In this article, you will find more information about Protomolecule ransomware as well as a step-by-step guide on how to remove malicious files from an infected system. The guide contains how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware as well.
Protomolecule Ransomware
The so-called Protomolecule ransomware is another threat that has been reported to infect computer operating systems with the primary goal to corrupt personal files. This data locker virus is identified to be a strain of the Scarab ransomware. Once Protomolecule manages to run its malicious files on a PC, it alters essential system settings and becomes able to encode valuable files without being detected by active security measures. Following encryption, corrupted files appear with completely changes names and remain inaccessible. Protomolecule ransomware is set to append the extension .protonmolecule@gmx.us to files it encrypts. At last, the ransomware drops a specific file that contains ransom demanding message. Paying hackers is highly inadvisable as there is no guarantee that they will act as promised. Check out more details about Protomolecule ransomware and find out how to remove it completely from the infected PC.
Protomolecule Ransomware Summary
| Name | Protomolecule |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that encodes valuable files with sophisticated cipher algorithm and demands a ransom fee for their decryption. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with .protonmolecule@gmx.us extension. Hackers attempt to blackmail you into paying a ransom for a decryption tool. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Infected Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Protomolecule 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. |
Protomolecule Virus (.protonmolecule@gmx.us Files)
Protomolecule ransomware is believed to be mainly spread via spam emails with malicious attachments. The ransomware payload may be injected into a website as well. The URL address of this website may be again presented in an email or shared on various social media channels. Cracks, keys, and various free programs may deliver nasty cryptovirus infections like Protomolecule as well.
A variety of common file types such as documents, PDFs, images, and archives could be attached to emails that are distributing Protomolecule ransomware payload. These files are often presented as:
- Invoices coming from reputable sites, like PayPal, eBay, etc.
- Documents from that appear to be sent from your bank.
- Online order confirmation notes.
- Receipts for purchases.
- Others.
As a strain of the vicious Scarab ransomware family, Protomolecule aims to scan system drives for target files and encode them by using strong encryption algorithm. The ransomware is lilely to corrupt:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
The encryption process changes files code and makes them inaccessible. To make corrupted files more recognizable, Protomolecule ransomware changes their names as well. So all corrupted files will appear with names of random alphanumeric combinations and the extension .protonmolecule@gmx.us. Such an unpleasant consequence is misused by vicious hackers who want to earn money by participating in illegal cyber attacks. That’s why their nasty threat is designed to drop a file with a ransom message in it.
The file is named HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES and the text in it reads:
Your personal ID
–Your documents, photos, databases, save games and other important data has been encrypted.
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. Data recovery is required decryptor.
If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail : protomolecule@gmx.us . In a letter to indicate your personal identifier(look at the beginning of this message).
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send to us up to 3 files for free decryption. Please note that files must NOT contain valuable information and their total size must be less than 1Mb.
If you have no Bitcoin
Create a Bitcoin wallet: hxxps://blockchain.info/wallet/#/
Get cryptocurrency Bitcoin:
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins (Visa/MasterCard, Skrill …)
hxxps://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Main_Page
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
(instruction for beginners)Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
This message attempts to trick you into transferring a ransom fee to hackers. Although they promise to send back an efficient decryption tool for Protomolecule files, we recommend you to avoid paying them the ransom. There is no guarantee if their tool will be able to decrypt encoded files or leave them broken. Furthermore, even if you pay the ransom you could never receive any answer from them.
By passing through different attack stages Protomolecule ransomware ensures that it will stay unnoticed on the system for as long as possible. The threat is likely to affect the Windows Registry as it is a hierarchical database that stores low-level settings for the proper operating system performance. By adding malicious values under specific registry keys such as Run and RunOnce, Protomolecule virus becomes able to load automatically on each system start.
Remove Protomolecule Ransomware Virus
Protomolecule ransomware is a threat with highly complex code designed to corrupt both system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system in a secure manner again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For the purpose, you could use our removal guide that reveals how to clean and secure your system step by step. In addition, the steps below will present you with several alternative data recovery approaches that may be helpful in attempting to restore files encrypted by Scarab Protomolecule ransomware. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before the recovery process.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for Protomolecule Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Protomolecule 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 Protomolecule 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 Protomolecule 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 Protomolecule Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Protomolecule 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 Protomolecule 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.
Protomolecule Ransomware-FAQ
What is Protomolecule Ransomware Ransomware?
Protomolecule 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 Protomolecule 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 Protomolecule Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Protomolecule 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 Protomolecule 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 .Protomolecule Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Protomolecule 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 .Protomolecule Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Protomolecule Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Protomolecule 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 Protomolecule 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 Protomolecule Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Protomolecule 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 Protomolecule 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 Protomolecule Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Protomolecule 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 Protomolecule 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.
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