Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Alpha and other threats.
Threats such as Alpha may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Unlike other ransomware variants, this particular crypto-malware has an entirely different approach when it begins to extort users. Named Alpha ransomware by researchers, it drops a ransom note in every encrypted folder and demands 400 US dollars to be directly sent out to the cyber crooks in the form of an iTunes gift card. This genius way of thinking saves the cybercriminals time, makes the payment easier while anonymizing them. All users who have been affected should bear in mind that there is a relevant decryption method, due to a flaw in the code of Alpha ransomware and not pay the ransom money.
Threat Summary
Name
Alpha
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
The ransomware encrypts files with a strong cipher and asks a 400$ ransom money as iTunes gift card for decryption.
Symptoms
Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a .txt file.
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.
Alpha Ransomware – How Does It Infect
To successfully infect unsuspecting Windows users, the ransomware may use different methods to be widespread. The most common methods used by cyber-crooks to widespread ransomware may be divided into two types:
Directly distributing the malicious payload in a raw or an archived format.
Distributing the malicious executable via malicious JavaScript and exploit kits featured in malicious URLs.
In case the payload is directly distributed, you may encounter it in websites that pretend to provide a free program, wallpaper, emoticons and others, and such shady websites may trick you into downloading the malware onto your computer.
The other method of distribution Alpha ransomware may use is via malicious email web links. Such URLs may be featured in social media spam, emails or referral spam, such as Snip(.)tw referral traffic, for example.
There is also the likelihood of the Ransomware being dropped by other malware that has previously infected the victim PC. One example for this is Win32/TrojanDropper.Agent.RFT.
Alpha Ransomware In Detail
Once executed on the computer, the ransomware is reported by Symantec researchers and affected user to drop three files in different folders, which are a picture, later set as a wallpaper, the ransom note, and the “encryptor” module. The files may be as follows:
→ In %Desktop%: Read Me (How Decrypt) !!!!.txt In %Application Data%: svchost.exe In the user’s profile directory: newstyle.jpg
The “svchost.exe” is a classic evasive maneuver by Alpha ransomware, making the process appear as if it is the original Windows svchost process. This may be the module which encrypts the user’s files, because it is being set as a process to run on Windows start up. This is done by adding values in the following registry subkey:
The values added may contain the directory of where the fake “svchost” process is located, for example:
→ %SystemDrive%\Documents and Settings\{User’s Profile}\Application Data\Windows\svchost.exe
Furthermore, the Alpha ransomware may also modify other registry keys to disable certain processes or even access to Windows Task Manager. This is particularly cunning because, the user is helpless to stop manually the encryption process, even if he/she catches the ransomware while encrypting, which is very unlikely because such process is very fast.
Alpha Ransomware – File Encryption
The ransomware may begin scanning for and encrypting files with the following file extensions:
After encrypting the files, the Trojan may generate custom decryption keys, which may suggest to the usage of RSA encryption algorithm. The encryption keys are sent out to a foreign host which is the command and control center of the cyber-crooks. The domain extensions may differ, for example .biz, .info, etc.
The ransomware also drops a Read Me (How Decrypt) !!!!.txt document, which has the ransom message, written apologetically:
→ “Greetings, We’d like to apologize for the inconveniences, however, your computer has been locked. In order to unlock it, you have to complete the following steps: 1. Buy iTunes Gift Cards for a total amount of $400.00 2. Send the gift codes to the indicated e-mail address 3. Receive a code and a file that will unlock your computer. Please note:, – The nominal amount of the particular gift card doesn’t matter, yet the total amount have to be as listed above. – You can buy the iTunes Gift Cards online or in any shop. The codes must be correct, otherwise, you won’t receive anything. – After receiving the code and the security file, your computer will be unlocked and will never be locked again. Sorry for the inconveniences caused.”
Not only this, but the wallpaper of the user is also changed to a well-designed gray wallpaper, that has the scary word encrypted on it.
Remove Alpha Ransomware and Restore the Encrypted Files
If you wish to remove the ransomware, make sure to back up the encrypted data first, so that you may try and restore it later. We recommend you NOT to reinstall Windows, and instead to use the tutorial below to locate the malicious executables, remove them and clean up your Windows Registry Editor.
Regarding the file restoration, fortunately, you have luck, because a decryptor, called “Alpha Decrypter” has been discovered. For more information, you can check step 3 – “Restore files encrypted by Alpha” in the instructions below. Either way, we advise you NOT to pay the ransom money because you assist the cyber-criminals, and you may decrypt your data for free.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Alpha and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Alpha. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove Alpha follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Alpha files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by Alpha on your PC
Find files created by Alpha
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Alpha with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Alpha and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Alpha. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Alpha
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Alpha
Ransomware infections and Alpha aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
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. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Unlike other ransomware variants, this particular crypto-malware has an entirely different approach when it begins to extort users. Named Alpha ransomware by researchers, it drops a ransom note in every encrypted folder and demands 400 US dollars to be directly sent out to the cyber crooks in the form of an iTunes gift card. This genius way of thinking saves the cybercriminals time, makes the payment easier while anonymizing them. All users who have been affected should bear in mind that there is a relevant decryption method, due to a flaw in the code of Alpha ransomware and not pay the ransom money.
“Greetings,
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Alpha and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
