How to remove Phantom ransomware

Phantom virus is the threat that uses AES encryption algorithm and locks various files on the machine before marking them with .phantom

Phantom ransomware is the cryptovirus that can also be called the PhantomChina virus because it is focusing on Chinese-language. The threat was spotted at the start of 2020, but more variants with some different features were noticed in May and July yet again. Criminals behind the threat aim to affect devices of Chinese-speaking and English-speaking users, so the cryptovirus can be distributed all over the world.

Phantom ransomware or PhantomChina virus demands money for the locked files in the ransom note as a program window named !How_To_Decrypt_My_File_ 如何 解密 的 的 文件.hta. The message from criminals states that you can restore your encrypted files when you write the email for creators and provide your ID from the ransom note and other details needed to identify you. You shouldn't fall for these allegations and avoid getting in contact with these people.^[1] 

Phantom ransomware is the virus that locks files using the encryption algorithm,^[2] so the reason for ransom demand is there. Money is pretty much the main goal of these criminals behind the threat, so you should stay away from keeping contact with virus developers. 

There is no way to unlock files affected by Phantom ransomware virus because researchers haven't developed the decryption tool officially. Yet. It is not common nor quick to receive such a tool when the new threat like this comes out. You shouldn't wait for the program if you want to use the machine again. The best option and the solution is to run the AV tool and clear the system fully.

The message that PhantomChina creators deliver on the screen reads the following(it also comes in Chinese-language):

If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail: pianist6@protonmail.com
Write this Your ID in the body of your message
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.

Free decryption test as guarantee !

Integrity is our principle!
Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 2Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
Attention !

Do not rename encrypted files !
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss !
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam !
Your ID:

Phantom ransomware payment that criminals require should be transferred in Bitcoin, but this activity is not safe for the user. Getting involved in any money transfers with criminals or even communication can lead to more significant damage or even installation of malware when you write the email via provided address (pianist6@protonmail.com).

PhantomChina is the ransomware considered as one of the more dangerous computer infections because it can damage the machine since it gets to access the crucial parts of the system and damage those files significantly. This notorious virus can be distributed by hackers directly targeting systems with the aim to extort money from victims.

You need to remove Phantom ransomware instead of considering the payment option as the solution. There is no need to pay no matter how convincing the message sounds or how low the ransom amount is. Criminals are not worthy of your trust, especially such extortionists. 

You cannot open those encrypted files, and after the process of Phantom ransomware removal, it is not going to be easier. Anti-malware tools are designed to find and terminate threats, malicious files, and programs, but not repair system files or recover from encryption.

PhantomChina virus-fighting options 

There are some solutions for such threats that are focused on money extortion and system damage. Your infected machine needs some serious help when ransomware like Phantom files virus appears on the system. Experts^[3] recommend staying away from paying or contacting criminals, but file recovery is needed.

Antivirus tools are the ones that can terminate the malware for you and help to improve the performance after the infection. But you need a tool like FortectIntego that could recover those system functions, tools, and programs corrupted by the ransomware. Remember that Phantom ransomware elimination is the first and the most important step.

You need to run an AV tool, remove the Phantom virus, then recover functions and affected programs with PC repair or optimization programs, and rely on data backups in regards to your encrypted files. You can try third-party programs, system options listed below, but the most reliable solution is file copies stored on the separate archive.

Terminate Phantom files virus from the system

There are no decryption options when it comes to Phantom ransomware virus because researchers haven't created the tool yet for such an infection. Anything related to such malware can be damaging because files and programs running int he background can be designed to trigger malicious processes. 

You need to properly remove Phantom ransomware by running an anti-malware tool and allowing the program to check all the parts of the system. Tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes can find programs, files, associated intruders, and eliminate them automatically for you.

Then you only need to perform the second scan after Phantom ransomware removal that ensures the proper system performance. FortectIntego or another PC repair/ system optimization tool can recover system functions and files corrupted by the threat. Then your machine is prepared for the file restoring procedures.