Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware (Easy Removal Guide) - Free Instructions

aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com virus Removal Guide

What is aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware?

Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware – a file locking threat which belongs to the Scarab family

aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware virusaztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware is a file locking virus which relates to the Scarab family.

Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware is a file-encrypting malware which appears to be related to the Scarab ransomware category. The infection process begins once a user secretly installs the ransomware virus into the system by opening a hazardous attachment or clicking on an infected URL. After the invasion, Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com virus starts the encryption activity and adds the .aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com appendix to each file name. Later on, the ransomware provides a text message named HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt which announces that the victim needs to pay some Bitcoins in order to receive the decryption tool. Furthermore, the crooks provide aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com email address as a way to discuss all matters. Even though you might be scared of not getting files back, you should calmly overthink everything twice as it is known that such criminals easily scam gullible victims who decide to transfer money.

Name Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com files virus
Category Ransomware
Sub-category Malware
Relation Scarab ransomware
Appendix added .aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com
Ransom note HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt
Price Crooks demand Bitcoins
Email aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com
Distribution sources Spam messages and infected attachments, URLs, P2P sites
Elimination Get rid of the threat automatically. Use FortectIntego to detect all malware objects

Take a look at the Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware message:

Your files are now encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
Now you should send us email with your personal identifier.
This email will be as confirmation you are ready to pay for decryption key.
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.
Contact us using this email address: aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com or aztecdecryptor@mailfence.com
If you don’t get a reply or if the email dies, then contact us using Bitmessage.
Download it form here: https://bitmessage.org/wiki/Main_Page
Run it, click New Identity and then send us a message at BM-NBRCUPTenKgYbLVCAfeVUHVsHFK6Ue2F
Free decryption as guarantee!
Before paying you can send us 1 files for free decryption.
The total size of file must be less than 10Mb (non archived), and file 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:
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
* Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
http://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.
Your personal identifier:
pAQAAAAAAABTK***Ie2xSSR+BjmyDzED

The crooks who spread Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com files virus have been using specific codes to lock up valuable files. These algorithms (AES, RSA) turn out to be different with each infected computer. Once files appear with certain extensions, they cannot load properly anymore until they are decrypted. However, even though the criminals offer a solution to your problem which is paying them, you should definitely reconsider if it is worth the price.

According to cybersecurity experts from NoVirus.uk website,[1] cybercriminals who distribute various malware for beneficial reasons are very likely to scam their victims. Transfers in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin,[2] Ethereum, and other, let the crooks stay unidentifiable and untrackable. We suggest performing the Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware removal and then using data recovery software that we have provided below this article.

To remove Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com virus, use only reliable computer tools such as anti-malware ones. Furthermore, note that all malware-laden content also needs to be removed to ensure that the infection is fully gone. We recommend downloading a tool such as FortectIntego for detection purposes. After this is done, ensure that you take care of your data in the future. Purchase a USB drive or store copies of valuable files on an iCloud server where they cannot be reached by anyone else, except you.

Furthermore, be careful with computer infections such as Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware. These threats might have a wide range of damaging abilities. The longer you keep the virus on your computer, the bigger the issues might get. Some ransomware viruses are capable of injecting other malware into the vulnerable computer system. Moreover, these threats can also add rogue content on the PC or even erase Shadow Volume Copies[3] of encrypted documents.

aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomwareaztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware is a dangerous computer infection which locks up all files and demands Bitcoins.

Phishing emails is still the main way used to transfer ransomware to victims' systems

You might easily overcome a ransomware infection in a dubious-looking email message. Sometimes the cybercrooks add hazardous payload as an attachment to the message or insert an infected URL straight to the letter itself. Avoid launching this type of content as you might infect the system easily. Furthermore, always be cautious while identifying the sender as, in some cases, the crooks might try to trick you by presenting themselves as a worldwide organization.

Moreover, take note that ransomware viruses might appear from third-party websites such as P2P[4] ones. Various Torrent downloading websites and similar networks can be potentially dangerous as these pages are not protected and can easily include malware anywhere. What you should do is download programs only from original websites and avoid browsing in secondary ones. Furthermore, be careful while clicking on various links online as some of them might also be infected.

Get rid of Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware and recover encrypted data

If Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware has locked your files and placed some malware-laden files in your computer system, DO NOT panic. First, avoid any contact with the cybercriminals. After that, you should get rid of the virus permanently and start thinking of various solutions which would help you to unlock your files.

We suggest using anti-malware programs such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes to lengthen the Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware removal process. These tools are created to detect all malware-related objects throughout the entire computer system. Make sure each of it goes away, otherwise, the infection might renew itself.

To remove Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com virus, use only reputable tools. Manual elimination is not an option for this case as the virus is to difficult to get rid of on your own. Furthermore, after the process is finished, you can try our below-provided data recovery software which might appear to be truly helpful.

Offer
do it now!
Download
Fortect Happiness
Guarantee
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Intego Happiness
Guarantee
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 aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

To get rid of Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware virus by using Safe Mode with Networking, try using the following guide:

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 aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com using System Restore

Alternatively, use these instructions to deactivate the ransomware by 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 aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com. 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 aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

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

If you have found your files encrypted by Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com virus, try third-party recovery tools. It is a definitely better option than paying the demanded ransom.

If your files are encrypted by aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro might restore some data back:

Use this tool if you want to recover lost, encrypted, or corrupted 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 aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Windows Previous Versions feature might help you with data recovery:

Try this method for data recovery purposes. However, it might not work if you did not enable System Restore.

  • 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”.

Using Shadow Explorer tool might let your recover some files:

Use this tool for file recovery if the ransomware did not destroy files' Shadow Copies.

  • 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.

No official Aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com ransomware decryptor has been released for this ransomware virus yet.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from aztecdecrypt@protonmail.com 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
Olivia Morelli
Olivia Morelli - Ransomware analyst

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