Unicorn ransomware encrypts personal files and requires a ransom for their recovery. The steps in our guide will help you clean malicious files from your PC and keep it secure against future attacks.
Unicorn Ransomware
This is malicious software that is designed to infect essential system components with the purpose to infect valuable files. The ransomware disrupts system security by installing malicious files and entries. Its nasty operations support a sophisticated data encryption process that leads to restricted access to information stored by .fu**unicorn[random string] files. Once Unicorn ransomware finishes its attack over a computer operating system, victims can notice a text file READ_IT.txt where a ransom note in Italian is stored. The message aims to blackmail victims into paying a hefty ransom fee to hackers.
Unicorn ransomware Summary
| Name | Unicorn |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| File Extensions | .fu**unicorn[random string] |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware designed to plague system settings, utilize strong cihper algorithm and encrypt valuable files. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with the malicious extensions. Ransom message insists on ransom payment for a decryption tool. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | READ_IT.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Hacked Websites |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Unicorn ransomware. |
What is Unicorn Ransomware?
The Unicorn ransomware is a computer virus infection that completes a long sequence of malicious operations once started on a target operating system. It disrupts system security and becomes able to load whenever you start the infected system. Most of the harmful processes happen in the background of all other running apps. Here is why the data corruption phase remains undetected.
For the encryption stage, Unicorn ransomware activates a built-in cipher module. This module scans predefined system drives for target types of files to modify their code with a strong cipher algorithm. Once the encryption process is done you cannot access the data stored by valuable files like:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
Following encryption, corrupted files could be recognized by the extensions .fu**unicorn[random string] which are appended to their names.
At last, Unicorn ransomware drops a ransom note file to extort a hefty ransom fee for the decryption of encrypted files. The note could be found in a file called READ_IT.txt. It is written in Italian and here is a copy of its content:
La lunga serpe sul bastone di Asceplio si è ribellata, ed una nuova era sta per sopraggiungere!
Questa è la vostra possibilità per redimervi dopo anni di peccati e soprusi.
Sta a voi scegliere. Entro 3 giorni il pegno pagare dovrai o il fuoco di Prometeo cancellerà
i vostri dati così come ha cancellato il potere degli Dei sugli uomini. Il pegno è di solamente 300 euros, da pagare
con i Bitcoin al seguente indirizzo : 195naAM74WpLtGHsKp9azSsXWmBCaDscxJ dopo che pagato avrai,
una email mandarci dovrai. xxcte2664@protonmail.com il codice di transazione sarà la prova.
Dopo il pegno pagato riceverai la soluzione per spegnere il fuoco di Prometeo. Andare dalla
polizia o chiamare tecnici a niente servirà, nessun essere umano aiutarti potrà.
The purpose of this message is to convince you that you should contact hackers at a given email address and wait for an answer with more details on a ransom payment process. It becomes clear that hackers require a 300 euros ransom for their decryption tool. Beware that they may not act as promised. For the sake of your security, refrain from paying the requested ransom.
As regards the propagation of Unicorn ransomware, it is most likely realized via malspam. Malspam is a technique preferred by hackers due to the fact that it enables them to deliver malicious software on computer operating systems on a large scale. Spam emails that are part of ransomware attack campaigns usually contain one or more of the following components:
- A link to compromised web page that is set to download and execute infection files directly on the PC. The URL address to this page may be presented as an in-text link, banner, image, button, or full URL address.
- A malicious file attachment that is presented as legitimate document by the text message. It could be uploaded in a .rar or .zip archive. Such a file could be set to evade active security measures and trick you into running the ransomware on your PC.
Other channels that may be part of the distribution strategy for Unicorn ransomware are malvertising, freeware installers, corrupted web pages, compromised software setups, fake software updates, malicious files shared on forums and other.
Remove Unicorn Ransomware and Restore Files
What should you do when your PC and data have been hit by Unicorn ransomware? Here we will present the secure way to deal with Unicorn ransomware and similar infections. First, you have to ensure that no malicious files are still running on the infected operating system. For the purpose you need to locate these malicious files and entries and remove them. This will prevent them from causing an impact on regular system performance.
Once you secure the system against nasty ransomware operations, you should back up encoded files to an external drive. Finally, you can proceed with the data recovery process. In the guide below we included alternative data recovery methods that may be efficient for some of your .unicorn files. Bear in mind that these methods may be helpful to some degree. They do not guarantee the full recovery of all encoded files.
In the event that we spot a release of a free decryption tool for Unicorn ransomware, we will include all needed details in this ransomware removal guide. Keep in touch.
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.
Follow Me:
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.
About the Unicorn ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Unicorn 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 Unicorn 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove Unicorn ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Unicorn ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Unicorn ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Unicorn ransomware
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall Unicorn 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Unicorn 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 Unicorn ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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 Unicorn ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. 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.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Unicorn ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Unicorn 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of Unicorn ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Unicorn 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Unicorn ransomware:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Unicorn ransomware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Unicorn ransomware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 Unicorn 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Unicorn ransomware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 Unicorn ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Unicorn 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Unicorn ransomware FAQ
What is Unicorn ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
Unicorn 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 Unicorn ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Unicorn 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 Unicorn 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 .Unicorn ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .Unicorn 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 .Unicorn ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Unicorn 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 ".Unicorn 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 .Unicorn 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 Unicorn 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 Unicorn ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Unicorn ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Unicorn 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.
