Chimera ransomware (Removal Guide) - Aug 2016 update
Chimera virus Removal Guide
What is Chimera ransomware?
What is known about Chimera ransomware virus?
Chimera ransomware is a type of computer malware that is assigned to “ransomware” category. This virus acts similarly to any other ransomware virus, and just like Locky, CryptXXX or other viruses, it aims to swindle as much money from the victims as possible. Chimera encrypts all victim’s files and adds .crypt file extension to individual filenames, then drops a ransom note on the computer system and sets a particular image on a desktop background. This threat uses a specific intimidation method to convince victims to pay the ransom, as it threatens the victim by promising to publish all “private data, which include pictures and videos […] on the Internet in relation on your name.” It is a frightening threat that can significantly lift up the victim’s willingness to pay the ransom. This malware variant demands different amounts of money from victims, ranging from 0,939945085 to 2,45267544 Bitcoins, approximately 617-1610 US Dollars. What is interesting, this virus does not ask the victim to install Tor browser to access the payment website. In fact, it does not have one. The virus explains that the victim has to download a Chimera Decrypter and transfer money to a provided Bitcoin address in order to activate this decryption tool.
Can you decrypt your files without paying the ransom?
However, it seems that this ransomware project hasn’t been that successful to authors of it, despite its filthy intimidation techniques. None of the victims’ private data was ever published online, and another criminal gang managed to steal significant parts of Chimera’s source code, which was used to build other ransomware variants – Mischa and Petya. On top of that, authors of these viruses have decided to ruin this ransomware project by disclosing over 3500 decryption keys. The Chimera decryption tool has already been released – you can download the Chimera Decryptor here. Before using this tool, you should remove Chimera ransomware from the system using a reliable anti-malware tool. We recommend using ReimageIntego software.
Chimera ransomware virus Infiltration method:
Chimera ransomware acts like a Trojan horse, which means that it can get into your computer while pretending to be something else. It means that you have to be very careful because you can allow the installation of this virus on your computer. Usually, such Trojans reach their target PC users and install this virus via e-mail, so you should be very careful with suspicious messages and never open the attachments that can be found in them. Also, avoid spam or junk email sections because there’s a huge chance that they are filled with dangerous threats. Usually, scammers send these e-mails from addresses that look like official and known ones. If you’re not sure about the sender of the mail, please look up their e-mail address online. Another way to get Trojan virus is through questionable advertisements that claim that you should update your programs on visit specific sites. Instead of redirecting you to the website you are interested in, they may automatically download Trojan download to your computer.
Chimera virus removal process:
If your computer is infected with Chimera ransomware virus, you should disconnect it from the Internet without wasting your time. Otherwise, you may soon discover more files encrypted by this cyber threat on your computer. Unfortunately, but Chimera virus removal process is not an easy task, and you may run into several difficulties while trying to get rid of this ransomware. The main thing you must remember is that you should not try to eliminate this malware manually. To delete this virus along with all its files, you should use updated anti-spyware, such as ReimageIntego. If you can’t download or launch this program, you should follow the step-by-step guide which is given below. Please remember: if you don’t want similar viruses in your computer again anytime soon, don’t be curious and don’t click on untrustworthy e-mails and ads.
Getting rid of Chimera virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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
- 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 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
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:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- 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).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- 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 Chimera using System Restore
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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 Chimera. 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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Chimera and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as ReimageIntego, 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.
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