How to remove Target777 ransomware

Target777 ransomware is a cryptovirus that targets specific companies 

Target777 ransomware is the threat that hits businesses and names encrypted files or its ransom notes after the company. This cryptovirus focuses on demanding ransom and gaining easy profit from companies after the data encryption process. The name for this virus was given by the malware researcher Michael Gillespie that discovered this ransomware just before Christmas.^[1] There is also a theory that Target777 ransomware virus may be a version of already known Defray ransomware because of the similar features like 777 in the file extension and the “![redacted]_ReadMeHowToDeCryptFiles!.txt” filename as the ransom note. Contact email has also been formed according to the targeted company and contains @protonmail.com after that. Since this is targeted ransomware, ransom amount depends on the specific business or company. Unfortunately, these types of malware are often targeting government or healthcare industry.^[2]

As we have stated, Target777 ransomware is reportedly related or at least similar to other highly-targeted ransomware dubbed Defray virus. In these few days, malware experts have encountered at least six victims that got affected by this file-locking cyber threat. Unfortunately, there is no detailed information on the functionality of this virus because the ransomware sample hasn't been received yet. 

Since Target777 ransomware is a data-locking virus, it changes the original code of the target files on the system. As a result, audio files, images, documents or data having other format gets marked with the specifically generated file extension that also includes “777,” just like the name of this virus. 

A few of the Target777 ransomware victims have provided some details about the attack and have revealed the specific features. For example, a company called Justin's bread encountered files marked with the personalized extension – filename.JB777. Also, when data got locked, the personalized ransom note was placed on the system in such a pattern: !JustinsBread_ReadMeHowToDeCryptFiles!.txt. It reads the following:

Hello, XXX!

Please, check this message in details and contact a person from IT department.
Your personal computer has been infected by ransomware virus.

All your personal files (confidential and business documents, backups and projects) are encrypted.
If you want to restore your files including your clients personal data, you will need to make the payment.
Otherwise all your files will be posted in the Internet which may lead you to the loss of reputation and cause the troubles for your business.

To show you that we can restore your files any time, we can send you decrypted files (about 50kb).
The rest of the data will be provided to you after the full payment.
Let us know if you have any questions.

Our email address: [xxx]@protonmail.com

If you don't get an answer from us within one day, please, download BitMessage application.
BitMessage homelink: https://bitmessage.org
BitMessage identity: BM-2cUy6rCDbfQhwMLaEur9FCm5YXjehdpWFd

As well as other security experts^[3], we do not recommend contacting Target777 ransomware developers or paying the ransom. According to various statistics, only a few victims get their files back after paying. Otherwise, you can lose your data or money permanently.^[4]

You need to remove Target777 ransomware from the system as soon as possible because various additional changes may affect the network of your company in a significant way. This is a cyberthreat that focuses on large companies, so you need to employ your IT specialists and focus on the virus elimination process.

However, Target777 ransomware removal may be a process that requires anti-malware programs on individual PCs. If that is the case, choose a reputable antivirus tool and terminate this malware. Then, use repair tools or system cleaning features of programs like FortectIntego and clean the virus damage or fix system changes. 

Ransomware payload distributes via spam email attachments

The main technique used to spread cyber threats like ransomware is email campaigns because this method allows malware creators to distribute their products all over the world in a matter of minutes. Also, people only need to open the email and file attachment on the system to get infected by this serious malware. 

You can avoid these cyber infections if you pay more attention to email you get on your email box and stay away from downloading and opening documents that may look suspicious. Unfortunately, malicious actors disguise the payload of malware in file attachments called “Invoice” or “Order information” to lure people into opening the email and file attached to it.

However, Microsoft Word or Excel files contain malicious macros which get triggered by opening the file on the system and allowing the script to run on the device immediately. Then, your computer gets infected with ransomware distributing malware or the cryptovirus itself. 

Eliminate Target777 ransomware with reputable anti-malware tools

To remove Target777 ransomware completely from the system with all possibly related files and programs, you need to get a trustworthy anti-malware program. Antivirus tools can scan the network and the affected device thoroughly to indicate potential danger and terminate all malware. 

However, since Target777 ransomware virus targets large scale companies there is more severe damage that can be done. You need to seek help from security experts, IT professionals and specific malware researchers. Amp up the security of your network to avoid additional malware attacks or ransomware infections repetition.

Target777 ransomware removal should be followed by a full system scan using FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to make sure that other malware programs are removed from the PC and virus damage is repaired. Then, you can try data recovery methods when you know that the computer is malware-free.