This article will aid you in removing the Alphabet ransomware totally. Follow the ransomware removal instructions given at the end of the article.
Alphabet ransomware is a cryptovirus that also has the function of a lockscreen. At first, the ransomware is presented as an update for Window 10. An older version of the virus contained the code to unlock the screen, but newer ones do not and encrypt your files as well. After your files become encrypted, the Alphabet cryptovirus displays a ransom message with a lockscreen containing demands for purchasing a decryption key. Keep reading to see in what ways you could try to restore some of your data.
Threat Summary
| Name | Alphabet |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer and displays a ransom message afterward. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and put a lockscreen on your desktop preventing you from using it. It is masked as a Windows 10 update. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Alphabet. |
| 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. |
Alphabet Ransomware – Delivery Tactics
Alphabet ransomware could be delivered via different tactics. First of all, the NET Framework 4.5.2 service might be required for the payload file of the virus to be able to run. The payload file that initiates the malicious script for the ransomware is built in a clever way. Clever, because when executed, the ransomware is presented as an update for Window 10 as you can see from the picture right here:
Alphabet ransomware might also be delivering that payload file on social media sites and file-sharing networks. Freeware programs found on the Web might be promoted as useful but also could be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Don’t open files right after you have downloaded them, especially if they come from dubious sources, links or e-mails. Better yet, you should first scan them with a security tool. Moreover, you should check the size and signatures for each of these files for anything that seems out of place. You might want to read the ransomware preventing tips thread in the forum section of our site.
Alphabet Ransomware – In-Depth Analysis
Alphabet ransomware a cryptovirus with a lockscreen function and it seems that is still in development. However, that doesn’t stop it from being active, encrypting users’ files and also using that lockscreen’s option to its full extent.
Alphabet ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence. Those registry entries are usually designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System.
The ransom note will appear right after the encryption process is done. The note states what the demands of the cybercriminals are for decrypting your files. You can check out the ransom note from the screenshot below:
That ransom note reads the following:
Your computer has been struck by the Alphabet Ransomware. All your documents are encrypted with the strongest encryption algorithms.
There is no way to decrypt your files without purchasing a special decryption key and typing it here.
If you will kill this application, the decryption key will be destroyed aswell
and NO ONE will be able to decrypt your files.Decryption code:
Decrypt
.
Your files were encrypted on 13:55:00
In case you got an older version, you will have it in red, and instead the phrase “Your files were encrypted on”, you will get another one as ending of the ransom note:
That part of the note contains the code with which you can remove the screenlocker and states the following:
Since this is a debug version, here is your key … :/
MjA0OCE8UlNBS2V5VmFsdV
The cybercriminals who are behind the Alphabet virus have laid out their demands in the ransom message. However, you should NOT contact them under any circumstance or pay them. There is no guarantee that your files will get recovered, and nobody could give you that guarantee. Also, giving money to those crooks will likely just support them financially and probably give them a bigger motivation to further develop their ransomware or do more criminal acts.
Currently, there is no list with file extensions that the Alphabet ransomware seeks to encrypt. The article will be updated if there is anything new in that regard or a new version of the ransomware is found that reveals more details.
The Alphabet cryptovirus probably also seeks to delete the Shadow Copies from the Windows operating system with using the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Continue reading and find out what methods you can try out to restore some of your files.
Remove Alphabet Ransomware and Restore Your Files
If your computer got infected with the Alphabet ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Alphabet with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Alphabet 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 Alphabet 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 Alphabet 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 Alphabet
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Alphabet.
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 Alphabet 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.
Alphabet-FAQ
What is Alphabet Ransomware?
Alphabet 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 Alphabet 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 Alphabet Infect?
Via several ways.Alphabet 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 Alphabet 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 .Alphabet files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Alphabet 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 .Alphabet files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Alphabet" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Alphabet 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 Alphabet 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 Alphabet ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Alphabet 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 Alphabet 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 Alphabet Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Alphabet 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 Alphabet 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.