24H – a crypto-virus which locks up files and demands 0.24 BTC for their release
24H - a cryptovirus which locks up files with .24H extension and displays a ransom note. 24H ransomware is a severe computer infection which can be recognized by the .24H extension added to every infected file. To achieve that, the malware uses a complicated encryption algorithm – AES. Once the files are locked, the virus inserts a ransom note in a text format ReadME-24H.txt which contains details on how the infected computer owner should proceed. Hackers also detail the Bitcoin wallet address, which should be used to transfer digital currency. Once the payment is complete, users are urged to contact bad actors via 24H@tutanota.com or 24HDecryptor@Mail.ru.
Very high. Does serious damage to the computer system and personal files. Disables all security tools which makes the elimination even harder.
Extension
.24H
Ransom note
ReadME-24H.txt
contact email
24H@tutanota.com or 24HDecryptor@Mail.ru
Data reclaim condition
Hackers demand payment into 1FniWsB6T3n7GjBGs3UizspTshBvt9qFqR wallet in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. The size of ransom is unknown
Deletion
Use FortectIntego to eliminate the virus infection from your PC system
The 24H virus infiltrates the system using stealthy tactics – users are prompted to open a malicious attachment in the spam email or can be infected once they download an executable from a dodgy website. The malware does not instantly encrypts files, but rather performs a series of changes on the targeted machine first:
24H ransomware modifies Windows Registry to obtain boot persistence
It may prevent security software from detecting the virus
A scan is performed for personal files, like .pdf, .jpg, .doc, and others (malware ignores the system and some other files)
As soon as files are detected, an AES algorithm encrypts data and adds .H24 extension
The encryption key is generated and sent to command & control server operated by hackers
The C&C server then sends the ransom note back to the victim, stating its demands
Cryptovirus is a complex cyber threat and uses sophisticated infection techniques. Nevertheless, if you got infected, remove 24H ransomware from your device immediately. In order to do that, you should download and install an anti-malware tool. We recommend using FortectIntego or Malwarebytes.
Another reason to perform the 24H removal is that the cyber threat may render your machine vulnerable to other malware. This is because it performs a series of changes to the device, and usual security systems stop working. Thus, browsing the internet with the infected machine is not recommended, as users may have their personal information stolen by hackers.
Although the size of the ransom is unclear (it can range anything between $50 to $5000), we do not recommend contacting cybercrooks. No matter how desperate you are to get your files back, do not pay the ransom! There is no guarantee that hackers will send you the decryptor. Additionally, 24H authors may attack you in the future, knowing that you are willing to pay.
Instead, we advise victims to use alternative methods for file decryption. A backup can be used (cloud services or an external device) to recover all data safely, or there is a possibility to decode files using the third-party software we present below. Additionally, security experts sometimes create an official decryption tool, although this might take awhile.
24H ransomware is a virus which sneaks into the PC system by stealth technique, usually, via legal-looking spam emails. Avoid ransomware infection an keep your PC safe
According to research done by tech experts[2], ransomware spreads through spam emails. Phishing emails usually are presented as legitimate messages, but in reality, contain malicious attachments or hyperlinks that lead to malware installation. Inbox is traditionally filled with spam messages, and some of them might be harmless. Nevertheless, we advise users to refrain from clicking on anything inside emails that come from suspicious sources.
Furthermore, if you like surfing the internet and downloading/installing software – you need to pay attention while proceeding with such actions. Malware can be hidden in websites that look genuine, as hackers can intercept these domains and inject malicious JavaScript that downloads and installs the virus automatically. Thus, it is vital to stay away from malicious websites, such as file-sharing, cracked software, keygens[3] and others.
We strongly recommend to download and install an antivirus, if you do not have one yet. It will eliminate the injected viruses and detect the incoming infections.
24H virus elimination steps
To remove 24H virus, you will need to download and install anti-malware software. We advise using FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes. Trustworthy and professional help is needed as your computer system is seriously infected. It is essential to get rid of the cyberthreat as soon as you detect encrypted files to avoid further damage that can be done.
As the malware can block your security software in some cases, we recommend rebooting your machine and entering Safe Mode with Networking. This way, the 24H removal will be possible, as in this mode the system starts using only the most necessary system processes and drivers, limiting malware's capabilities.
Compatible with Microsoft Windows
Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Use Safe Mode with Networking in order to stop the hazardous activity:
Important! → Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
Click Restart now.
Select Troubleshoot.
Go to Advanced options.
Select Startup Settings.
Press Restart.
Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
Click on More details.
Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
Right-click and select Open file location.
Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
Go to Startup tab.
Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files Downloads Recycle Bin Temporary files
Pick Clean up system files.
You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData% %LocalAppData% %ProgramData% %WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove 24H using System Restore
Try the System Restore feature in order to disable the virus:
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt Windows 7 / Vista / XP
Click Start→Shutdown→Restart→OK.
When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8
Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
Now select Troubleshoot→Advanced options→Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of 24H. After doing that, click Next.
Now click Yes to start system restore.
Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that 24H removal is performed successfully.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove 24H from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.
If your important files were encrypted by 24H ransomware, here are some decryption methods for you.
If your files are encrypted by 24H, you can use several methods to restore them:
Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
No official decryptor is available yet
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from 24H and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
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