Venus Ransomware
Venus ransomware is a vicious malware that interferes with essential computer settings with the main purpose to encode valuable files. Transformations applied by the Venus virus to the code of personal files restrict access to the data they store. To make them recognizable, the ransomware appends an extension of the same name to their original names. At last, Venus creates a ransom message to extort a ransom payment from victims.
Venus Virus Summary
Name | Venus Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt valuable files stored on the infected computer and then demands a ransom for their decryption. |
Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with .venus extension. Ransom message appears to force you to pay a ransom. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Torrent Files |
Detection Tool |
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More About the Distribution of Venus Ransomware and Its Impact
The distribution of Venus ransomware may be realized via techniques like email spam campaigns, software cracks, fake software update notifications, freeware with compromised installers, and malicious web links. All mentioned techniques aim one thing – to trick people to download malicious software on their PCs while thinking that they download trustworthy content.
The activation of the payload file of the Venus virus is needed for the attack to begin. It triggers a series of operations that support a few attack phases. First, the ransomware is likely to create additional malicious files that will modify specific system components. Then it compromises the whole system and leaves it extremely vulnerable to future malware attacks.
Eventually, the virus becomes able to reach and encrypt personal files. Since the ransomware is configured to utilize a sophisticated cipher algorithm to lock files, it totally restricts access to their data when the moment it encodes them. Among the target files of this nasty program may be all commonly used types of files.
Changes this cryptovirus applies to target files transform their names as well. The specific suffix .venus appears at the end of their original names to signify the corruption of their code.
Just like other ransomware programs (Mammon, Igvm) Venus aims to become perform malicious activities in the background of all currently running processes. That’s why its presence on the system is revealed after the last infection stage is done.
What the threat does, at last, is to create its ransom note file called README.txt to extort a ransom payment. This message tries to trick victims to contact hackers so that they can receive details on how to pay a ransom fee for .venus files. Here is the full message:
All your files has been encrypted
To take info, write ro email getdecrypt@disroot.org or and put this key:
–
We know that data decryption is of paramount importance to you. However, note that this action does not guarantee the recovery of .venus files so you should better avoid it.
Remove Venus Ransomware
The so-called Venus ransomware is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security to encrypt personal files. Hence, the infected system could be used securely after all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware are removed from it.
The steps presented in the ransomware removal guide below will help you with the complete removal process. Beware that a manual ransomware removal process is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps navigate to the automatic part of the guide. It is also worth mentioning that personal data remains encrypted even after the complete removal of Venus ransomware. Its removal secures the PC and prevents the ransomware from causing further nasty impact.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Venus Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Venus 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Venus 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 Venus Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Venus Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Venus 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 Venus 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.
Venus Virus-FAQ
What is Venus Virus Ransomware?
Venus 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 Venus 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 Venus Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Venus 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 Venus 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 .Venus Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Venus 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 .Venus Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Venus Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Venus 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 Venus 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 Venus Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Venus 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 Venus 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 Venus Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Venus 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 Venus 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.
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.