The Crypt888 ransomware cryptovirus is back and has a new variant called “Aviso”. The new variant targets users from Brazil, hence the ransom note is written in Portuguese. Aviso means “Warning” in Portuguese. The ransom note starts with that word in capital letters, placed on top, so it looks like a name. Thus, malware researchers have dubbed it this way.
The virus will encrypt files on a compromised computer and add a prefix to the encrypted files contrary to most ransomware viruses, which append extensions. To see how to remove the virus and how you can decrypt your locked files, read the article in full.
Threat Summary
| Name | Aviso Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The virus is also known as Crypt888 and Mircop. It demands a ransom as payment for decrypting locked files. Different variants target specific countries. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware puts the prefix “Lock” in the file name of each encrypted file |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, .Zip archives |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Aviso Virus. |
| 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. |
Aviso Ransomware – Infection Spread
The Aviso virus is targeted mainly at users from Brazil. That does not exclude the possibility for this ransomware to hit other countries. One of the main methods for spreading the infection relies on social engineering tactics and the targeted audience to speak Portuguese. A file called ENDESA_FACTURA.ZIP contains the payload file. Spam email campaigns usually spread that .zip archive as an attachment. The email will try to convince you that it is urgent for you to have a look in the attached document (called an invoice). Opening the file releases the virus, and your PC becomes infected.
The ransomware creators could be spreading the payload file not only with targeted attacks but through file-sharing networks and social media platforms as well. Do not open any executables or archives, especially if you received them in a suspicious email with an unknown origin. Always scan these types of files with security software and check them for their signatures and size beforehand. You should take a closer look at the ransomware preventing tips from our forum thread.
Aviso Ransomware – In-Depth Analysis
Malware researchers have discovered a new variant of the Crypt888 ransomware and have dubbed it “Aviso”. The latest version of the virus is primarily targeting Brazilian users and speakers of the Portuguese language. Among these victims, the new variant is most effective as its ransom note is written in Portuguese. You can look at the ransom note and why researchers gave the name Aviso to this threat, from the picture below:
The text in Portuguese reads:
Olá Sr(a),
TODOS os seus arqurvos foram BLOQUEADOS e esse bloqueio somente ser á DESBLOQUEAdo caso pague o valor de RS 2000.00 (Dois Mil Reais) em Bitcoons Após o pagamento desse valor, basta me enviar um pnnt para o email_
infomacaonh@gmail.com
que estarei lhe enviando o programa com a senha para descryptografar/desbloquear o seus arquivos.
Caso o pagamento nao seja efetuado, todos os seus dados serao bloqueados
permanentemente e o seu computador será totalmente formatado
(Perdendo assim, todas as informa ções s contidas nele, incluindo senhas de email, bancarias…) O pagamento deverá ser efetuado nesse endereco de Bitcoin
This message is shown after the encryption of your files. The word “Aviso” translates into English as “Warning”. From the message it is also understood that you must pay 2000 Brazilian Reals to a Bitcoin address. That money amounts to 633 US dollars or exactly 1 Bitcoin according to today’s exchange rates. The email address infomacaonh@gmail.com is given as a contact.
The Crypt888 cryptovirus first variant is known as Mircop ransomware and demanded the shocking sum of 48 Bitcoins. There are two more desktop backgrounds that are used by Crypt888 which come with the current variant, but they probably target other countries more than Brazil. You can see them below:
and this one
Image Source: avg.com
After executing its payload the Aviso variant of the ransomware could set new values in the Windows Registry for making itself more sustainable. Those values are put in entries of the registry and their aim is to make the virus start automatically with every boot of the Windows operating system. Next, the virus will encrypt files and show its ransom message demanding payment. A threat is put in the message stating that unless you pay your data will get formatted.
In any circumstance, you shouldn’t be thinking of paying these cybercriminals because paying them is not a solution. The extortionists will use that financial support for a new ransomware project and encrypt files again, maybe reaching more people. Researchers from AVG have a working decryptor utility for Crypt888 and they are positive that it works with Aviso. You can read more about it and decrypt files encrypted by Crypt888 ransomware from the corresponding article on our blog.
The Aviso variant of the virus encrypts nearly 100 file types, judging by the following list with different extensions:
→.3gp, .7z, .apk, .avi, .bmp, .cdr, .cer, .chm, .conf, .css, .csv, .dat, .db, .dbf, .djvu, .dbx, .docm, ,doc, .epub, .docx .fb2, .flv, .gif, .gz, .iso, .ibooks,.jpeg, .jpg, .key, .mdb, .md2, .mdf, .mht, .mobi, .mhtm, .mkv, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpg, .mpeg, .pict, .pdf, .pps, .pkg, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .ppsx, .psd, .rar, .rtf, .scr, .swf, .sav, .tiff, .tif, .tbl, .torrent, .txt, .vsd, .wmv, .xls, .xlsx, .xps, .xml, .ckp, .zip, .java, .py, .asm, .c, .cpp, .cs, .js, .php, .dacpac, .rbw, .rb, .mrg, .dcx, .db3, .sql, .sqlite3, .sqlite, .sqlitedb, .psd, .psp, .pdb, .dxf, .dwg, .drw, .casb, .ccp, .cal, .cmx, .cr2
All encrypted files will have the prefix Lock put in front of them. For example, if a file named Document.docx is encrypted it will receive the name Lock.Document.docx. You can see that from the image on the right. The used encryption algorithm is unknown, but researchers have decrypted it.
The Aviso ransomware is very likely to delete the Shadow Volume Copies of the Windows operating system with the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Continue reading to see how to remove this malware and check out ways in which to decrypt your data if the AVG decryptor didn’t work for you or you need alternatives for future-proofing your backup strategy.
Remove Aviso Ransomware and Restore “Lock” Files
If your computer got infected with the Aviso ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. In case the decryptor from AVG doesn’t work, you can check out other ways to recover your data. For that, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by Aviso Virus.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Aviso Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Aviso Virus 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 Aviso Virus 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 Aviso Virus 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 Aviso Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Aviso Virus.
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 Aviso Virus 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.
Aviso Virus-FAQ
What is Aviso Virus Ransomware?
Aviso Virus 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 Aviso Virus 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 Aviso Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Aviso Virus 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 Aviso Virus 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 .Aviso Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Aviso Virus 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 .Aviso Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Aviso Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Aviso Virus 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 Aviso Virus 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 Aviso Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Aviso Virus 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 Aviso Virus 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 Aviso Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Aviso Virus 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 Aviso Virus 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.
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