Remove Apocalypse Ransomware and Decrypt .Encrypted Files

by Ventsislav Krastev | June 14, 2016 | 0 Comments Apocalypse Ransomware, Decrypt Files, file-encryption

New ransomware variant, whose name was chosen by its creators to be “Apocalypse” has emerged out into the open. The ransomware also known as a crypto-virus uses either RSA or AES cipher to encrypt the files of the computers it infects and runs on startup pretending to be a Windows Update process. Since this ransomware virus demands different ransom payoff ammount in BitCoin, users infected with it are strongly advised not to pay any. Instead it is recommended to follow the instructions here to remove Apocalypse and decrypt your data, using the Decryptor posted below.

Update! AVG researchers have released two decryptors for Apocalypse Ransomware – for the older version and the newer version of Apocalypse ransomware. Do not pay the ransom and decrypt your files for free by using the download links below:
Apocalypse Ransomware Decryptor Variant 1
Apocalypse Ransomware Decryptor Variant 2

Threat Summary

Name	Apocalypse
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts files with a strong cipher and asks a ransom payoff for decryption by contacting its e-mail.
Symptoms	Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a How_To_Decrypt.txt file.
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 Apocalypse 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.

Apocalypse Ransomware – Ways of Spreading

In order to be successfully redistributed out into the open, Apocalypse uses different techniques. One of those is posting malicious web links on various places througout the web. Such web links may be featured in spam e-mails resembling a big company, like a bank or PayPal.

Another method of spreading this ransomware may be via potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) which are also known to cause browser redirects.

Apocalypse crypto-virus may also be featured as a malicious e-mail attachment in spam message sent via e-mail.

Apocalypse Ransomware – Methods of Operation

Once activated on your computer, the dropper of the ransomware virus creates an executable in the following Windows directory:

C:\Program Files (x86)\windowsupdate.exe,/p>

After doing so, Apocalypse modifies the registry entry of the infected computer so that this executable runs when you start your Windows OS. This is possible by adding values in the following registry key:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Windows Update Svc C:\Program Files (x86)\windowsupdate.exe

On system startup, the ransomware may run as a Windows Update service and block the user, explaining to him that the files are encrypted. It may also run in an obfuscated manner to avoid detection by anti Anti-Virus programs.

To encrypt the files, the Apocalypse ransomware uses an exclusion list. Basically, it encodes every single file of the infected computer except files with the following file extensions:

.encrypted, .dat, .bat, .bin, .ini, .tmp, .lnk, .com, .msi, .sys, .dll, .exe

After enciphering the data, Apocalypse ransomware adds the .encrypted extension to the files, for example:

Picture.jpg.enrypted.How_To_Decrypt.txt

The ransomware also drives users to open the “How_To_Decrypt.txt” file which states the following ransom note:

IF YOU ARE READING THIS MESSAGE, ALL THE FILES IN THIS COMPUTER HAVE BEEN CRYPTED!!!
documents,pictures,videos,audio,backups,etc
IF YOU WANT TO RECOVER YOUR DATA, CONTACT THE EMAIL BELOW
EMAIL: decryptionservice@mail.ru
WE WILL PROVIDE DECRYPTION SOFTWARE TO RECOVER YOUR FILES.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IF YOU DONT CONTACT BEFORE 72 HOURS, ALL DATA WILL BE LOST FOREVER”

After the encryption process has finished, the ransomware locks the user out of his computer and the only way to access the system again is in Safe Mode.

Remove Apocalypse Ransomware and Decrypt Your Files

To fully erase this ransomware from your computer, we strongly advise following our instructions below. In addition to that experts also recommend removing its malicious files and objects using an advanced-anti-malware tool for maximum effectiveness.

To decrypt your files it is advisable to download EmsiSoft`s decrypter for Apocalypse Ransomware below:

EmsiSoft Decrypter for Apocalypse Ransomware

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 Apocalypse from Windows.

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

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 Apocalypse 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 Apocalypse 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 Apocalypse 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 Apocalypse 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

Get rid of Apocalypse from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Apocalypse 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 Apocalypse:

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 Apocalypse. 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 Apocalypse. 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 Apocalypse 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 Apocalypse. 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 malware from your Mac

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

Download

Combo Cleaner

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Remove Apocalypse 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

Erase Apocalypse 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

Uninstall Apocalypse 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

Remove Apocalypse 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 Apocalypse 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

Eliminate Apocalypse 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.

Threat Summary

Apocalypse Ransomware – Ways of Spreading

Apocalypse Ransomware – Methods of Operation

Remove Apocalypse Ransomware and Decrypt Your Files

Ventsislav Krastev

How to Remove Apocalypse from Windows.

Get rid of Apocalypse from Mac OS X.

Remove Apocalypse from Google Chrome.

Erase Apocalypse from Mozilla Firefox.

Uninstall Apocalypse from Microsoft Edge.

Remove Apocalypse from Safari.

Eliminate Apocalypse from Internet Explorer.

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