EduCrypt ransomware / virus (Improved Instructions)
EduCrypt virus Removal Guide
What is EduCrypt ransomware virus?
EduCrypt ransomware’s mission is to educate computer users
Today we are going to describe a unique variant of ransomware, which is called EduCrypt virus. If your files have been encrypted by EduCrypt, do not worry – the aim of this crypto-ransomware is not to demand a ransom and earn money, but to frighten computer users a little bit and teach them a lesson. The ransomware is a simplified version of Hidden Tear virus (an open-source crypto-ransomware). It does not communicate with a C&C server to encrypt files.
EduCrypt can encrypt data stored in Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders. Unlike other ransomware threats, it does not scan the entire computer system. Once it encrypts a file, it adds .isis extension to it. Then it leaves a short note in README.txt file, saying, “well hello there, seems you have a virus!” Then authors of this threat provide a link where the user can download a decryption tool, which is unlikely to be trustworthy. Do not forget that cybercriminals might have added additional infectious components to this decryption tool, so by fixing one problem, it can cause another one. Therefore, you should not use it and rely on one that was created by trustworthy computer experts. You can download it here. The ransom note says that the user does not have to download random decryption programs from the Internet because the virus had hidden a .txt file with a decryption code in it. According to the ransom note, the user has to find it in the computer system. We will simplify this task for you by saying that this file is called DecryptPassword.txt and it can be found in Documents folder. What is more, it turns out that this virus encrypts each computer the same way and the same decryption key works on each infected computer. The EduCrypt decryption key is:
HDJ7D-HF54D-8DN7D
Although this virus is not disastrous and you can easily recover your files after it attacks the computer, it does not mean that other ransomware variants are as innocent and harmless as this one. If you have never heard about Locky, CryptXXX, CryptoLocker and other well-known ransomware variants, you should definitely read some more information about them (click on virus names to learn more). Typically, when such virus encrypts files, there is no way back – you can pay the ransom and expect to get a decryption tool from criminals, which is unlikely to happen. It goes without saying that you should never pay frauds not only because they can deceive you, but also because if you paid, you would support them financially. The first thing that you should do if your PC has been infected with a virus is to uninstall it. To remove EduCrypt and other malicious threats, use an anti-spyware program like FortectIntego.
How does EduCrypt spread?
EduCrypt can be installed on the computer system after opening an infectious email or a website. Since ransomware spreads using Trojan horse method, you have to be aware of the fact that you can accidentally download it while thinking that it is a safe file. To avoid installing such harmful programs, you have to stay clear of questionable file sharing networks and suspicious emails. If you have received an email from an unknown sender and if the email has several files attached to it – do not open them! These attachments can be malicious, although you might not be able to realize it immediately.
How to remove EduCrypt?
EduCrypt virus can be deleted with a help of FortectIntego or with another reliable anti-malware program. To remove it automatically, install such program and check the computer system by running a full-system scan. If your anti-malware program cannot detect EduCrypt, you should update it and then try to do it again. If it still cannot find this threat, you should consider obtaining a more powerful anti-malware application.
Getting rid of EduCrypt 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 EduCrypt 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 EduCrypt. 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 EduCrypt 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.
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