How to remove Amnesia ransomware virus

Amnesia ransomware is a variant of Scarab virus and first showed up in March 2018

Amnesia ransomware^[1] is a dangerous file locking virus that belongs to Scarab ransomware family. Ransomware type viruses are especially dangerous as they can modify your files immediately after the infection. This variant itself has been upgraded several times since its release in March 2018. The initial Scarab-Amnesia used .amnesia file extension after the AES encryption algorithm took hostage of all personal data on the PC. Also, the ransom note with the instructions on how victims should proceed is dropped into every folder. The latest version of Amnesia ransomware appends .skype appendix and uses HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT note which states that users should contact hackers via the lalalendkiss@gmail.com. Unfortunately, not all versions of malware can be decrypted, including the latest one.

Previously known versions of Amnesia virus have been appending the following file extensions to the compromised files: .am, .01, .02, .wncry (previously used by Wannacry virus), .scarab, .[lioghaly@india.com].TRMT, .onion, .BAGI, .[byd@india.com].SON, .@decrypt2017, .[Help244@Ya.RU].LOCKED, .LOGOZ, .[black.mirror@qq.com].oled, .CRYPTOBOSS, .skype.

The ransomware usually saves the ransom-demanding message in a note called HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT, although the name of this message depends on the virus' version. You can also find these .amnesia ransom notes in every folder where your affected files are saved:

• IF YOU WANT TO GET ALL YOUR FILES BACK, PLEASE READ THIS.TXT;
• Instruction for recovery of files WannaCry.TXT;
• Инструкция по расшифровке файлов WannaCry.TXT;
• RECOVER-FILES.HTML;
• Instruction for recovery of data.txt.
• HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT

Following successful encryption and the ransom warning, the virus automatically opens the ransom note either via Notepad or the default web browser. In the ransom note, criminals provide the victim's ID and the email address which should be used for contacting. They demand using these email addresses:

• s1an1er111@protonmail.com;
• byd@india.com;
• chines34@protonmail.ch;
• lioghaly@india.com;
• support@bitmessage.ch;
• lalalendkiss@gmail.com

The criminals are typically urging the victim to contact them within 24 hours and include the personal ID. According to fraudsters, this is the only way to “switch off any removal of files.” Otherwise, they promise to delete 24 files each day. Criminals have also set a deadline until when the victim has to pay the ransom to eliminate amnesia file extension and other extensions from affected files. They want to receive the payment in Bitcoins within 72 hours starting from the minute that the computer got infected.

At first, it seemed that this virus was a new version of Cryptolocker and Globe ransomware^[2]. However, further analysis revealed that virus origins’ aren’t associated with any of these infamous viruses. Therefore, the decryptor created for Globe is worthless when trying to decrypt files encrypted by the new ransomware virus. Recently, security experts discovered virus relation to Scarab ransomware and have even dubbed this malware Scarab-Amnesia.

However, victims can recover their files using data backups^[3] created before ransomware attack or data recovery methods explained below the article. Before trying to import copies of data into a compromised computer or use the decryption tools, victims should clean the system from ransomware remains using anti-malware programs such as FortectIntego. Our team recommends using Amnesia ransomware removal tutorial that is provided below the article to complete the procedure successfully.

Decryption is now possible

The ransomware has been successfully analyzed, and malware analysts from Emsisoft managed to create a decryption tool that restores .amnesia file extension files for free.

The malicious virus works as a virtual extortion tool^[4], which is distributed using various deceptive means. Once it manages to enter the user’s computer system and execute itself, it scans every partition of the computer and encrypts every file that has a file extension that matches one from the virus’ target list.

Sadly, the encryption that the malicious program uses is sophisticated, and there’s no way to initiate a reverse process without having the private key that ransomware removes from the system as soon as files get encrypted. This is exactly the piece of code that cybercriminals suggest buying for a certain price, and that is why they ask the victim to get in touch with them via an email provided in the email message.

They ask victims to buy Bitcoins worth a certain amount of dollars (usually between $300-$2000) and transfer them to criminals’ virtual wallets. Security researchers do not recommend paying extortionists because criminals often forget their promises as soon as they receive the payment^[5].

As a result, you can be left out without files and money, so better remove Amnesia ransomware without a doubt and use the decrypter to recover your files (the download link is provided below).

