
https://www.torproject.org/download/download
Key:
{UNIQUE DECRYPTION KEY}”
Remove AiraCrop Ransomware and Restore Your Files
The bottom line is that this virus may be a ransomware used in targeted attacks specifically for servers, but it may have several other variants used for users as well. This is why malware researchers strongly advise users to be very careful while removing the virus and to back up the encrypted files in case they do not want to pay the ransom. Paying the ransom is also not recommended primarily because it is no guarantee you will receive your files back and it is also not guarantee they will want more.
To remove the AiraCrop ransomware yourself it is strongly advisable to follow our removal instructions below. The virus can be removed manually if you have the experience, but we strongly advise you to do it automatically using an advanced anti-malware program that will allow for the complete removal of the ransomware and the detection of other malware and unwanted software as well.
If you are looking for methods on how to restore your files, we have posted several alternative solutions below which should help you restore at least some of the files. Bear in mind that the methods may work for some situations, but they may fail at others, so backup your files and hope for the best.
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.
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Step 1: Scan for AiraCrop with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall AiraCrop 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 AiraCrop 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 AiraCrop 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 AiraCrop
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by AiraCrop.
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 AiraCrop 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.
AiraCrop-FAQ
What is AiraCrop Ransomware?
AiraCrop 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 AiraCrop 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 AiraCrop Infect?
Via several ways.AiraCrop 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 AiraCrop 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 .AiraCrop files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .AiraCrop 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 .AiraCrop files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".AiraCrop" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .AiraCrop 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 AiraCrop 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 AiraCrop ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .AiraCrop 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 AiraCrop 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 AiraCrop Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this AiraCrop 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 AiraCrop 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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