AutoEncryptor ransomware / virus (Tutorial) - Removal Instructions

AutoEncryptor virus Removal Guide

What is AutoEncryptor ransomware virus?

Auto Encryptor comes as the improved version of FileLocker ransomware

AutoEncryptor virus is a sequel to the improved version of FileLocker. Comparing it with its predecessor[1], it has not changed the design of GUI (graphical user interface), but it raised the amount of the ransom which is now 10 000 BTC approximately (12 410 663 USD). Besides this astounding amount of ransom, the malware also uses the image of Andrej Babiš, a Czeck politician, businessman, and the former Minister of Finances of the Czech Republic. Likewise, it presents the email address – babis@mfcr.cz – for public use. This malware also links to previous known several variations of Czech ransomware[2]. Needless to say, that few users could afford to pay such amount of ransom. Thus, it would be wiser to initiate AutoEncryptor removal. One of the solutions to do that is to install FortectIntego or Malwarebytes.

The example of AutoEncryptor virus

While there are tons of malware which only focus on extorting money, some of the infections even convey a certain message or public discontent. The feature of this malware to refer to a politician reminds of Japanese counterpart Takahiro Locker which on its behalf made an allusion to a Japanese finance minister. The developers of AutoEncryptor ransomware did not bother themselves with devising a new design for the virus. It seems that FileCryptor failed to make a huge profit, as the crooks now demand the astonishing amount of money. Hardly anyone would agree to remit the payment. On the other hand, it suggests that the malware may be oriented at business companies[3]. AutoEncryptor malware is likely to attach .encr file extension to the affected data. The interface of the malware contains three-step payment site. It refers to a website instructing how to obtain bitcoins. Then, the following web page presents the email address and the box where the encrypted key. should be inserted. If the cyber villains obtain the required amount of ransom, they should send the decrypting password which you should enter on the third page of the program. Let us remind you that hackers rarely play fairly and transfer the decrypter. It would be more rational to remove Auto Encryptor right away.

The image illustrating AutoEncryptor virusAutoEncryptor acts as a follow-up to FileLocker ransomware.

The distribution channels of the malware

Like its predecessor, AutoEncryptor hijack occurs when users recklessly open up corrupted emails. In order to lure users into their deception, the hackers often exert psychological terror. For example, they may counterfeit the alerts of the FBI and, likewise, force users into opening the infected attachment which contains AutoEncryptor.exe file. Tax-related topics continue to dominate among hackers. In addition, it is of crucial importance to update the system software. System vulnerabilities may serve as the backdoors for malware to sneak in and then inflict damage. For that purpose, an anti-spyware program may assist you eradicating the malware. In the cooperation with an anti-virus tool, it may lower the chances of encountering an exploit kit[4] as well. Usually, it dwells in a compromised website. Note that it comes in the form of a trojan as well: Trojan.Ransom.FileCryptor, Trojan.Generic.D4911AF, and Trojan.GenericKD.4788655. Naturally, you should avoid visiting gambling and torrent sharing domains, as often, they happen to be the havens of malware[5].

Steps you should take to terminate AutoEncryptor malware

Before you proceed to data recovery steps, it is crucial to fully remove AutoEncryptor virus. In order to do that malware elimination utility will benefit you. If you cannot run it, take a look at data recovery instructions. Only when AutoEncryptor removal is finished, file recovery will be of use. Otherwise, the remaining files might re-encrypt the files again. In addition, you might interfere with the virus processes by terminating the tasks in the Task Manager.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of AutoEncryptor virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment. 

Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):

    %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Remove AutoEncryptor using System Restore

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of AutoEncryptor. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that AutoEncryptor removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove AutoEncryptor from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by AutoEncryptor, you can use several methods to restore them:

Benefit from Data recovery Pro

If you failed to make proper backup copies, try recovering the files with this program. It may also come in handy recovering data after an unexpected system crash.

  • Download Data Recovery Pro;
  • Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
  • Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by AutoEncryptor ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Recover the files encrypted by AutoEncryptor with ShadowExplorer

There is information whether the malware deletes shadow volume copies, which Shadow Explorer uses for data recovery purposes, so you might stand a chance to get the files back.

  • Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
  • Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
  • Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
  • Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from AutoEncryptor and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important – recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Jake Doevan
Jake Doevan - Computer technology expert

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