ViroBotnet ransomware is a new ransomware that modifies the target systems and encrypts user data with a strong algorithm, the resulting files will be marked with the .enc extension. At the moment the captured samples are an intermediate release, we expect that future versions will be made.
Our article provides an overview of the virus operations and it also may be helpful in attempting to remove the virus.
Threat Summary
| Name | ViroBotnet ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .enc 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 malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ViroBotnet 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. |
ViroBotnet Ransomware – Distribution Tactics
The ViroBotnet ransomware is a newly discovered infection that appears to target computer systems worldwide. It uses an extensive distribution mechanism that relies on several approaches.
The criminals behind it may attempt to embed the virus code in various ways. One of the most common methods is to coordinate the creation of a SPAM email campaign. The crafted emails use phishing tactics that coerce the users that they are viewing a legitimate message from a service they use or well-known company. The virus files can be either directly attached or linked in the body contents. Another method is to make download sites that may take the form of vendor download sites or other locations that may be accessed by the targets. A common tactic is to use similar sounding domain names or security certificates.
To further increase the chance of infecting computer users the hackers can embed the ransomware files in payload carriers. Two examples are the following:
- Documents — The infection can follow through interaction with macro-infected documents: rich text documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases. Once they are opened a notification prompt will appear asking the users to enable the built-in scripts.
- Infected Application Installers — The hackers can embed the infection commands into installers of various types. They typically target software that is widely used by end users — system utilities, creativity suites and productivity solutions.
Advanced ViroBotnet ransomware infections can be caused by the interaction with malicious web browser plugins. They are uploaded to the relevant plugin repositories hosted by the software developers of the browsers and make use of stolen or fake developer credentials, as well as user reviews. The most common ways to identify them is by looking out for claims that promise dramatical upgrades to the web browser or the addition of new features that may greatly improve them. The descriptions offered by the criminals contains promises that may confuse the users. Upon installation the users will find out that their settings will be changed to a hacker-controlled address. Finally the ransomware infection will be delivered and started after that.
In some cases the hackers may also spread the infected files via file-sharing networks like BitTorrent or post links to social networks and forums. They taget communities that are active and focus on infecting those sections that deal with downloads.
ViroBotnet Ransomware – In-Depth Analysis
The ViroBotnet ransomware has undergone a security analysis revealing that it is a new virus threat that is still being developed. At the moment there is no information available about the developer or criminal collective behind it. What we know about the threat is that the captured samples are based on a modular platform allowing them to be further extended.
We anticipate that future versions will follow the behavior patterns associated with other similar threats. A typical start of the infection process would begin by calling a data collection module used to automatically hijack sensitive data available on the system. There are two main groups of data that are generally distinguished:
- Optimization Data — The criminals can acquire information that can help them optimize the attacks. Examples of the hijacked information include a report on the installed hardware components, user-set options and parameters used by the operating system. They can help the criminals to coordinate their future attacks and better carry out their current ones.
- Sensitive User Data — The criminals can automate the extraction of data that can expose the identity of the victim users. The resulting use of this information can lead to crimes such as identity theft and financial abuse. The ransomware component will hijack strings related to the user’s name, address, phone number, location, interests and any stored account credentials.
The information can also be scanned and used by another component called stealth protection. It is used to protect the virus engine from being discovered by security software and services. This is done by performing scans that look for signatures belonging to anti-virus software, firewalls, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts. This allows the ViroBotnet ransomware to effectively take over control of the whole system. When this stage of the infection has been reached the malicious engine will be able to initiate various advanced infiltration actions.
The Windows Registry may be modified so that it can affect the values of the operating system itself or individual user-installed applications. This can render certain functions unavailable or make the whole system unstable as its performance will be affected. Creation of ransomware entries is linked to a process called persistent installation which will automatically set the engine to start upon system startup. Other consequences include the inability to enter into the recovery boot menu and also block the launch of other applications.
To further make system recovery more difficult the hackers may order it to remove important files such as Shadow Volume Copies and System Restore Points. This means that full computer restore is only possible by using a combination of a virus removal method with a restore program.
Be aware that further updates to the ViroBotnet ransomware strains may be programmed to initiate a Trojan infection. The most common method would be to connect to a hacker-controlled server which allows the criminal operators to spy on the victims in real time, take over control of their computers and also drop other viruses.
WARNING! We received reports that the virus samples seem to interact with Microsoft Outlook. If the popular email client is installed then the list of contacts will be hijacked and the virus will automatically send phishing emails originating from the infected machines.
Some of the application names and services that the ViroBotnet ransomware impersonates includes “Office Updater” and “Office updater background task”.
ViroBotnet Ransomware – Encryption Process
Once all prior components have finished execution the encryption component is launched. The captured samples belonging to the ViroBotnet ransomware family appear to use the common example of adhering to a built-in list of target files. A typical list would target the following file types:
- Archives
- Databases
- Music
- Documents
- Images
- Videos
A ransomware sample has been found to encrypt the following extensions:
txt, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx, odt,
jpg, png, csv, sql, mdb, sln, php, asp, aspx,
html, xml, psd, pdf, odt, swp
As a result of the encryption process the affected files will be marked with the .enc extension. They will not be accessible to the user and interacting with them may lead to system performance issues. Following the tradition of other common virus types a ransomware note will be created, the captured samples will generate a plain-text file called README.txt. It will read the following message ” Vos fichiers personnels ont été chiffrés. Lisez les instructions du logiciel”. A translation from French shows that the message reads “Your personal files have been encrypted. Read the software instructions”. The next step is to initiate a lockscreen that will block the ordinary computer interaction until the threat is completely different. The displayed lockscreen message can change periodically depending on the ongoing attack campaign, ransomware version and other factors.
Remove ViroBotnet Ransomware and Restore .enc Files
If your computer system got infected with the ViroBotnet 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 ViroBotnet ransomware 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 ViroBotnet ransomware.
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 ViroBotnet ransomware follow these steps:
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.
Find files created by ViroBotnet ransomware
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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
Scan your PC and Remove ViroBotnet ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for ViroBotnet ransomware and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove ViroBotnet ransomware.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future. target=”_blank”
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 .
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove ViroBotnet ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of ViroBotnet ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove ViroBotnet ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove ViroBotnet ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall ViroBotnet ransomware and related software 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 uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by ViroBotnet 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 ViroBotnet 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: Scan for ViroBotnet ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by ViroBotnet ransomware.
Ransomware infections and ViroBotnet 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of ViroBotnet ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall ViroBotnet ransomware and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove ViroBotnet ransomware via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by ViroBotnet ransomware.
Ransomware infections and ViroBotnet 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
ViroBotnet ransomware FAQ
What is ViroBotnet ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
ViroBotnet 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 algorithm how 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.
How does ViroBotnet ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.ViroBotnet ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of ViroBotnet 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 .ViroBotnet ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .ViroBotnet ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .ViroBotnet ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by ViroBotnet ransomware ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".ViroBotnet ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .ViroBotnet ransomware files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of ViroBotnet ransomware ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate ViroBotnet ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .ViroBotnet ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like ViroBotnet ransomware ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
