Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Outsider (.protected Files Virus) and other threats.
Threats such as Outsider (.protected Files Virus) may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
This article will aid you to remove .protected Files virus. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
Outsider Ransomware, also known as .protected Files Virus will encrypt your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will receive the .protected extension as a secondary one, without any changes made to the original name of an encrypted file. The .protected Files Virus will leave ransomware instructions inside a text file. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
Name
Outsider (.protected Files Virus)
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .protected extension on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them.
Symptoms
The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by Outsider (.protected Files Virus)
Join Our Forum to Discuss Outsider (.protected Files 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.
.protected Files Virus (Outsider) – Distribution
The .protected Files ransomware might distribute itself via different tactics. A payload dropper which initiates the malicious script for this ransomware is being spread around the World Wide Web, and researchers have gotten their hands on a malware sample. If that file lands on your computer system and you somehow execute it – your computer device will become infected. Below, you can see the payload file of the cryptovirus being detected by the VirusTotal service:
Freeware which is found on the Web can be presented as helpful also be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Refrain from opening files right after you have downloaded them. You should first scan them with a security tool, while also checking their size and signatures for anything that seems out of the ordinary. You should read the tips for preventing ransomware located at the corresponding forum thread.
.protected Files Virus (Outsider) – In Detail
.protected Files Virus is actually ransomware, so it encrypts your files and opens a ransom note, with instructions inside it, about the compromised computer machine. The extortionists want you to pay a ransom fee for the alleged restoration of your data. The extension given to encrypted files by Outsider ransomware reminds of the
Computer systems have been infected with a virus that tries to imitate the CryptoWall 3.0 ransomware. The virus is also a ransomware type as it locks files and leaves a ransom message demanding 0.5 BitCoins to be paid for a...Read more
Protected Ransomware (.protected files), which is a Cryptowall 3 ransomware copycat and quite old. However, it is not excluded for those two threats to be related in some way.
.protected Files Virus might make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, and could launch or repress processes in a Windows environment. Such entries are typically designed in a way to start the virus automatically with each boot of the Windows Operating System.
After encryption the .protected Files virus creates a ransom note inside a text file. The note is named HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt as you can see from the below screenshot:
The note reads the following:
! SYSTEM SECURITY ALERT ! —————————————————————————– Your SERVER was tried to be attacked by an outsider. Immediatly change your password, use a minimum of 8 characters in length. —————————————————————————–
All your personal files was encrypted with RSA public key (1024 bit) to SAVE them from a third party persons. Now they are ENCRYPTED and SAFE!
To RESTORE all your files back immediatly, follow this few simple steps:
1) Our SECURE-SERVER service charge a payment for file decryption and preventing damage of your SERVER by 3th party persons; 2) After your SUCCESSFUL payment, write us an E-MAIL with your unique SERVER-ID and Payment ID; 3) Receive an DECRYPTION TOOL from us back to your E-MAIL; 4) Run the tool on your SERVER and safe-decrypt all your files back to NORMAL state.
We STRONGLY RECOMMEND you NOT to use any other decryption tool, files will be LOST! Only our DECRYPTION TOOL can turn back your files.
We guarantee:
100% Successful restoring all of your files 100% Satisfaction guarantee 100% Safe and secure service
As a proof, you can send us 1 file and we will DECRYPT it for free and send it back to you. ——————————————————————————
Our E-MAIL: [email protected] Payment type: Bitcoin Summ: $900 Our wallet: 1CfMU2eKnajfpnYvLbWR3m7jZRXujtx8Cm Your SERVER-ID: [Redacted]
—————————————————————————— For any questions, write us: [email protected] MEMEWARE SECURE-SERVER SYSTEMS (c) 2018
Even if a note is shown, you should NOT under any circumstances pay any ransom sum. Your files may not get recovered, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that. Adding to that, giving money to cybercriminals will most likely motivate them to create more ransomware viruses or commit different criminal activities. That may even result to you getting your files encrypted all over again after payment.
.protected Files Virus (Outsider) – Encryption Process
The encryption process of the .protected Files ransomware rather simple – every file that gets encrypted will become simply unusable. Files will get the .protected extension after being locked. The extension is placed as a secondary one, without any changes made to the original name of an encrypted file.
A list with the known, targeted extensions of files which are sought to get encrypted is currently very small. Files which get encrypted have the following extensions:
→ .doc, .docx, .jpg, .jpeg, .xls, .xlsx, .pdf
The files used most by users and which are probably encrypted are from the following categories:
Audio files
Video files
Document files
Image files
Backup files
Banking credentials, etc
The .protected Files cryptovirus could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
In case the above-stated command is executed that will make the effects of the encryption process more efficient. That is due to the fact that the command eliminates one of the prominent ways to restore your data. If a computer device was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially restore some files back to their normal state.
Remove .protected Files Virus (Outsider)
If your computer system got infected with the .protected Files ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Outsider (.protected Files Virus) and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Outsider (.protected Files Virus). 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.
To remove Outsider (.protected Files Virus) follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Outsider (.protected Files Virus) files and objects
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
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 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: Тhe 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 up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by Outsider (.protected Files Virus) on your PC
Find files created by Outsider (.protected Files Virus)
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Outsider (.protected Files Virus) with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Outsider (.protected Files Virus) and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Outsider (.protected Files Virus). Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
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.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Outsider (.protected Files Virus)
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Outsider (.protected Files Virus)
Ransomware infections and Outsider (.protected Files Virus) aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Outsider (.protected Files Virus) and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
