AndreiHelp ransomware (virus) - Recovery Instructions Included
AndreiHelp virus Removal Guide
What is AndreiHelp ransomware?
AndreiHelp ransomware can encrypt people's personal data and make it unusable
AndreiHelp ransomware belongs to the Spora ransomware family that was first discovered in 2017. It uses an advanced combination of AES and RSA encryption algorithms to lock users' personal files, like photos, videos, and documents. Affected files are appended with an extension consisting of four random characters.
The icons are also changed to white pages so thumbnails are unavailable. It becomes impossible to open the files or use them. Ransomware attacks can result in permanent data loss. The only way to decrypt the files is with a decryptor that only the cybercriminals have. Shortly after the encryption process is done, a ransom note is generated on the machine.
| NAME | AndreiHelp |
| TYPE | Ransomware, cryptovirus, data locking malware |
| MALWARE FAMILY | Spora ransomware |
| DISTRIBUTION | Email attachments, peer-to-peer file sharing platforms, malicious ads |
| FILE EXTENSION | Four random characters |
| RANSOM NOTE | Read_Me!_.txt |
| FILE RECOVERY | It is almost impossible to recover the files if you do not have backups. We provide a third-party recovery option in our guide. |
| MALWARE REMOVAL | Scan your machine with anti-malware software to eliminate the malicious files. This will not recover them. |
| SYSTEM FIX | Windows reinstallation can be avoided with FortectIntego maintenance tool, which can fix the damaged OS |
The ransom note
The full Read_Me!_.txt ransom note reads as follows:
All Your Files Encrypted And Sensitive Data Downloaded (Financial Documents,Contracts,Invoices etc.. ).
To Get Decryption Tools You Should Buy Our Decrption Tools And Then We Will Send You Decryption Tools And Delete Your Sensitive Data From Our Servers.
If Payment Is Not Made We have to Publish Your Sensitive Data If Necessary Sell Them And Send Them To Your Competitors And After A While Our Servers Will Remove Your Decrypion Keys From Servers.
Your Files Encrypted With Strongest Encryption Algorithm So Without Our Decryption Tools Nobody Can't Help You So Do Not Waste Your Time In Vain!
Your ID: iskm5p
Email Address: andreihelp@cyberfear.com
In Case Of Problem With First Email Contact Us In Telegram , ID : @Atresio
Send Your ID In Email And Check Spam Folder.
This Is Just Business To Get Benefits, If Do Not Contact Us After 48 Hours Decryption Price Will x2.
What Guarantee Do We Give You ?
You Should Send Some Encrypted Files To Us For Decryption Test.
———————————————————————-
Attention!
Do Not Edit Or Rename Encrypted Files.
Do Not Try To Decrypt Files By Third-Party Or Data Recovery Softwares It May Damage Files.
In Case Of Trying To Decrypt Files With Third-Party Sofwares,This May Make The Decryption Harder So Prices Will Be Rise.
———————————————————————-
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Ransomware developers threaten to leak the stolen data or release it on the Internet if demands are not met. They want to be paid for a decryption key.[1] The price is not specified in the note but if victims do not comply within 48 hours, the price doubles. Usually, threat actors want to be paid in cryptocurrencies[2] because they provide anonymity.
However, we strongly advise against paying the ransom as many previous ransomware victims say that they never received the promised decryption tools after paying the ransom. By paying, you are not only supporting and encouraging this malicious activity but also taking a huge risk.
Distribution methods
There are a lot of techniques fraudsters use to spread their malicious programs. But the most common way ransomware is spread is through email attachments. Criminals use social engineering tactics to make people download the infected attachment and open it. Some hacker groups target specific organizations and people so they may create an email for a specific target.
Another very popular method for ransomware distribution is software “cracks.”[3] Users often download them from unsafe websites like Torrent websites or peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms.[4] Because they are unregulated, they are the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of malware. It is impossible to know if the downloads contain malicious files.
Even though it can get costly, it is best to choose official web stores and developer websites. You might save in the long run by not losing your files and damaging your operating system beyond repair. There is a wide range of free apps to choose from as well so you should definitely find something that suits your needs.
Remove the intruder from your machine
If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself. Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. Automatic removal is the best option because there is less risk of leaving some of the traces behind.
Malware could prevent you from using antivirus software by turning it off. In that case, you should proceed with accessing Safe Mode first:
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 XP/7]( "Windows XP/7")
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
![Update & Security]( "Update & Security")
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
![Recovery]( "Recovery")
- Select Troubleshoot.
![Choose an option]( "Choose an option")
- Go to Advanced options.
![Advanced options]( "Advanced options")
- Select Startup Settings.
![Startup settings]( "Startup settings")
- Click Restart.
- Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
![Press F5 to enable Safe Mode with Networking]( "Press F5 to enable Safe Mode with Networking")
File recovery using third-party software
Only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed AndreiHelp ransomware.
- Download Data Recovery Pro.
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
![AndreiHelp ransomware]( "AndreiHelp ransomware")
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
![Install program]( "Install program")
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
![Select what to recover]( "Select what to recover")
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
![Select Deep scan]( "Select Deep scan")
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
![Scan]( "Scan")
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
![Recover files]( "Recover files")
The operating system is left damaged after an attack
Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it.
This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.
- Download the application by clicking on the link above
- Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
![Reimage download]( "Reimage download")
- If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
- Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
![Reimage installation]( "Reimage installation")
- The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
![Reimage scan]( "Reimage scan")
- Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
- You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
- If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.
![Reimage results]( "Reimage results")
Getting rid of AndreiHelp virus. Follow these steps
Isolate the infected computer
Some ransomware strains aim to infect not only one computer but hijack the entire network. As soon as one of the machines is infected, malware can spread via network and encrypt files everywhere else, including Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. If your computer is connected to a network, it is important to isolate it to prevent re-infection after ransomware removal is complete.
The easiest way to disconnect a PC from everything is simply to plug out the ethernet cable. However, in the corporate environment, this might be extremely difficult to do (also would take a long time). The method below will disconnect from all the networks, including local and the internet, isolating each of the machines involved.
- Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
- Go to Network and Internet
- Click Network and Sharing Center
- On the left, pick Change adapter settings
- Right-click on your connection (for example, Ethernet), and select Disable
- Confirm with Yes.
If you are using some type of cloud storage you are connected to, you should disconnect from it immediately. It is also advisable to disconnect all the external devices, such as USB flash sticks, external HDDs, etc. Once the malware elimination process is finished, you can connect your computers to the network and internet, as explained above, but by pressing Enable instead.
Report the incident to your local authorities
Ransomware is a huge business that is highly illegal, and authorities are very involved in catching malware operators. To have increased chances of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help with stopping the cybercriminal activities and catching the threat actors. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, examples of encrypted files, or malware executables would also be beneficial.
Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:
- USA – Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3
- United Kingdom – ActionFraud
- Canada – Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Australia – ScamWatch
- New Zealand – ConsumerProtection
- Germany – Polizei
- France – Ministère de l'Intérieur
If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.
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.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Key (cryptography). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
- ^ James Royal. What Is Cryptocurrency? Here’s What You Should Know. NerdWallet. Investing Guides and Tips.
- ^ Georgina Torbet. 5 Security Reasons Not to Download Cracked Software. Makeuseof. Technology Blog.
- ^ Andrew Kalafut. A study of malware in peer-to-peer networks. ResearchGate. Scientific Papers.