Remove Chimera ransomware (Removal Guide) - Aug 2016 update
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 Reimage 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 Reimage. 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.
To remove Chimera virus, follow these steps:
Remove Chimera using Safe Mode with Networking
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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 Chimera
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 Chimera removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
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 Reimage, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
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July 28th, 2016 at 7:29 am
oh i hope the decryptor will be released soon!
July 28th, 2016 at 7:30 am
Yes! Go fight, we wont have to pay ransoms.
July 28th, 2016 at 7:31 am
Fascinating news. My files are still encrypted, I am just happy that I have decided to keep them. Praying for a miracle!
July 28th, 2016 at 7:31 am
How do I decrypt chimera files??