How to remove Thunder ransomware

Thunder ransomware – a hazardous computer virus which ads the .[thunderhelp@airmail.cc].thunder appendix to each affected file

Thunder ransomware is a cryptovirus which was discovered in July 2018. It is related to infamous Everbe ransomware. This file-encrypting virus infiltrates the system via spam and then starts scanning it for target files that could be encrypted. Encrypted data is marked with the .[thunderhelp@airmail.cc].thunder appendix and cannot be used. After that, a ransom text note called “!=How_recovery_files=!.txt” is displayed on the victim's desktop. This message aims to announce the encryption and urges its victims to contact cybercrooks by using thunderhelp@airmail.cc. The main aim of cyber criminals is to convince users to pay for a decryption key. 

The Thunder ransomware ransom message looks like this:

'Hello, dear friend!
1. [ ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED! ]
Your files are NOT damaged! Your files are modified only. This modification is reversible. The only 1 way to decrypt your files is to receive the decryption program.
2. [ HOW TO RECOVERY FILES? ]
To receive the decryption program write on our e-mail: thunderhelp@airmail.cc
And in subject write your ID: ID-[redacted 6 hex]
We send you full instruction how to decrypt all your files.
3. [ FREE DECRYPTION! ]
Free decryption as guarantee. We guarantee the receipt of the decryption program after payment. To believe, you can give us up to 3 files that we decrypt for free. Files should not be important to you! (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)'

The price of the ransom might vary. However, it typically needs to be paid in a given type of cryptocurrency. Transfers for decryption tools remain secret and cannot be tracked down. However, no matter how tempting the recovery of your locked files seems, avoid contacting the cybercrooks! Moreover, do NOT pay the demanded ransom as there is a big risk of being scammed. Better perform the Thunder ransomware removal as soon as you spot files marked with .[thunderhelp@airmail.cc].thunder extension.

Thunder ransomware uses an AES cipher^[1] to lock up important files. It can affect such data:

• Images;
• Video files;
• Audio files;
• Databases;
• Computer networks;
• Servers;
• etc.

All decryption keys are out of reach for regular users. According to malware researchers, even the most experienced IT specialists cannot decrypt files encrypted by this ransomware.

Nevertheless, keeping such a virus on the system might lead you to other malware forms.^[2] Various harmful programs might find it easier to enter your infected computer, so make sure you don't waste your time after finding yourself affected by a cryptovirus. To avoid such unwanted consequences, you need to remove Thunder ransomware from your PC system as quickly as possible. For such case, we suggest using anti-malware help. Install FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and run a full system scan.

The main issue caused by Thunder ransomware and other familiar cryptoviruses is a data loss. To prevent the loss of important photos, videos or even art, we recommend storing copies of your important data on external devices, such as a USB drive, external drive or iCloud. If kept in that kind of way, files will remain safe, and you will avoid their corruption.

Prevent ransomware-type infections

According to IT researchers^[3], ransomware is often distributed through phishing emails. Spam messages are set up using misleading techniques, such as trustworthy-looking subject lines, titles, and filenames. However, no matter how safe it seems, be careful with such content, especially if you are not expecting anything significant. If you have even the slightest doubt about the message, either contact the sender to make sure that it is safe or delete this email without taking too long.

Furthermore, some dubious sites and networks might also be used for spreading malware. They might be filled with malicious ads, links or similar harmful content. If you ever encounter a suspicious-looking page, make sure to leave it immediately.

A piece of advice would be to install antivirus protection. According to specialists, every computer should be secured with an antivirus program. All you need to do is make sure that the tool is always updated.

Get rid of Thunder ransomware from your computer system

To remove Thunder virus from your PC system, you need to run an anti-malware tool. Try using antivirus programs such as FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Note that you shouldn't try eliminating the threat by yourself as professional and experienced help is needed for this kind of virus.

After you carry out the Thunder ransomware removal, be sure to do some computer system backups to protect yourself in the future. You need to restart your system and run yet another scan to make sure that the virus was deleted successfully.