If your files have been compromised and you have received a threatening message, similar to the one below in the form of a wallpaper, page on your web browser or a .txt file, there is a good chance you have the ransomware virus-encoder on your computer. The virus-encoder ransomware is associated with several different email addresses and it infects the user files by encrypting them and making them unable to be opened. This is done with the purpose of extorting users to pay ransom payments to the cyber-criminals for the unlocking of their data. Security researchers strongly advise to remove this malicious code from your computer with an advanced anti-malware sofrtware and to back up your data to further protect it from this and other atacks.
| Name | Virus-Encoder Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware infection |
| Short Description | The virus penetrates system defenses and encrypts user files making them impossible to open. |
| Symptoms | Changed wallpaper, text document or other way to notify the user for ransom instructions. Encrypted files with .FFF extension. |
| Distribution Method | Spam mail or malicious links. Possible via infected software, social media and file sharing networks as well. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to follow the discussion about Virus-Encoder 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. |
| 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. |
Virus-Encoder Ransomware – How Did My Files get Encrypted
There are many variants of this nasty ransomware trojan, such as Helpme@freespeechmail.org ransomware and one way each of them to slip onto the user PC is by clicking once on an infected email attachment. Attachment such as microsoft office files associated with malicious macros or files with the following formats are mostly malware-containing.
→dll; .exe; ;.tmp .bat; .cmd; .html;
The .exe and .bat files may be one of several different attachments, but since some users often have programs such as Mozilla Thunderbird and Microsoft Outlook that block out spam mails, there may be hotlinks or html files that may redirect the user to a drive-by download website.
More to it, this vile threat may be on malicious sites to which users may have been misled by clicking on online ads or being redirected because of an unwanted ad-supported program on their computer. Such programs are outlined as low-level threats and they are not being detected as viruses, however they are indirectly dangerous for the user PC.
More About Virus-Encoder Ransomware
Once is has been executed in the victim`s PC, the ransomware trojan may begin to replicated various different files in it. Some of those files may be the malicious .dll and .exe files that perform devious tasks in the user PC as well as the files with the ransom message.
Once it has created the executables, the virus then may create registry entries in HKEY_LOCAL_USER that may allow it to run on system start-up. After it has finished with the preparation phase, the ransomware then begins to perform scans in the Windows file system for different file types, main of which may be:
→cfg; .img; .pdf; .doc; docx; .mp3; .mp4; .xml; .3gp;
These and other files may be encrypted with one of the following extensions:
→crypt@india.com
decode@india.com
hairullah@inbox.lv
hairullah@mail.bg
email1_sos@decryptfiles.com
email2_zuza@protonmail.com
file1@openmailbox.org
file2@openmailbox.org
file2backup@inbox.lv
helpme@freespeechmail.org
After scanning for and encrypting files, the ransomware may then proceed to the final stage – covering its tracks and setting the ransom message. The ransom message may be set as a wallpaper and most users who had the ransomware complain that it had instructions to contact one of the above-mentioned emails/extensions for details on how to pay.
Security experts believe that the masterminds behind the Virus-Encoder ransomware use Tor networking to mask their trails from the user and the law.
In case you have bumped into such ransomware it is highly advisable to swiftly disconnect from the internet and to never comply with the attackers`s demands, because of several different reasons:
1)There is no guarantee that they will restore your files.
2)There is a method for file decryption that is proven to work, mentioned below.
3)Paying to the cyber-crooks only funds them to enhance their research and improve the malware.
Removing Virus-Encoder Ransomware Completely and Restoring Your Files
If you want to fix the damage done by this nasty ransom trojan you need to remove it from your computer, first. In order to do this, you should use the step-by-step instructions after this paragraph to help you with getting rid of this ransomware and using the file-decryption instructions for your data afterwards.
The most highly recommended method for decryption is to use a safe PC and to copy and try to decrypt your files in it. After it is done it is recommended to simply reinstall Windows with all the software and install a powerful anti-malware tool that will protect you from malware like this attack before it even happens. Of course you can also try this tutorial using anti-malware to automatically remove it without having to reinstall your OS:
Removing Virus-Encoder Ransomware
1. Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.For Windows XP, Vista, 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: Òhe 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 the Start Menu
Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: Click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
2. Remove Virus-Encoder Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Virus-Encoder Ransomware.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Virus-Encoder Ransomware.
It is highly 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.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.
Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.
Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any Virus-Encoder Ransomware files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.
Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.
3. Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from Virus-Encoder Ransomware (For Windows Users) please follow these simple steps:
1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by Virus-Encoder Ransomware.
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from Virus-Encoder Ransomware.
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from Virus-Encoder Ransomware is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by Virus-Encoder Ransomware should be restored.
Restoring Files Encrypted by Virus-Encoder Ransomware
To restore files encrypted by the Virus-Encoder ransomware successfully, you should use the aftermentioned instructions:
Instructions to decrypt and restore files encrypted by Virus-Encoder.
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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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 Virus-Encoder Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Virus-Encoder Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Virus-Encoder Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Virus-Encoder Ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall Virus-Encoder 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 Virus-Encoder 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 Virus-Encoder 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 Virus-Encoder Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Virus-Encoder Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Virus-Encoder 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 Virus-Encoder Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Virus-Encoder 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 Virus-Encoder 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 Virus-Encoder Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Virus-Encoder 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.
Virus-Encoder Ransomware FAQ
What is Virus-Encoder Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
Virus-Encoder 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 Virus-Encoder Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Virus-Encoder 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 Virus-Encoder 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 .Virus-Encoder Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .Virus-Encoder 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 .Virus-Encoder Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Virus-Encoder 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 ".Virus-Encoder 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 .Virus-Encoder 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 Virus-Encoder 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 Virus-Encoder Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Virus-Encoder Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Virus-Encoder 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.
