How to remove .enc file extension virus

.ENC file extension virus – what is it and how can it affect your computer system?

When someone mentions .enc file extension virus, we think about ransomware-type viruses. It appears that ransomware authors like to use this extension to mark encrypted files, and at the moment, there are at least four ransomware variants that append this extension to encrypted files.

• Trojan.Encoder.6491
• Crypt0L0cker,
• TorrentLocker,
• Cryptohasyou.

The most recent version of .enc file extension ransomware is Trojan.Encoder.6491 virus, alias Go ransomware virus. This virus is written in Go programming language, and this is how it differs from the rest of ransomware viruses, which are typically written in C++ or C programming language. .enc file extension malware is designed to encrypt files using a sophisticated encryption cipher and render files useless. Nobody wants to lose their valuable data, memories, and weeks of work in less than one hour, and ransomware virus quickly attempts to take advantage of such situation. It asks to pay a ransom in order to get the decryption key; otherwise, all files will be lost forever. Sadly, in most cases, it is not possible to recover files without paying the ransom, of course, unless the victim has a backup. It is strongly advisable to remove .enc file extension virus with anti-malware software to make sure it does not do any damage to your files or computer system on its way out. We recommend using FortectIntego software but feel free to use any other software that you like. Just make sure it is a reliable one that can complete .enc file extension removal safely!

Versions of .enc file extension malware

Trojan.Encoder.6491 ransomware virus

Trojan.Encoder.6491 Trojan is a filthy malware example that is written in Google’s Go programming language. It uses AES encryption to corrupt victim’s files and make them useless. After encrypting a file, it appends .enc file extension to it. After encrypting all files, Trojan.Encoder.6491 ransomware displays a ransom note that asks to pay 25$ in Bitcoins. It provides an e-mail for victims who want to ask some questions – helpmedecrypt@protonmail.com. This virus appears to be decryptable, and although no decryption tool has been released publicly yet, we strongly believe that one should show up soon.

Crypt0l0cker ransomware virus

Crypt0l0cker ransomware is a bogus copy of the real Cryptolocker virus. The reason why this virus has named itself this way is unknown, but it is likely that its developers admire techniques that CryptoLocker has used, or simply want to use the name of the infamous virus to confuse and scare victims. Crypt0l0cker provides information about the attack in DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.html or .txt version file and asks the victim to pay a ransom of 2.2 BTC. There is no way to decrypt Crypt0l0cker, so we suggest removing it ASAP by using anti-malware software.

TorrentLocker ransomware virus

The only decryptable version of .enc file extension viruses. This virus encrypts files and demands to purchase a decryption software for 550 USD; however, victims of this virus should not do so. The ransom note is called DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.html and contains information on how to access the payment site and pay the ransom to cyber criminals. Sadly, if your files have .enc file extensions added to them, there is only a little chance that you have been attacked by Torrentlocker ransomware, because as soon as the decryption key has been released, the developers of virus upgraded the ransomware and started distributed a new version of it – Crypt0l0cker virus.

.Cryptohasyou ransomware virus

Cryptohasyou virus is a ransomware-type threat that utilizes a mixture of AES and RSA encryption systems to render data useless. After infecting the system, it encrypts files and leaves a ransom note called YOUR_FILES_ARE_LOCKED.txt. The ransom note explains that the victim has to contact ransomware authors via locked@vistomail.com and pay for the decryption software that supposedly can heal corrupted files. The ransom asked is 300$. Unfortunately, there are no tools that can decrypt .enc files encrypted by Cryptohasyou virus.

How does ransomware spread?

Ransomware viruses are delivered to victims using various tricky techniques, but there are a few that remain the most efficient ones, no matter how hard computer security experts try to spread the word about ransomware prevention methods and warn computer users. Now, we are going to discuss main ransomware distribution techniques again:

1. Malicious email letters. Criminals tend to send mass email campaigns filled with malicious attachments or links in the message. Such letters are very dangerous because they typically contain shortened malicious URLs, which do not look suspicious at first sight. Such malicious URLs can be hidden even under a safe-looking “Unsubscribe” button! They can immediately redirect you to malicious websites. However, even an easier way to infect your machine with .enc file extension ransomware is to open an email attachment sent by an unfamiliar person. Please, do not do that!
2. Exploit kits. You can get redirected to a website containing exploit kit, which will scan your computer for software vulnerabilities and use them to infect the system with malware. Therefore, we recommend you to delete doubtful apps and update all programs to their latest versions.
3. Malicious ads. Please do not be deceived by malicious ads that can come from compromised ad-networks. Typically, such ads advertise software updates that actually carry malware. They can also automatically redirect you to dangerous websites as well.

How to remove .enc file extension ransomware virus?

All .enc file extension virus versions can be uninstalled with anti-malware software, but you need to use a trustworthy one. Do not be deceived by cheap and useless anti-malware tools that promise to protect your PC but can barely do anything. We strongly recommend you to rely on a strong anti-malware like FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and let it remove .enc file extension ransomware from the system automatically. In some cases, ransom-demanding viruses try to block anti-virus solutions, so in case you are in such situation, follow these .enc file extension removal guidelines: