Aol ransomware – a file-locking parasite that demands a ransom to decrypt locked files
Aol ransomware is malicious software that encrypts all non-system files on a targeted device and tries to extort money for decrypting them. Apart from its name, this computer virus has nothing to do with the well-known American web portal and online service provider AOL.
This cryptovirus derives from an infamous Dharma ransomware family, which has been delivering new versions since 2016. During the encryption, data is encrypted using an army-grade AES[1] coding algorithm. Aol virus also renames all personal files by adding .id-xxxxxxxx.[astra2eneca@aol.com].aol extension to their original filenames (xs' stand for appointed user ID).
Afterward, as all family members, Aol ransomware virus generates two types of ransom notes (pop-up window, FILES ENCRYPTED.txt), almost identical to the ones of previous versions, and places them on the desktop. Their purpose is to convince victims to contact the assailants by two given emails – astra2eneca@aol.com, bluekeep@aol.com.
| name | Aol ransomware |
|---|---|
| type | Cryptovirus |
| Family | Dharma |
| Distribution | Spam emails, file-sharing platforms, deceptive ads |
| Appointed file extension | .id-appointed user ID.[astra2eneca@aol.com].aol |
| Ransom note | FILES ENCRYPTED.txt and a pop-up window |
| Criminal contact details | astra2eneca@aol.com, bluekeep@aol.com |
| Virus removal | Reliable anti-malware tools should be used to take care of all malware infections, including ransomware |
| System repair | To undo all modifications that the cryptovirus might have done to system files and settings, use the FortectIntego system repair tool |
Dharma family ransomware is in third place for the most common reported ransomware strains in the third quarter of 2020.[2] File-locking parasites from this lineage are constantly being created and are infecting unaware peoples' computers all over the world. Here are a few examples of the latest Dharma malware:
The pop-up window ransom note of the Aol virus contains the usual information – criminals contact details, unique user ID, detailed instructions on how to obtain Bitcoins (the preferred cryptocurrency payment method), threats, and other information as seen here:
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 astra2eneca@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:bluekeep@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.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
The other ransom note, displayed in a text file titled FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, states:
all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
Write email astra2eneca@aol.com or bluekeep@aol.com
The ransom price isn't specified, but Aol ransomware victims shouldn't contact their assailants to find it out. Don't establish any contact with them as they might use various social engineering tricks to convince you to meet their demands.
Victims should remove Aol virus as soon as it's detected or at first sight of ransom notes. Contacting the criminals, or even worse – paying the ransom, might lead to financial loss, download of additional malware, or similar nightmares.
Use professional anti-malware software, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan the entire system, locate the infection with all its particles, and eliminate it. Keep either of these trusty AV tools virus databases updated, and they might prevent such perils in the future.
Once Aol ransomware removal is completed, and your device is virus-free, you have to take care of your device's health. Experts say that the best way to do it is by running a full system scan with the FortectIntego system repair tool or similar system tune-up applications.
Identifying spam emails might help evade malware infections
We've all received spam mail of some sort in our lives. Most email providers even have a specialized folder for it. Cybercriminals are using various social engineering techniques to trick people into opening these emails and clicking on links that redirect to malicious websites or downloading email attachments that contain malware payload files.
Hackers are working hard to make these emails look as they were sent from official, legitimate companies, such as banks, social media platforms, shipping or shopping companies, etc. If you value your privacy, your time, and your money, stick to our guidelines and don't open any emails or their contents if they have any of the following attributes:
- Urging to visit a site immediately
- Forcing to download an unsolicited attachment with important information
- Requesting to provide sensitive, private data over the email
- Addressing you not by your name, but in general, as “dear customer', “valued client”
- Contain any grammatical errors, or other unusual inconsistencies
Instructions for Aol ransomware removal and system repair
File-locking viruses like Aol ransomware virus can encrypt all media connected to the infected device, so if the victims connect a USB drive or something similar while the virus is still in the computer system, the infection will spread to the connected device.
That's why victims should remove Aol ransomware from their devices ASAP. The most effective way to do it is by entrusting this task to trustworthy anti-malware software such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Manual infection is also possible but not recommended for less experienced users.
Before taking on Aol ransomware removal, users should copy all essential encrypted files to an offline storage device because there's always hope that security researchers deliver free decryption software for ransomware victims.
Ransomware usually messes up various system files and settings, including the system registry, to establish persistence, i.e., to be harder to detect and remove. That's why experts[3] recommend using the FortectIntego system tune-up tool to restore any changes that the computer infection might have accomplished.
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