How to remove Encfiles ransomware

Encfiles ransomware is the virus demanding money for an alleged decryption procedure

Encfiles ransomware virus is the version of a file-locking threat that renames files with a random character string and appends encoded data with .encfiles extension. The threat finds possibly valuable files and makes them unopenable by altering the original code of the file. The encryption algorithm^[1] allows this to happen, so the threat actor behind the virus can ask for payment in exchange for the decryption tool.

Decryption is crucial and is the only process that could help with the proper file recovery, but this is the procedure that requires a key formed during the encryption process. These tools might not exist, however, so trusting these criminals behind the Encfiles ransomware virus developers is not recommended.

These cybercriminals are financially motivated and the message provided via ransom note file HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt informs that users have no other option but to transfer the cryptocurrency funds to wallets belonging to the actor behind Encfiles ransomware. This is a scare tactic, so do not fall for these claims.

Details on 

Encfiles ransomware virus is a type of ransomware that encrypts all the data on your computer and adds an extra extension to every file. It also removes the original names of your files and substitutes them with a random string. You can find instructions on how to recover your encrypted files in the HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT file. 

These are the only symptoms that could indicate the infection on the machine. Users more often cannot notice the infection, and the threat runs in the background affecting the system before the victim sees those locked files and can determine that ransomware affected the computer.

As part of the encryption process, a file named “report.docx”, for example, will be renamed to “1dbascb13fc3971xx.Encfiles”. In every directory with encrypted files, a text file with the instructions will be created. This file contains instructions on how to contact the criminals and purchase the decryption tool from them. The ransom note may also contain other additional information or remarks on buying cryptocurrency.

Try to avoid any contact with criminals, however, because infections like this cannot be trusted, and there are no guarantees that infection creators can recover files after you pay. Try to ignore those messages, stay away from Encfiles ransomware virus creators and remove the threat.

The infection is not decryptable, and file recovery is not the same as virus removal, so you can only rely on alternate methods and use those for data recovery. That is possible once the infection is removed, however. Threat actors rely on triple extortion, and experts^[2] note to avoid the ransomware creators for that reason. Note that and pay attention to the fact that Encfiles ransomware is coming from Amnesia file virus family.

Searching for the decryption option

File encryption is a process that is similar to applying a password to a particular file or folder. However, from a technical point of view, encryption is fundamentally different due to its complexity. By using encryption, threat actors use a unique set of alphanumeric characters as a password that can not easily be deciphered if the process is performed correctly.

There are several algorithms that can be used to lock data (whether for good or bad reasons); for example, AES uses the symmetric method of encryption, meaning that the key used to lock and unlock files is the same. Unfortunately, it is only accessible to the attackers who hold it on a remote server – they ask for a payment in exchange for it. This simple principle is what allows ransomware authors to prosper in this illegal business.

While many high-profile ransomware strains such as Djvu or Dharma use immaculate encryption methods, there are plenty of failures that can be observed within the code of some novice malware developers. For example, the keys could be stored locally, which would allow users to regain access to their files without paying. In some cases, ransomware does not even encrypt files due to bugs, although victims might believe the opposite due to the ransom note that shows up right after the infection and data encryption is completed.

Therefore, regardless of which crypto-malware affects your files, you should try to find the relevant decryptor if such exists. Security researchers are in a constant battle against cybercriminals. In some cases, they manage to create a working decryption tool that would allow victims to recover files for free.

Once you have identified which ransomware you are affected by, you should check the following links for a decryptor:

• No More Ransom Project
• Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky
• Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft
• Avast decryptors

If you can't find a decryptor that works for you, you should try the alternative methods we list below. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that it sometimes takes years for a working decryption tool to be developed, so there are always hopes for the future.

Removing the infection

Encfiles ransomware is the threat focused on the damage done to files, so the threat needs to be properly removed. That is possible with anti-malware tools and detection^[3] programs that can find all infection files and programs related to the damaging processes on the computer.

These applications like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes can run the full system scan and indicate all infection parts, so the system can be cleared, and all infections like Encfiles ransomware virus itself removed from the computer. The automatic procedure is best because these tools have a powerful AV detection engine that is quick.

You cannot find the infection as a program is installed on the machine, so you need tools that are designed to fight malware like this. The full system scan helps to locate all related pieces and terminate the virus properly. Note that this virus removal is not the same as Encfiles ransomware decryption, so you need additional help for file recovery.

Recover affected system files

Once a computer is infected with malware, its system is changed to operate differently. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required.

Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.