ABC ransomware / virus (Free Instructions) - Removal Guide

ABC virus Removal Guide

What is ABC ransomware virus?

ABC ransomware triggers speculations about its origin

ABC virus screenshot

ABC virus functions as a file-encrypting virus[1] which uses RSA and AES ciphers to complete the encryption procedure. After that, it attaches random extension comprised of 8 characters and numbers. Its activity is still low, so there are still doubts about what ransomware group it is affiliated to. Observing the appended file extension and the behavior, it refers to Globe Imposter virus.

The developers of the latter continue bothering the virtual community with new versions which only differ by attaching different file extensions to the encoded data and presented email addresses. Recent of them are .BIG1 and .kimchenyn[2] file extension viruses.

On the other hand, the file also refers to ABCLocker emerged in summer 2017. The latter seems to be an independent crypto-virus. Such similarity might be intentional or accidental. Thirdly, the developers of ABC virus must have simply run out of creativity.

Speaking of other features of this malware, it leaves Read_IT.txt file. Since the virus is still under development, the malware may also drop README.txt or HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt files. Since cybersecurity experts have not obtained the sample of the malware, there is little information about ABC virus and its effect on the system.

It is unlikely to delete shadow volume copies. Most likely, the malware also demands 0.3 or 0.5 BTC in ransom. Due to the spike in bitcoin price, few malware developers demand 1 or 2 BTC.

In any case, it is not recommended paying the ransom. Instead, concentrate on ABC virus removal. FortectIntego or Malwarebytes accelerates the elimination process. In case the crypto-virus indeed originates from Globe Imposter group of threats, note that there is a free decryption tool available online. Note that data decryption is effective after you fully remove ABC virus. ABC ransomware sampleABC virus may turn out to be just another version of Globe Imposter ransomware group.

Ransomware threats might lurk everywhere

File-encrypting viruses or their initial executable files are spread likewise:

  • via spam emails
  • exploit kits
  • fake software updates
  • browser extensions and apps

If ABC ransomware belongs to the mentioned group, it might be promoted via spam email attached files. A recent sample of the latter malware group revealed that felons use the old strategy – they pretend to be the representatives of official national institutions or even tech companies. Then, they urge targeted users to open a fake invoice.

Note that when official companies and institutions send any emails with invoices, key information is already provided in the very email message. On the contrary, fraudsters appeal to users; curiosity and urge to open the attachment. Such action only accelerates the execution of the malware. Note that updating your browser also limits the probability of ABC virus hijack in case its developers decide to use exploit kits in the distribution campaign.

Get rid of computer threats

Since the malware is still in its initial stage of development, ABC malware removal should not take long. Update your security applications and scan the device with all of them. Likewise, it will guarantee the elimination of all malware files. In case, an anti-virus or malware elimination utility is non-responsive, restart the system in Safe Mode and scan the PC.

Only when you remove ABC virus completely, proceed to data decryption. Note that this malware may divert to other domains: Norwegian[3]. Swedish or even Chinese.

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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.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of ABC virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Safe Mode grants you access only to key system functions. At the same time, this mode bypasses hindrance caused by the ransomware.

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
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. 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.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

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:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

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:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. 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).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. 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 ABC using System Restore

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of ABC. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that ABC removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove ABC from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by ABC, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro option

Though it is designed to restore damaged files corrupted due to system failure, it is possible that this program might help you restore some of the files encrypted by ABC virus.

  • Download Data Recovery Pro;
  • Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
  • Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by ABC ransomware;
  • Restore them.

ShadowExplorer solution

This program creates the copies of the original files by using shadow volume copies. There is no information whether ABC virus deletes them in advance.

  • Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
  • 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.

ABC virus Decryptor

There is no free decryption software available at the moment. Nonetheless, if the malware is affiliated to Globe Imposter, this free decoding software may be of use.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from ABC and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet. 

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

About the author
Linas Kiguolis
Linas Kiguolis - Expert in social media

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