How to remove Defender ransomware

Defender ransomware appends .defender file extension to locked files

Defender ransomware is a file-encrypting ransomware^[1] virus, which has been revealed in February 2018. Malware locks most of the file types on infected computer by appending the .defender file extension to each of them. Defender virus then changes desktop's background to white brick wallpaper impersonating Windows Defender and generates a ransom note, which is downloaded from @zippyshare.

Security experts are currently testing this new ransomware and confirmed that Defender ransomware decryptor is not available yet. Neither free nor paid. Criminals lock personal files but do not ask for a ransom or anything else. They merely render the data useless and do not generate a key to decrypt them. That's how .defender virus ransom note looks like:

Your files have been encrypted by Defender Ransomware. The wall will not fall.This ransomware is not decryptable. Sorry about that.

Like most other infamous ransomware virus does, Defender virus is also distributed via spam email^[2] attachments, which can be named like Microsoft visual C# v7.0 / Basic .NET. Once installed, the virus runs an executable file MpCmdRun.exe and starts the encryption procedure. In addition to that, it can also:

• Create a resource fork (ADS) file to hide data and prevent detection;
• Modify file/console tracing settings to hide footprints;
• Read the active computer name;
• Modify auto-execute functionality by setting/creating value in the registry;
• Contact random Domain Names;
• Mark files for removal;
• Open files with deletion access rights;
• Remove Shadow Volume Copies, etc.

Nevertheless, Defender ransomware virus should not intimidate you. Most of professional AV engines can detect it, so you should remove Defender ransomware with FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and then try to restore your files from backups.
If, however, you don't have backups for important files, data decryption may be complicated or even impossible. As

pointed out by ransomware experts, this virus does not have a decryptor – neither free nor paid.
Nevertheless, Defender ransomware removal is inevitable. Otherwise, extortionists can use it for transmission of other high-severity malware, which may render your PC useless.

Criminals often spend much time while trying to develop techniques which would allow them to infect computers easily. So far, the crooks have highly beloved malspam campaigns. They send fraudulent emails letters with malicious attachments inside. This way people are tricked to install ransomware by themselves.

The peculiarities of ransomware distribution

Criminals are looking for various security breaches to inject ransomware virus onto PCs. However, that's not a difficult task because OS, software, and service developers keep unifying their strengths against ransomware attacks.

Despite the fact that new techniques been found, crooks prefer malspam campaigns. All they have to do is to prepare a list of emails and send a fraudulent email letter with malicious attachment expecting that someone will fall for the trick. If someone attempts to open the attachment, he or she is asked to enable Macros and, in case of the agreement is received, the executable file runs the ransomware virus.

However, spam is not the only method used by hackers to spread severe computer infections. Experts from LosVirus^[3] name the following techniques among less, but still actively used, ransomware distribution techniques:

• stand-alone file installers;
• malicious content on the web;
• fake software updates;
• malicious ads or interlinks.

It's important to stress the fact that many ransomware viruses are capable of evading detection. Therefore, it's not sufficient to install anti-malware program and expect that it will ensure hundred percent protection. People's responsibility is to avoid visiting illegal websites, carefully check software or its parts before downloading, and so on. In short, it's a must practice secure web browsing rules.

Make Defender virus removal an easy task

Ransomware virus is the most prominent cyber threat in 2018^[4] and will probably remain in this position for quite a long time. If the files that the file-encrypting virus locks are not important, then Defender ransomware virus and the whole family of ransomware are not that severe as that can be detected and eliminated with the help of a powerful anti-malware tool quite easily.

Manual Defender ransomware removal is hardly possible unless you are an experienced IT professional. Those who want to remove Defender virus quickly and efficiently, you can use programs like FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.

Right after Defender virus removal, you may try to decrypt files using one of the data recovery programs or other applicable data recovery methods.