Remove AnonPop Fake Ransom Virus and Restore Deleted Files

by Ventsislav Krastev | June 28, 2016 | 0 Comments

Threat Summary AnonPop Fake Ransomware Virus – Spread AnonPop Fake Ransomware – In Depth Analysis AnonPop Fake Ransomware – Conclusion, Remove It and Restore Deleted Files

A devastating virus has appeared on the malware radar, known as AnonPop has been deleting files of infected computers, reports indicate. The virus has been reported to infect users via several different techniques. The worst part is that the sinister individuals behind this twisted cyber threat do not encrypt your files, and they delete them instead. This is particularly frustrating. However, researchers report that there are several methods to restore the files using special software. For more information on how to delete this ransomware yourself and restore the deleted files, make sure to go through this article to find out.

Threat Summary

Name	AnonPop
Type	Fake ransomware. Lockscreen.
Short Description	AnonPop immediately deletes files of all drives and folders possible and leaves a fake ransom note asking the user to pay and lying to him/her that the files are encrypted.
Symptoms	Files are deleted and a fake ransom note is set as what appears to be a screensaver, locking the user out of the computer.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join our forum to Discuss Locky 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.

AnonPop Fake Ransomware Virus – Spread

To effectively infect users on a massive scale, the AnonPop ransomware may be spread via massive spam campaigns which can distribute it either via malicious URLs or malicious files, both of which may be posted in spam messages all over the web:

Referral spam on blogs.
Forums.
Social media spam.
Spam e-mail messages with malicious URLs or attachments.

Such attachments may turn to be dangerous because a malicious macro, an Exploit Kit or even a malicious JavaScript attack may be used to infect unsuspecting users.

AnonPop Fake Ransomware – In Depth Analysis

As soon as it has infected the computer of the user, AnonPop immediately deletes every file with the exceptions of files that belong to Windows so that it does not break it. The virus looks in the following folders for files and erases them:

%Documents%, %Downloads%, %Pictures%, %Music%, %Videos%, %Contacts%, %Favorites%, %Searches%, Google’s Folders, Windows Defender’s Folders, Mozilla Firefox’s Folders, Internet Explorer’s Folders, %AppData%\Local\Temp\, %Desktop%
D:\ ,E:\ ,F:\ ,H:\ ,G:\ ,I:

In addition to this nightmare, the AnonPop Virus not only deletes the files but also locks the screen of the infected computer, setting an Anonymous-themed wallpaper which lies to the user that his files are encrypted:

The lock screen locks the user out of his computer by staying over the desktop. This strongly suggests that the registry keys for the ScreenSaver of the infected machine have been infected. This immediately points out to the following keys and values being affected:

In the key:
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop
The values:
ScreenSaveActive
SCRNSAVE.EXE
ScreenSaveTimeOut
ScreenSaverIsSecure

The AnonPop ransomware also can shut down your computer after displaying a similar pop-up message with the following text:

AnonPop Fake Ransomware – Conclusion, Remove It and Restore Deleted Files

It is so far unclear what kind of sick individuals are behind this ransomware and go around and delete users’ files left and right. The good news is that they did not use unconventional methods to erase the files from the sectors of the Hard Drive of the infected computers. This is why we have suggested a solution below, but for it to work you must do two things:

1. Remove the ransomware using either the manual(if you know where its files and registries are) or automatic instructions which are illustrated after this article. They will help you deal with it without reinstalling Windows and formatting your drive which is what we are aiming at for this method do work. For maximum effectiveness, experts advise scanning in safe mode with an anti-malware scanner which will automatically take care of AnonPop fake ransomware.

2.Do not reinstall Windows and do not format your hard drive.

3.1 Check your computer for enabled “File History,” any backup or Shadow Volume Copies. This will help you to immediately get all your files back if you have it enabled. To restore your data, your first bet is to check again for shadow copies in Windows using this software:

Shadow Explorer

3.2 Download Data Recovery Software – we have suggested few data recovery programs which you can download and use. They will automatically scan the sectors of your hard drive and recover what can be recovered. Bear in mind that you may not recover 100% of your files, but there is a high possibility that you may get most of your files back especially if this has happened very soon to you and you haven’t reformatted the memory of your drive.

Here are some of our suggestions for data recovery software:

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.

How to Remove AnonPop from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove AnonPop

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

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall AnonPop 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by AnonPop 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 AnonPop there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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 AnonPop with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. 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.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of AnonPop from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall AnonPop and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to AnonPop:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to AnonPop. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to AnonPop. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 AnonPop 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as AnonPop. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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 2: Scan for and remove AnonPop files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as AnonPop, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for AnonPop:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove AnonPop from Google Chrome.

Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase AnonPop from Mozilla Firefox.

Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall AnonPop from Microsoft Edge.

Step 1: Start Edge browser.

Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove AnonPop from Safari.

Step 1: Start the Safari app.

Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the AnonPop will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate AnonPop from Internet Explorer.

Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.

Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.