2021 ransomware – a file-locking parasite that blackmails its victims through FILES ENCRYPTED.txt ransom note
2021 ransomware is a computer infection that encrypts files on an affected device, renames them, and creates ransom notes that demand to purchase necessary decryption tools. This cryptovirus belongs to the pervasive Dharma ransomware family that has been first detected in 2016.
Immediately after gaining access to a computer, 2021 virus scans the most frequently used files and starts encrypting them. During this process, all personal victim files, such as documents, videos, archives, databases, are renamed by adding .id-(appointed user ID).[decrypt2021@aol.com].2021 extension.
To explain what has happened to victim devices and forward instruction on what to do next, .2021 file virus generates ransom notes – a pop-up window info.hta and text file FILES ENCRYPTED.txt. The purpose of these notes is to force users to contact the criminals by given emails – decrypt2021@aol.com and/or decrypt21@aol.com.
| name | 2021 ransomware |
|---|---|
| type | File locking virus, crypto-malware |
| family | Dharma |
| appended file extension | .id-(appointed user ID).[decrypt2021@aol.com].2021 |
| Ransom note | FILES ENCRYPTED.txt and info.hta |
| Distribution | Spam emails, file-sharing platforms, malicious websites, etc. |
| Criminal contact info | decrypt2021@aol.com and decrypt21@aol.com |
| Virus removal | Trustworthy anti-malware software should be used to eliminate all computer infections and protect it from such incidents |
| System health | If users want their computer to run as usual, they should use the FortectIntego system repair tools to fix any damage the cryptovirus has done to system files/settings |
The ransomware family of .2021 extension virus is introducing new versions each week. They're mostly spread through spam emails, file-sharing platforms, and malicious websites. Files encrypted by older versions can be decrypted, although victims of new variants must wait for the good guys to create the necessary tools. Examples of the latest versions:
Ransom notes of 2021 ransomware are practically identical to its previous version. Text file note is short and contains mainly two email addresses to establish contact with the cybercriminals:
all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
Write email decrypt2021@aol.com or decrypt21@aol.com
While the message in the pop-up window is a bit more instructive – provides a victim ID, free decryption of 1 file guarantee, same two emails, and instructions on how to acquire Bitcoins as the ransom will have to be forwarded using that cryptocurrency (the decryption toolkit price isn't specified):
All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail decrypt2021@aol.com
Write this ID in the title of your message –
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:decrypt21@aol.com
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 as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price.
Victims of ransomware attacks should never trust their developers and send them the money for various reasons. First of all, as soon as the criminals get paid, they might disappear. Second – they might ask for more money. Third – instead of the deciphering tool, more malware could be sent. And last but not least – the sent decryption tool might not work, so victims lose not only their files but their hard-earned money too.
That's why we recommend cyberattack victims to remove 2021 ransomware from their infected devices with professional anti-malware software such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. If kept updated, these trustworthy apps could prevent malware infections in the future.
Manual 2021 ransomware removal options are listed at the bottom of this article, but they're recommended only for tech-savvy computer users. Following threat elimination, users are urged to perform system repair with the powerful FortectIntego system tune-up tool in order to fix any modifications the cryptovirus might have caused to system settings/files.
File-sharing platforms – a hotbed of malicious software
Various file-sharing platforms, especially popular torrent sites, have become a perfect nesting space for different kinds of malware[1] due to the fact that no security protocols are controlling who uploads what onto them. And the cybercriminals love to exploit that.
They name their creations by something that will lure the unaware user, like an illegal software activation kit (aka crack)[2] for the latest game, or expensive pirated software, or anything alike, and upload it. And that's it, now they wait until someone downloads the torrent along with the virus payload file.
To evade infections by various malware, users should do many steps, but one of the most important is to scan every incoming file with a reliable anti-malware tool. One more suggestion from us – don't download anything from torrent sites and other file-sharing platforms.
Instructions for 2021 ransomware removal with anti-malware software
As we've stated in the first chapter of this article, paying the ransom might lead to a lose-lose situation where not only the encrypted files would be lost but money too. So don't doubt for a second and remove 2021 ransomware from infected devices ASAP.
Although some computer infections could be removed manually, it is not advised for less experienced users because it's not that easy. It's better to leave such tasks to professionals. That's why we recommend using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes for 2021 ransomware removal.
File-locking viruses tend to corrupt computers host files and Windows Registry. That's why experts[3] recommend using reliable system repair tools such as the FortectIntego app to restore any modifications the computer infection might have implemented.
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