This article has been created with the main idea of helping you understand what is the .promorad ransomware, how you can remove it and how you can try and restore .promorad encrypted files.
Yet another variant of STOP/Djvu ransomware was recently discovered by security researcher Michael Gillespie(@demonslay335). The ransomware aims to encrypt the files on the computers, compromised by it and then set the file extension .promorad to the encrypted files. The ransomware also drops a note file, explaining to victims that they must pay ransom in order to get their files recovered back to normal and working once again. If your computer was recently infected by .promorad ransomware, we would strongly suggest that you read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | .promorad Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | It’s main goal is to encrypt the files on the compromised computers by it and then ask victims to pay ransom in order to retrieve them. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and have the .promorad file extension added. A ransom note file is dropped, called _readme.txt and it demands victims to pay hefty ransom to get the files to work again. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .promorad 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. |
NOTE! Update March 12, 2019
According to security researcher Michael Gillespie, the .promorad variant of STOP ransomware also downloads and [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/stop-ransomware-azorult-trojan-5-exe/”] executes a file known as 5.exe. Upon execution, the file creates network traffic which is very similar to the command and control server communications of the well-known AZORult Trojan stealer. This simply means that victims of .promorad file virus may also get infected with the AZORult Trojan, which is a dangerous spyware.
The Trojan is designed to steal various types of data such as account credentials, desktop files, cryptocurrency wallets, browser history, Skype message history, among others. Once harvested, the victim’s data in uploaded to a remote server. To remove both infections and all their associated files fully, the best option may be to use an anti-malware program.
.promorad Files Virus – Distribution
To successfully infect your computer, .promorad ransomware may come via different attack methods. The main attack method used by this virus is to spread the malicious files, belonging to it via e-mail. These e-mails may replicate infection files as e-mail attachments. These files may appear as if they are legitimate documents that are of utmost importance, like:
- Reports for closed accounts.
- Banking documents.
- Invoices for a purchase.
- Receipt for a purchase.
- Notification letters for a refund.
- Documents for cancelled order.
Once victims open those e-mails and download the attachments, the infection may occur once the fake document is opened.
Another strategy that may be used by the .promorad files virus to infect users is to get them to infect compromised computers via various different types of files that are uploaded on suspicious or compromised websites. These types of files often turn out to be:
- Fake setups of programs.
- Fake versions of portable software..
- Patches.
- Cracks.
- Updates.
- Key generators.
.promorad Ransomware – Activity Report
Once .promorad files ransomware has already infected your computer, the virus aims to create various different types of files that may be under different names and may be located in the commonly targeted folders of Windows:
In addition to the files dropped on the computers of victims, the .promorad ransomware also drops it’s ransom note file, called _readme.txt and the note has the following message to victims:
———————————————- ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED ———————————————–
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files documents, photos, databases and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees do we give to you?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information
Don’t try to use third-party decrypt tools because it will destroy your files.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours.
—————————————————————————————————————————
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
blower@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
blower@firemail.cc
Your personal ID:
[redacted 43 alphanumeric chars]
The .promorad files virus is part of the STOP/DJVU ransomware virus family and it has a lot of virus variants so far:
After dropping the ransom note and other files on victim computers, the .promorad variant of STOP ransomware may also create mutexes and use it’s administrator privileges to allegedly modify the following Windows Registry sub-keys:
→ 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
In those sub-keys, the .promorad file ransomware may drop several different value strings with data in them, whose main idea is to get the malicious file that is responsible for encryption to run automatically each time users boot Windows.
In addition to modifying the registry editor, the .promorad ransomware may also delete the shadow copies on the infected computer by execuing a script that deletes them via Windows Command Prompt. Among the commands executed in the script may be the following:
→ sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
.promorad Ransomware – Encryption
To encrypt the files on the compromised computer, .promorad ransomware virus may look for them by scanning for their file extensions, for example .docx, .jpg, .pdf, and other often used file types. The file types that may be targeted by this ransomware virus may be the following:
- Documents.
- Videos.
- Images.
- Archives.
- Virtual Drive files.
- Audio files.
- Other files, belonging to often-used programs.
After encryption, the STOP ransomware may set the .promorad file extension to the encrypted files, making them appear like the image below shows:
Remove .promorad Files Virus and Try Restoring Data
If you want to get rid of the .promorad ransomware, we suggest you to be careful, because any rushed actions may result in your files permanently breaking. This is why, we always recommend to either create a system image of Windows or do a fresh backup of your files, even if they are encrypted.
If you want to remove the .promorad file ransomware manually from your computer, we would recommend that you follow the removal instructions that are underneath this article. They have been created with the main idea in order to help you delete the virus files of this infection either by yourself or automatically. If the manual removal does not help you, we would suggest what most cyber-security experts advise and that is to download and install an advanced anti-malware software, whose main goal is to automatically scan your computer for malicious files and then make sure to remove all of the files and objects related to .promorad file ransomware.
If you want to try and restore files, encrypted by this ransomware virus, we would strongly suggest that you try the alternative methods for file recovery we have suggested below. They may not be a 100% solution to recover all your files, but with their aid, you might be able to retrieve at least some of your data.
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.
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Step 1: Scan for .promorad Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .promorad Ransomware 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 .promorad Ransomware 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 .promorad Ransomware 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 .promorad Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .promorad Ransomware.
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 .promorad Ransomware 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.
.promorad Ransomware-FAQ
What is .promorad Ransomware Ransomware?
.promorad Ransomware 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 .promorad Ransomware 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 .promorad Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways..promorad Ransomware 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 .promorad Ransomware 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 ..promorad Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..promorad Ransomware 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 ..promorad Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..promorad Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..promorad Ransomware 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 .promorad Ransomware 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 .promorad Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..promorad Ransomware 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 .promorad Ransomware 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 .promorad Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .promorad Ransomware 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 .promorad Ransomware 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.
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