This article will aid you to remove .vscode Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
.vscode Ransomware is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will receive the .vscode extension. The .vscode Ransomware will leave ransomware instructions as a desktop wallpaper image. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
| Name | .vscode ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .vscode extension on the target files 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
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .vscode 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. |
.vscode Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
The .vscode ransomware has been identified in a small-sized attack campaign which has allowed the analysts to extract a sample configuration frm them. The virus is known under several names including the following: “PowerHentai Ransomware”, “Idiot Ransomware” and ” DoggeWiper Ransomware”.
There are many distribution techniques that can be used by the criminals in order to spread the threat. The most popular ones are the following:
- Email Phishing Messages — There hackers can send out messages that pose as legitimate notifications sent by legitimate and well-known companies or services that the users might be using. They will contain links to the virus files or they can be attached directly to them.
- Malicious Web Sites — Another popular strategy is to create sites that impersonate well-known pages that the users might be visiting on a daily sites. This can include the likes of internet portals, download sites, product landing pages and search engines. To make them appear as more believable they are usually hosted on domain names that may sound very similar to legitimate ones. The criminals can alternatively use stolen or self-signed security certificates.
- File-Sharing Networks — The criminals can distribute the files via BitTorrent and other peer-to-peer networks where both pirate and legitimate content can be shared.
- Dangerous Installers — This is another popular technique which depends on the inclusion of malicious code into setup files of popular applications. The criminals will target software that are popularly downloaded and used by end users: creativity suites, system utilities, productivity and office apps and etc.
- Browser Hijackers — The hacking collective may also choose to embed the necessary scripts in extensions which are made compatible with the most popular web browsers. They are usually uploaded to the relevant repositories using fake user reviews and developer credentials. The posted descriptions will promise the addition of new features or performance optimizations. If the victims install them the .vscode ransomware will be deployed automatically alongside any other malicious behavior that is programmed. Usually this is the case with redirects as they modify the browser settings in order to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled page. Changes include the default home page, search engine and new tabs page.
In other cases the .vscode ransomware can be deployed as a payload dropped by other viruses. Most of the captured samples are being distributed on Discord — a popular online community.
.vscode Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
The captured samples of the .vscode ransomware have undergone a detailed code analysis revealing the current configuration of the harvested samples. They have been found to run inside a guarded memory region — this makes detection by security software much more difficult. Once this is done the next step would be to disable any services that might block the execution of the virus — anti-virus products, sandbox and debug environments, virtual machine hosts and etc. If this option fails to run as intended the engine may choose to remove itself from the system to avoid detection.
One of the next steps that is executed after the initial infection has been made is to start an information gathering module. It is programmed to extract information that can be categorized into two main groups:
- Personal Information — This includes data that can directly reveal the identity of the victims. The information includes strings such as a person’s name, address, phone number, interests and location.
- Machine Identification — This type of data includes all values that are used to generate an unique ID that is to be associated with each individual machine. This is done by an algorithm that takes its input parameters from information such as the following: system settings, user preferences, installed hardware components and other variables.
As soon as this process is complete the virus engine will be able to hook up to any existing service, including system ones. This effectively allows the engine to be able to spy on the users actions and activities. The virus engine can also create multiple processes for itself, including ones with administrative privileges. What’s more dangerous is that if the main engine interacts with the Windows Volume Manager it will be able to search for files located on removable storage devices and network shares as well.
The .vscode ransomware is able to access the Windows Registry by reading, creating and modifying existing entries. It can create values for itself and modify already existing ones. This can have serious effects upon the system performance, in some cases the victim machines may become totally unusable unless the threat is completely removed. When services and individual applications are affected the victim users may experience unusual behavior and unexpected shut downs and error messages.
One of the most dangerous consequences of having this threat active on a give computer is its ability to deploy a Trojan horse infection. It sets up a persistent connection with a hacker-specified serve. It allows the criminals to carry out a wide range of activities including the installation of other malware, stealing user data before it is encrypted and direct overtake of the affected machines.
.vscode Ransomware – Encryption Process
Like other popular malware samples the .vscode ransomware will launch the encryption engine once all prior modules have finished running. It will probably use a built-in list of target file type extensions which are to be processed by a strong cipher. An example list can include the following data types:
- Backups
- Databases
- Archives
- Images
- Music
- Videos
All affected files are renamed with the .vscode extension. The ransomware note that is associated with his particular threat is called RacWmiDatabase.sdf.txt and it reads the following message:
my name is tostring and your pc is now fucked
fuck you pain exist you fucking nigger
now go fucking cry to your skid friends and your skid followers/fans about how your pc just died megalul
─────────▄──────────────▄
────────▌▒█───────────▄▀▒▌
────────▌▒▒▀▄───────▄▀▒▒▒▐
───────▐▄▀▒▒▀▀▀▀▄▄▄▀▒▒▒▒▒▐
─────▄▄▀▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒█▒▒▄█▒▐
───▄▀▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▀██▀▒▌
──▐▒▒▒▄▄▄▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▀▄▒▒▌
──▌▒▒▐▄█▀▒▒▒▒▄▀█▄▒▒▒▒▒▒▒█▒▐
─▐▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▌██▀▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▀▄▌
─▌▒▀▄██▄▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒░░░░▒▒▒▒▌
─▌▀▐▄█▄█▌▄▒▀▒▒▒▒▒▒░░░░░░▒▒▒▐
▐▒▀▐▀▐▀▒▒▄▄▒▄▒▒▒▒▒░░░░░░▒▒▒▒▌
▐▒▒▒▀▀▄▄▒▒▒▄▒▒▒▒▒▒░░░░░░▒▒▒▐
─▌▒▒▒▒▒▒▀▀▀▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒░░░░▒▒▒▒▌
─▐▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▐
──▀▄▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▄▒▒▒▒▌
────▀▄▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▄▄▄▀▒▒▒▒▄▀
───▐▀▒▀▄▄▄▄▄▄▀▀▀▒▒▒▒▒▄▄▀
──▐▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▀▀
wow such beautiful files
such wow
made by minecraft master and tostring
Remove .vscode Ransomware and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the .vscode 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.
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 .vscode ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .vscode ransomware 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 .vscode 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 .vscode 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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .vscode ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .vscode ransomware.
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 .vscode 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 the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.vscode ransomware-FAQ
What is .vscode ransomware Ransomware?
.vscode 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 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 .vscode ransomware 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 .vscode ransomware Infect?
Via several ways..vscode ransomware 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 .vscode 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 ..vscode ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..vscode ransomware 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 ..vscode ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..vscode ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..vscode ransomware 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 .vscode ransomware 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 .vscode ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..vscode ransomware 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 .vscode ransomware 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 .vscode ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .vscode 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 .vscode 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.
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.