Remove Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com Ransomware and Restore the Encrypted Files

by Ventsislav Krastev | December 4, 2015 | 0 Comments Chimera ransomware, file-encryption, Instructions, ransomware

A new ransomware reported with the domain weekendwarrior55(.)com redirecting to mail.ru has been reported to encrypt user files with random extensions. Users have increasingly begun complaining that the malicious program has corrupted their data. However, unlike other ransomware, this particular ransomware does not leave a ransom note and lets the victim contact the attacker by the email provided on the encrypted file as an extension or this backup email – cryfile@protonmail(.)com.

Name	Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com
Type	Ransomware Trojan
Short Description	The malicious threat infects users to encrypt their files and extort them with Bitcoins for the decryption.
Symptoms	The user`s files become corrupt with a Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com extension.
Distribution Method	Via PUPs, installed by bundling (Browser Hijackers) or by visiting a suspicious third-party site that is advertising it.
Detection Tool	Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
User Experience	Join our forum to discuss about the decryption of files encrypted by Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com Ransomware .

Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com Ransomware – How Does It Infect?

This ransomware has been reported on security forums to infect primarily Windows-based computers as well as server machines by email. What it does is it may attach a malicious attachment as a .zip or .rar or other archive formats containing the following file extensions:

→.doc, .docx, .pdf, .xls, .jpg, .bmp

What is more, these files may contain malicious code or have another file in combination to them that may be of the following file extension:

→.bat, .dll ,.tmp ,.exe

This is essentially the file that brings the payload on the victim`s computer.

Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com Ransomware – More About It

Once activated, these are the most common locations where Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com Ransomware may create its payload files that may be programmed to scan and encrypt data:

→%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
%User%
%temp%

One of the files reported by users on Bleeping Computer forums have detected a .tmp file that may be disguised as an executable in the following location:

→C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\99DB.tmp

Malware researchers believe that the malware may also create registry entries with values set to run the executable 99DB.tmp and other malicious files spread by this ransomware trojan on system startup. This may happen in the following Windows Registry entry:

→HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

After delivering its payload, the ransomware begins to scan for user files of different extensions. Users have reported the following types of files being encrypted by this devastating ransomware:

→.pdf, .csv, .xls, .jpg, .rtf, .doc

However, according to researchers the malware may also look for other file extensions to encrypt:

→.cer .crt .db .dbf .der .doc .docm .docx .groups .kwm .mdb .mdf .pem .pwm .rtf .safe .sql .txt .xlk .xlsb .xlsm .xlsx

After encryption, the encrypted file looks like the following:

→FILENAME.EXTENSION_id-RANDOMNUMBERS_id-1026927078_av666@weekendwarrior55.com

The specific detail that distinguishes @ type of ransomware that includes an email in the file extension is that they usually do not leave any ransom note after making files seem corrupt by encrypting them. The situation with Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com is basically the same. One affected user at Kaldata.com forums has even tried contacting the cyber criminals on the questionable e-mail address provided. The conversation is as follows:

→“Ме:
Hello,
My files has been crypted on Friday, 27.11.2015.
Please, send me a decryptor to unlock my files.
The hijacker:
Hi
If you wish to get all your files back, you need to pay 3 bitcoins.
Go to localbitcoins dot com, it’s probably the easiest way, open an account,
buy bitcoins and then ask me for the address to send the bitcoins to.
Me:
Hi,
My friend, I am from Bulgaria. 3 bitcoins are my salary for two months.
If you agree I can pay 0.1.
The hijacker:
2 btc “

It is highly recommended NOT to try to pay the ransom money that are being suggested by the cyber criminals because of two main reasons:

You fund the cybercriminals to spread their ransomware and improve it.
There are methods to restore the files.

Removing Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com Ransomware Fully From Your PC

To remove this ransomware and decrypt your files, you should copy the encrypted data on an external drive or upload it in the cloud. This is done just in case the ransomware is encoded to delete encrypted data or decryption keys if tampered with. Before following our instructions for restoring your files, you should try the step-by-step instructions after the article to remove all malicious files of the Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com Ransomware.

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com

1. Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.

2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.

For Windows XP, Vista, 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: Òhe 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 the Start Menu

Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.

Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.

Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.

Step 6: Click on Restart.

Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.

2. Remove Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com.

2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com.

Step 1:Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.

It is highly 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.

Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.

Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.

Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.

Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.

3. Remove Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

3. Remove Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com.

2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com associated files automatically.

Step 1: Download Malwarebytes by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.

Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.

Step 6: Review and click on ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.

Step 1: Launch MalwareBytes if you havent launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.

Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.

Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to detelete them permanently.

Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.

4. Remove Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com with STOPZilla AntiMalware

1. Install STOPZilla Anti Malware to scan for and remove Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com.

2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com associated files completely.

Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.

Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.

Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.

Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you havent launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.

Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.

5. Back up your data to secure it against infections and file encryptions by Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com in the future

5. Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future

Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com (For Windows Users) please follow these simple steps:

1. For Windows 7 and earlier

1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10

1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)

1-Click on Windows Start Menu

2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup

4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.

5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.

6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com.

1-Press Windows button + R

2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter

3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’

4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.

5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com.

1- Press Windows button + R keys.

2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.

3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.

5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com is on.

Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.

2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.

3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com should be restored.

Restoring Files Encrypted by Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com Ransomware

In order to restore your files encrypted by Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com ransomware successfully via volume shadow copies in Windows, please use the instructions below:

Method 1: Instructions to restore your files encrypted with Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com extension.

Method 2: Decrypt your files using Volume Shadow Copies in Windows

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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com

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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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.

Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com.

Ransomware infections and Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com:

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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com. 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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com. 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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com. 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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com FAQ

What is Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com ransomware and how does it work?

Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways.Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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 .Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com files?

You can't. At this point the .Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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 .Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

One way to restore files, encrypted by Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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 ".Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com" files (Other Methods)?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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 Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like Av666@weekendwarrior55(.)com 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.