Most prevalent versions of Amnesia ransomware

.WNCRY file extension virus. This fake copy of WannaCry ransomware has been around for about two months. First discovered on June 20, the ransomware was spotted using English and Russian ransom note names: Инструкция по расшифровке файлов WannaCry.TXT and Instruction of recovery files WannaCry.txt (also spotted using Instruction for recovery of data.txt).

In the ransom note, criminals provide a message explaining how to decrypt corrupted files – pay a ransom in Bitcoins. The ransom must be paid within 72 hours. To get detailed data recovery instructions, criminals command writing to helper@bitmessage.ch.

We recommend you remove .wncry file extension virus because it has no relations with the real WannaCry virus (also known as the .wncry virus). Besides, data encrypted by this Amnesia variant can be decrypted.

.onion file extension virus. The .onion file extension is associated with other ransomware families such as CrySiS/Dharma or Cry128. Amnesia ONION ransomware drops HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT, in which it states that files can be decrypted for 2 Bitcoins if the victim pays on the same day. If the victim decides to pay the ransom the next day, the price will rise to 4 Bitcoins.

Criminals suggest writing to k.matroski@aol.com after paying the ransom. We do not recommend doing so. Instead, remove the malware and try available decryption tools that were designed to decrypt your files for free.

TRMT ransomware virus. This ransomware uses .[lioghaly@india.com].TRMT file marker on encrypted files. Also, the virus completely distorts the original filename. The new version continues using identically named ransom note as .onion file extension virus does. The virus uses a weak encryption method, so you might be lucky – test the decryption tools provided below the article to restore your data for free.

Amnesia2 ransomware. This version of the malicious program which spreads as a locker.exe file. You can download this file hidden in fake email attachments, illegal programs' versions, or after clicking on a malicious ad. Once inside the system, Amnesia2 ransomware encrypts victim's files and appends one of these file extensions: .am, .01, .02. 

Recently, security researchers announced that discovered a new strain of this file-encrypting virus. However, cybercriminals who are working behind this ransomware do not provide information on how to contact them. Luckily, Amnesia2 is decryptable with one of the alternative tools that have been prepared to beat Amnesia ransomware.

The latest Amnesia2 ransomware version is not yet decryptable. In May 2018 it was successfully decrypted, but a version that was found in June has not. You can find decryption tools for previous versions down below. 

.skype file extension virus

The latest variant of Scarab-Amnesia appends a .skype file extension to the affected data. It is not known while hackers chose to use the poplar platform's Skype name for their malicious deeds, but researchers confirm that this telecommunications application software has nothing to do with cybercriminals.

According to bad actors and the HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT note, users should contact cyber criminals via the lalalendkiss@gmail.com email address and pay the ransom using cryptocurrency (typically Bitcoin). It is unknown what the size of the ransom is, but criminals claim that it depends on how fast victims contact them. Also, they offer free decryption of up to three files. As usual, we suggest users refraining from contacting .skype authors, as the decryption tool might not work at all.

Just as few previous variants of Amnesia ransomware, this one has not been deciphered yet.

Ransomware spreads via spam emails

Ransomware viruses that operate similarly as Amnesia malware are usually distributed the same techniques that haven’t changed a lot throughout the years. These viruses are proliferated using spam, malvertising, and more sophisticated tricks that involve the usage of exploit kits and compromised websites.

The main method is spam email attachments often filled with malicious macro viruses. When you open the insecure file and download it to your computer, you can get various infections, including ransomware viruses, on your PC. 

The only way to fight against ransomware viruses is to rely on multi-layer protection means. These tips from NoVirus.uk^[6] can help you to keep your computer safe:

• Be careful when opening emails you received from unknown individuals and surely avoid URLs and email attachments added to strange messages because clicking them can summon a ransomware program.
• Keeping an up-to-date anti-malware program on the system can also help you avoid virus’ attacks; however, security experts always advise users to create data backups even if the computer is protected with a good anti-malware software.
• Always install software updates offered to you by your computer, but stay away from suspicious web ads that might attempt to trick you into installing dangerous programs!

Delete Amnesia virus and recover your files

Users should remove Amnesia ransomware without delay, and we recommend using professional malware removal software to complete such a task. In other words, we suggest running a system scan with anti-malware or anti-spyware program to detect ransomware files placed all over the system.

Sometimes such viruses are programmed to prevent removal and even detection, so before you take any actions regarding Amnesia ransomware removal, we suggest restarting your PC in Safe Mode (see instructions provided below). We have prepared a full step-by-step guide for you below the article. You can use suggested methods for file decryption and recovering your systems' security.