Esmeralda ransomware is believed to be a new variant of the Apocalypse cryptovirus. The new strain uses the same domain for an e-mail contact and encrypts files by placing the same extension. That extension is .encrypted and is placed on each locked file. The AES algorithm is used for the encryption process. To see how to remove the ransomware and how you can try to decrypt your files, carefully read the article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Esmeralda |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts your files and then displays a ransom note with demand instructions. |
| Symptoms | Your files will become encrypted and inaccessible. The .encrypted extension will be appended to all of them. |
| 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 Esmeralda. |
| 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. |
Esmeralda Ransomware – Infection
The Esmeralda ransomware can infiltrate your computer system in a number of ways. The payload file could be spreading through spam e-mails. Spam mail is made in such a way that is presented to you as something of crucial importance or like surprising news. The focus is put on the attachment, and while you don’t think about whether the letter is telling the truth or not, you open that attached file. Inside, the malicious content is released, and your computer machine is infected. The payload file in most cases is an executable or a Trojan horse, and you can see an example of such a file on the VirusTotal database:
Esmeralda ransomware could infect your device in other ways. For example, the malware creators could be delivering the files via social media networks and file-share websites. The malicious file might be hosted on one of these platforms with the goal of infecting more unsuspecting users. Refrain from opening unknown links and files from dubious sources. Do an initial scan with a security application and check their signature and size beforehand. You should read the ransomware prevention tips in the STF forum.
Esmeralda Ransomware – Information
A ransomware cryptovirus has been found a few days back, which goes by the name of Esmeralda. Malware researchers from Emsisoft believe that it is a variant of the Apocalypse ransomware.
It will encrypt your files and after that put the extension .encrypted to each of them. Instructions with demands will be written in a text file and also launched as a ransom message on your screen after the encryption process is finished.
When the Esmeralda ransomware executes its payload, it could create entries inside the Windows Registry for achieving persistence. Those registry entries are created to make the virus launch automatically with every boot of the Windows operating system. What follows is that your data becomes encrypted, and then the ransom note shows up on your desktop screen. The ransom message is contained inside a file named How_To_Decrypt.txt.
You can see the ransom message from the below screenshot:
The message reads the following:
Windows has encountered a critical problem and needs your immediate action to recover your data. The system access is locked and all the data have been encrypted to avoid the information be published or misused. You will not be able to access to your files and ignoring this message may cause the total loss of data. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
You need to contact the email below to restore the data of your system.
Email: esmeraldaencryption@mail.ru
You will have to order the Unlock-Password and the Esmeralda Decryption Software. All the
instructions will be sent to you by email.
No further instructions are given unless you contact the email address and write to the crooks. The ransom note is English and doesn’t appear to target specific users. The contact email is in Russian, and the instructions are to write to the provided e-mail. However, you should NOT, in any case, think of contacting the criminals or paying them. No one can guarantee you that by paying you will get your data restored. Adding to that the cybercriminals will probably invest the money in other ransomware viruses or more criminal activities.
The Esmeralda ransomware encrypts files while appending the .encrypted extension to them. The encryption process utilizes the AES encryption algorithm according to researchers. For now, this new variant of the Apocalypse ransomware does not seem decryptable.
The Esmeralda cryptovirus is very likely to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system via the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Read further to see what types of methods you can try to possibly restore some of your data.
Remove Esmeralda Ransomware and Restore .encrypted Files
If your computer got infected with the Esmeralda 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. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by Esmeralda.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Esmeralda with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Esmeralda 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 Esmeralda 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 Esmeralda 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 Esmeralda
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Esmeralda.
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 Esmeralda 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.
Esmeralda-FAQ
What is Esmeralda Ransomware?
Esmeralda 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 Esmeralda 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 Esmeralda Infect?
Via several ways.Esmeralda 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 Esmeralda 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 .Esmeralda files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Esmeralda 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 .Esmeralda files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Esmeralda" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Esmeralda 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 Esmeralda 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 Esmeralda ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Esmeralda 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 Esmeralda 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 Esmeralda Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Esmeralda 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 Esmeralda 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.