How to remove Ann ransomware

Ann ransomware – a serious virus which modifies the Windows Registry to start its damaging activity

Ann ransomware is a serious file-encrypting virus which infiltrates the system without being seen. Right after that, it starts its hazardous activity in the Windows Registry^[1]. The ransomware-type virus makes changes by adding new registry entries to perform files' encryption. After the invasion, Ann virus appends the .ANN file extension to each locked document. It also drops a ransom note named #README_ANN#.rtf to inform its victims about the encrypted data and a need to pay a ransom. Cybercriminals urge victims to contact them via AskHeIp@protonmail.com, AskHeIp@tutanota.com, or AskHeIp@india.com email addresses, and pay the price for the decryption tool in 7 days. If the ransom is not paid during the given time limit – files will be permanently destroyed.

Here is a piece of the ransom message displayed by Ann ransomware virus:

HOW TO RECOVER YOUR FlLES lNSTRUCTlON

ATENTION!!!

We are realy sorry to inform you that ALL YOUR FILES WERE ENCRYPTED

by our automatic software. It became possible because of bad server security.

ATENTION!!!

Please don’t worry, we can help you to RESTORE your server to original

state and decrypt all your files quickly and safely!

INFORMATION!!!

Files are not broken!!!

Files were encrypted with ABS-128+RSA-2048 crypto algorithms.

There is no way to decrypt your files without unique decryption key and special software.

Your unique decryption key is securely stored on our server. For our safety, all

information about your server and your decryption key will be automaticaly DELETED

AFTER 7 DAYS! You will irrevocably lose all your data!

Please note that all the attempts to recover your files by yourself or using third party

tools will result only in irrevocable loss of your data!

Please note that you can recover files only with your unique decryption key, which

stored on our side. If you will use the help of third parties, you will only add a middleman.

HOW TO RECOVER FILES???

Please write us to the e-mail (write on English or use professional translator):

AskHeIp@protonmail.com
AskHeIp@tutanota.com
AskHeIp@india.com

<….>

Right after the infection, you might not notice anything suspicious at first. However, you can be sure that your computer is affected by Ann ransomware if you discover files with the .ANN appendix added to the. The encrypted data might include:

• Text messages;
• Databases;
• Pictures;
• Audio files;
• Video files;
• Etc.

Ann ransomware uses the ABS-128 and RSA-2048 algorithms^[2] to lock up important data. Decryption keys are stored on remote servers and kept in reach only for the cybercrooks. That is what makes the file recovery almost impossible. As noticing that, cybercriminals offer the decryption tool in exchange for a particular amount of money. Usually, a type of cryptocurrency is demanded.

However, even if you are truly desperate, we advise avoiding any contact with the criminals. According to SenzaVirus.it^[3], victims are often likely to be scammed after the ransom is transferred. Also, due to the fact that such transfers remain secret, you are not able to get your money back. In order to avoid such losses, remove Ann virus from your computer as soon as possible. Download and install anti-malware help such as FortectIntego to get rid of the serious threat permanently.

After you perform the Ann ransomware removal, make sure to keep your data safe in case another cyber attack happens. We are never completely safe while doing PC work. For such case, we recommend keeping important files on external devices such as iCloud or a USB drive. Securing your data in this way will let you avoid various corruptions.

Ransomware most commonly spreads through phishing messages

The most popular way, by which ransomware-type viruses distribute, are spam emails. Cybercriminals drop such messages to numerous users straight into their email boxes. Such content might come legal-looking. It can be an attachment or a link inserted inside the email message. However, if you are not expecting anything important recently, get rid of all phishing emails that you receive.

Some advice would be to download and install antivirus protection if you do not already have one. Such program will increase the security level and prevent your PC from various infections. Make sure that your antivirus is always kept up-to-date and functions properly. 

Eliminate the Ann ransomware infection

To remove Ann virus from your computer system and prevent further damage, we recommend leaning on professional help. Download and install an anti-malware tool such as FortectIntego, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. The elimination might take a while but you will have a properly working computer at the end.

After you work on the Ann ransomware removal, make sure to perform one more step. Do some system backups to ensure that no virus-related components are still active on your PC.

For file decryption, you can look through the following methods. Some of them might be helpful.