Alpha Crypt is a recently released piece of ransomware that is a variation of the TeslaCrypt ransomware. As other threat from the same nature, Alpha Crypt encrypts certain types of files on the compromised machine and demands a payment in Bitcoins in order to restore the damaged data. Experts remind that the only safe way to protect your sensitive information from ransomware attacks is to backup your important documents on a regular basis.
Name | Alpha Crypt |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The malware encrypts user data and demands ransom money for their decryption. |
Symptoms | Users may witness their files encrypted with the .ecc, .ezz and other file extensions. |
Distribution Method | Via Trojans and exploit kits featured in malicious links and malicious e-mail attachments. |
Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
User Experience | Join our forum to discuss Alpha Crypt. |
Alpha Crypt’s Distribution
Experts report that the Alpha Crypt ransomware is distributed via the Angler Exploit Kit (EK). Files containing the EK and deliver the Alpha Crypt ransomware can be discovered in malicious online advertisements, prohibited torrent files or on web pages hosting malware. Alpha Crypt’s typical distribution method is through malicious attachments to spam email messages.
How Does Alpha Crypt Operate?
Once Alpha Cryptinfects a system, the ransomware connects to the C&C server, sending the user’s unique identifier along with the campaign ID. As soon as the information is received, the Command and Control server sends back a variety of ransom files, notes and instructions on how to decrypt data. The latter can be found in text files titled HELP_TO_SAVE_FILES.txt and RECOVERY_FILE.txt.
The threat then starts scanning the hard drives of the affected PC for certain files and then creates a %AppData%\key.dat file, where the encrypted data and the information about the encryption key are stored.
This particular piece of ransomware targets mainly personal files with the following extensions:
→ .sql, .mp4, .7z, .rar, .m4a, .wma, .avi, .wmv, .csv, .d3dbsp, .zip, .sie, .sum, .ibank, .t13, .t12, .qdf, .gdb, .kdc, .dcr, .cr2, .crw, .bay, .sr2, .srf, .arw, .3fr, .dng, .jpe, .jpg, .cdr, .indd, .ai, .eps, .pdf, .pdd, .psd, .dbf, .tax, .pkpass, .bc6, .bc7, .bkp, .qic, .bkf, .sidn, .sidd, .mddata, .itl, .itdb, .icxs, .hvpl, .hplg, .hkdb, .bar, .upk, .das, .iwi, .litemod, .asset, .forge, .ltx, .bsa, .apk, .re4, .sav, .lbf, .slm, .bik, .epk, .rgss3a, .pak, .big, wallet, .wotreplay, .xxx, .desc, .py, .m3u, .flv, .js, .css, .rb, .png, .jpeg, .txt, .p7c, .p7b, .p12, .mdbackup, .syncdb, .gho, .cas, .svg, .map, .wmo, .itm, .sb, .fos, .mov, .vdf, .ztmp, .sis, .sid, .ncf, .menu, .layout, .dmp, .blob, .esm, .vcf, .vtf, .dazip, .fpk, .mlx, .kf, .iwd, .vpk, .tor, .psk, .rim, .w3x, .fsh, .ntl, .arch00, .lvl, .snx, .cfr, .ff, .vpp_pc, .lrf, .m2, .mcmeta, .vfs0, .mpqge, .kdb, .db0, .dba, .rofl, .hkx, .pak, .big, wallet, .wotreplay, .xxx, .desc, .py, .m3u, .flv, .js, .css, .rb, .png, .jpeg, .txt, .p7c, .p7b, .p12, .pfx, .pem, .crt, .cer, .der, .x3f, .srw, .pef, .ptx, .r3d, .rw2, .rwl, .raw, .raf, .orf, .nrw, .mrwref, .mef, .erf, .mdf, .wb2, .rtf, .wpd, .dxg, .xf, .dwg, .pst, .accdb, .mdb, .pptm, .pptx, .ppt, .xlk, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xls, .wps, .docm, .docx, .doc, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt
As soon as Alpha Crypt encrypts a file a .ezz extension is added to it. This is one of the differences between Alpha Crypt and TeslaCrypt. In the TeslaCrypt encryption process, the file gets a .ecc extension.
Alpha Crypt may delete the Shadow Volume Copies in order to prevent the victims from restoring their files.
The Ransom Message
The moment Alpha Crypt is done with the file encryption, it switches the wallpaper on the user’s desktop with the %Desktop%\HELP_TO_SAVE_FILES.bmp ransom file. The Alpha Crypt program containing the detailed payment data, the ransom notes and links will also be opened.
Here is an example of Alpha Crypts’s ransom note:
Remove Alpha Crypt and Restore the Encrypted Files
To remove Alpha Crypt from your computer, you are recommended to install a reputable anti-malware software and run a scan in Safe Mode without any networking. It is recommended to use an offline installer which will enable you to install the app while offline before booting in Safe Mode, tutorial for which has been written below.
Restore Files Encrypted by Alpha Crypt
Security engineers strongly advise users NOT to pay the ransom money and attempt restoring the files using other methods. Here are several suggestions:
To restore your data, your first bet is to check again for shadow copies in Windows using this software:
If this method does not work, Kaspersky have provided a decryptors for files encrypted with the RSA and other encryption algorithms:
Another method of restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some examples of data recovery programs:
EaseUS Data Recovery
Recuva
R-Studio
Photorec
There is also the technical option to use a network sniffer:
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key.
For further information you may check the following articles:
Remove RSA-2048 Key From Crypto Ransomware
Restore Files Encrypted via RSA Encryption
Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
How to Remove Alpha Crypt from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Alpha Crypt





Step 2: Uninstall Alpha Crypt and related software 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 Alpha Crypt 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 Alpha Crypt 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: Scan for Alpha Crypt with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Alpha Crypt.
Ransomware infections and Alpha Crypt 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Alpha Crypt from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Alpha Crypt and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Alpha Crypt via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Alpha Crypt.
Ransomware infections and Alpha Crypt 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Alpha Crypt FAQ
What is Alpha Crypt ransomware and how does it work?
Alpha Crypt 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 algorithm how 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.
How does Alpha Crypt ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Alpha Crypt Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of Alpha Crypt 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 .Alpha Crypt files?
You can't. At this point the .Alpha Crypt files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Alpha Crypt files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Alpha Crypt ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".Alpha Crypt" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Alpha Crypt files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of Alpha Crypt ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Alpha Crypt ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Alpha Crypt files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Alpha Crypt ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.