This article has been created in order to best explain what is God Save The Queen ransomware and how you can remove it from your computer.
God Save The Queen Ransomware is a virus whose main idea is to enter your computer and encrypt your files using an advanced encryption mode. The outcome of this is all your documents become unusable with the added .TheOld file extension to the encrypted files. The main objective of God Save The Queen Ransomware is to drop its ransom note and get you to follow the instructions in it. Read this article to learn more about God Save The Queen Ransomware plus how you can try and decrypt files, encrypted by it on your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | .TheOld virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | God Save The Queen Ransomware aims to use encryption on your important files and then ask you to pay the sum of $300 to get the files to work again. |
| Symptoms | God Save The Queen Ransomware ads the .TheOld extension to the encrypted files and drops a note. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .TheOld virus. |
| 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. |
.TheOld Virus (God Save The Queen Ransomware) – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The God Save the Queen ransomware family has grown with a new sample release the encrypts target data with the .TheOld extension which sets it apart from the previous versions that used .SaveTheQueen extension marker. The available information about it shows that it is very possible that the samples have been launched by the same hacking group as before. The other alternative is that the attack is launched by another group that has acquired the source code of the virus.
Like the previous viruses popular distribution techniques will be used to infect the intended users. Most of them use phishing tactics that rely on both email messages and special hacker-made sites which are designed to confuse the end users into thinking that they entered into a legitimate company or service page. They are commonly hosted on domain names that sound authentic and they can include stolen text contents, layouts and even self-signed security certificates.
The other popular technique is the creation of malicious payload carriers which are intended to make the users think that they are safe to run. A common strategy is to create macro-infected documents which can be of all popular file types: spreadsheets, text documents, presentations and databases. When they are opened by the users they will be presented with a prompt that will ask them to enable the built-in code in order to access the contents. The other popular type is the malware-infected setup installers. The hackers will usually choose the applications which are most commonly downloaded by end users. In many cases this will also include the so-called browser hijackers — they are malicious extensions made for for the most popular web browsers. Note that all malware files can be easily uploaded to different file-sharing networks including BitTorrent where the users freely share both pirate and legitimate data.
What we know about the threat is that it will infect the target systems via a several stage deployment process. The first stage will extract the rest of the .TheOld virus via a PowerShell code. It is very possible that during the initial infection a security bypass component will be run. This will scan the system for any security software that are installed and can block the proper virus execution: anti-spyware solutions, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and etc.
The fact that the main engine can trigger different malicious effects upon the infected hosts gives hackers the ability to expand it further in forthcoming versions. This means that already existing .TheOld virus infections may also exhibit the following actions:
- Data Theft — The engine can be programmed to harvest sensitive data about both the machines and the users. This may include personal information that can be used for other crimes like identity theft and financial abuse. All of the collected data can sent automatically to the hackers.
- System Manipulation — The ransomware engine can be used to edit important configuration files and personal user settings. Possible consequences can include the installation of the .TheOld virus as a persistent threat. This means that it will be launched every time the computer is started. In addition if any Windows Registry changes are made then the users can experience severe performance issues and the inability to launch certain programs or features. Unexpected errors and data loss can be another effect of the .TheOld virus infection.
- Additional Malware Delivery — Many of the advanced ransomware samples can be programmed to install other threats to the infected machines: Trojans, cryptocurrency miners and hijackers.
When every module has finished running the actual encryption phase will be started. Like the previous God Save The Queen Ransomware samples a very strong cipher will be used to process target user data. This is usually done by following a built-in list of target file type extensions, examples ones are the following: documents, multimedia files, backups, archives and etc. The data will be renamed with the .TheOld extension and will certe an accompanying ransomware note in a file called HelpMe.TXT.
Remove .TheOld Virus (God Save The Queen Ransomware) and Try to Restore .TheOld Files
For the removal of .TheOld Virus (God Save The Queen Ransomware), we strongly recommend that you follow up the removal instructions below. They are made to help you delete this virus step-by-step by using the manual below. Not only this, but also we strongly recommend that you download and run a scan with an advanced malware removal software. Such software has the capability of running a complete scan of your PC to eliminate all virus files, belonging to God Save The Queen Ransomware plus protect your computer in the future as well.
If you want to try and restore files, encrypted by God Save The Queen Ransomware, our advice is to wait and NOT pay the ransom. Not only you risk getting scammed by the crooks who might want more money, but also there could be free decryption in the near future. Another methods which you can try to restore files are listed below and they may not be 100% effective, but you could still try them.
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.
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .TheOld virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .TheOld 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .TheOld 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 .TheOld virus 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 .TheOld virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .TheOld 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 .TheOld 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.
.TheOld virus-FAQ
What is .TheOld virus Ransomware?
.TheOld 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 .TheOld 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 .TheOld virus Infect?
Via several ways..TheOld 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 .TheOld 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 ..TheOld virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..TheOld 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 ..TheOld virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..TheOld virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..TheOld 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 .TheOld 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 .TheOld virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..TheOld 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 .TheOld 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 .TheOld virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .TheOld 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 .TheOld 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.