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  • Active
  • Severity: High
  • Ransomware
  • Windows
  • Verified · Nov 2017

How to remove Decoder ransomware virus

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Ugnius Kiguolis · The mastermind

Decoder continues nasty job of the GlobeImposter ransomware virus

Ransom note by Decoder malware

Decoder ransomware is a file encrypting virus that belongs to Globe Imposter ransomware family. Malware uses a strong encryption algorithm and appends the .decoder file extension to a bunch of different files. Following the encryption, it delivers a ransom demanding message in the Instructions.txt file.

The ransom note delivered by the Decoder virus starts with victim’s personal ID number and informs that files on the computer were encrypted due to “security problems” with the computer. In order to solve the issue and get back access to their records, victims are asked to send an email to decoder@keemail.me or decoder@expressmail.dk.

However, from the ransom note is clear that victims will need to pay some Bitcoins in order to get the decryption key. Though, authors of the Decoder do not reveal the size of the ransom. Thus, the payment might be set based on the number of encrypted files.

Crooks want to give guarantees that they can actually decrypt files and let people send one file for the decryption. However, the test file cannot include important information. We want to warn that this might be the only file that you recover with the help of criminals after the Decoder malware attack.

Security experts warn that this malicious program has been created for swindling the money from computer users illegally. Therefore, authors of the malware are only interested in getting your money, and data recovery is the matter of their conscience. For this reason, you should focus on Decoder removal.

It’s important to get rid of the virus because its appearance not only damages your files but makes the system vulnerable. The virus can inject malicious code into legit system processes, create or modify new Windows registry keys or install other dangerous programs. Thus, after the ransomware attack is impossible to use the affected PC safely and normally.

Crypto-virus is a dangerous and complicated cyber threat. Thus, it’s recommended to remove Decoder using reputable anti-virus or anti-malware program, such as FortectIntego.

Screenshot of the Decoder ransomware virus ransom note

Malware is most likely to sneak into the system via malicious spam emails

Even though there are numerous ways how ransomware might end up on your computer, the biggest chances are that malicious payload is dropped on the system when you open an infected email attachment. It might be safe looking PDF or Word file that pretends to be an invoice, statement or another important document. Thus, you have always to double-check the information about the sender, look up for grammar mistakes or other suspicious signs[1] to check if hackers did not send this email.

Additionally, the ransomware-type virus might spread via:

  • malicious ads;[2]
  • exploit kits;
  • fake software updates;
  • bogus software downloads;
  • illegal content.

Security experts from the Germany[3] remind to be careful when browsing the web and opening spam emails. Users are also advised to create and update backups and install security software to minimize the risk of the attack.

Removal of the Decoder ransomware virus

First of all, we want to discourage you from manual Decoder removal. It’s a complex program that might be hard or nearly impossible to remove safely. If you try to locate and delete malicious files, you might accidentally terminate legit entries because ransomware often hides under system file names.

Therefore, you should avoid causing more damage to your computer by choosing reputable security software to remove Decoder ransomware from the computer. We recommend using FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, but you can choose your preferred tool as well. If you cannot run security software, follow the steps below.

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