Remove AvastVirusinfo ransomware / virus (Virus Removal Instructions) - Improved Instructions
AvastVirusInfo ransomware corrupts victim’s files for good, but still wants a ransom
AvastVirusInfo virus is a scammy and malicious program, which poses as a working ransomware[1] meanwhile it is a poorly programmed piece of malware. It has been discovered that AvastVirusInfo malware is a new version of Xorist ransomware.[2] Just like any other ransomware, AvastVirusInfo encrypts[3] nearly all files on the system and then asks the victim to pay a ransom, however, even if the victim does so, the virus authors will NOT provide the decryption key. This virus completely damages files and makes them useless, so do not waste your money by paying the ransom to cyber criminals. The ransomware targets Russian-speaking users and can be recognized from file extensions that it adds to each encrypted file – this particular virus appends .[8 random chars] extension to every corrupted record.
Questions about AvastVirusinfo ransomware virus
If your files were corrupted by AvastVirusInfo ransomware, do not pay the ransom! Cyber criminals will not provide you with the decryption key. It is also important to mention that AvastVirusInfo ransomware is NOT related to Avast Antivirus anyhow. It is unclear why ransomware authors like to pretend that they are related to computer security firms. The ransomware corrupts the system and creates a ransom note called КАК РАСШИФРОВАТЬ ФАЙЛЫ.txt, (English version: HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt). The ransom note says that all files were encrypted and that if the victim wants to recover them, he needs to pay $15 to authors of the virus. These novice ransomware crooks ask the victim to contact them via email – avastvirusinfo@yandex.com. This email address is where the name of this ransomware originates from. However, we repeat – do not pay the ransom and do not bother yourself writing to cyber criminals – they cannot help you to restore your files. Malware analysts have analyzed this notorious program and discovered that it targets over 1791 different file types (the virus decides to encrypt a file if its extension matches one from its target list). If your files were encrypted by this ransomware, follow the instructions provided below this article to remove AvastVirusInfo malware in the right way. You will need an anti-malware program for AvastVirusInfo removal – please do not try to uninstall this virus on your own, because this way you can only damage the system if you accidentally delete a few wrong files. For virus removal, we believe Reimage is the best option.
How can I get infected with this virus?
AvastVirusInfo ransomware is dangerous, and you should do everything to stay away from it. Such viruses are mostly distributed via email, pirated software packs, or compromised websites[4]. The best way to protect yourself from ransomware viruses is to install and always fulfill your anti-malware software with the latest updates, as well as have a data backup to use in case a ransomware manages to slip into your PC. You can avoid ransomware by not opening suspicious emails sent by strangers, also not browse shady third-party websites. Sadly, it gets harder and harder to keep up with the latest malware distribution tricks and recognize phishing[5] or compromised websites, so we assume the anti-malware software is the key to a safe computer.
How can I remove AvastVirusInfo virus from the system?
You will have to use instructions provided below this article to remove AvastVirusInfo virus. We want to say that it is going to be hard to remove the virus, so be patient. We want to remind you that there is no point in paying the ransom because cyber criminals technically cannot provide it due to a bug in the virus code. Therefore, you should start AvastVirusInfo removal this way:
To remove AvastVirusinfo virus, follow these steps:
Remove AvastVirusinfo using Safe Mode with Networking
You can remove ransomware easily when the computer is running in a Safe Mode with Networking. However, if this method doesn’t work for you, try method 2 instead.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
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.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking 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.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove AvastVirusinfo
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete AvastVirusinfo removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove AvastVirusinfo using System Restore
This is the second method for those trying to remove AvastVirusInfo ransomware. This is what you should do:
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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.
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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.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of AvastVirusinfo. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove AvastVirusinfo from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.Most likely you won’t able to recover your files once the virus encrypts them. However, you can still try one of these methods to restore your data. Ideally, use a data backup – this way, you will recover the vast of your files.
If your files are encrypted by AvastVirusinfo, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro. Method 1
You can try to run Data Recovery Pro to see if you can recover some of the lost files.
- 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 AvastVirusinfo ransomware;
- Restore them.
Windows Previous Versions. Method 2
If you created a system restore point a while ago, using this method can help to recover some files. This is what you should do:
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from AvastVirusinfo and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
About the author
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References
- ^ Jon Hyman. Lessons From a Ransomware Attack. Workforce Magazine. Your Human Resources Resource.
- ^ Catalin Cimpanu. Brazilian Hospitals Infected with Ransomware After RDP Brute-Force Attacks. Softpedia. Latest News & Reviews.
- ^ Rick Correa. How Fast Does Ransomware Encrypt Files? Faster than You Think. Barkly. The Latest Endpoint Security News, Tips, and Actionable Insights.
- ^ Ransomware on the rise: Norton tips on how to prevent getting infected. Norton. Information about Cyber Threats and Security Online.
- ^ Estelle Derouet. 10 Tips on How to Identify a Phishing or Spoofing Email. Return Path. The Expert in Deliverability, Helping Marketers Drive Revenue Through Email.
March 7th, 2017 at 11:24 am
AvastVirusinfo ransomware is a massive programming fail.
March 7th, 2017 at 11:24 am
I hope I wont get infected with this ransomware!
March 7th, 2017 at 11:25 am
My files are encrypted!!! Cant open them!
March 7th, 2017 at 11:27 am
AvastVirusinfo attacked me this morning. File extensions .gRL72NAD1