How to remove Everbe ransomware

Everbe ransomware is a multi-variant cryptomalware that appends various extensions to the affected files

Everbe is a file locking virus that was released in March 2018 and since then has been reaching targets worldwide by using multiple attack vectors. Malware receives regular updates, although threat actors usually take around a month's break before releasing a new variant. Initial versions appended .everbe or .eV3rbe file extension after performing file encryption with the help of AES + RSA encryption algorithms; then malicious actors used  .embrace, .volcano, and many others. The most recent variant was Everbe 3.0 ransomware that was spotted infecting users in March 2020, and appended .CULEX extension to files.

As it is typical to ransomware, Everbe virus also leaves a ransom note behind, under such names as !=How_recovery_files=!.html, EVEREST LOCKER.txt, !#_How_to_decrypt_files_#!.txt, readme.txt, and many others. Over the years, the contents changed inside, providing a different contact email address.

So far, there are three major releases of malware, including Everbe 1.0, Everbe 2.0, and Everbe 3.0. While the two latest versions cannot be decrypted, all 1.0 variants can be recovered with the help of InsaneCryptDecryptor, available for free. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the tool will work for all victims, so we provide alternative methods for data recovery below.

When the name is changed data immediately becomes compromised and unusable due to a sophisticated encryption algorithm. Everbe ransomware virus then generates a ransom note and spreads copies in all of the existing folders. This os just one of the examples, as ransom note contents differ with each Everbe virus versions:

Hi !
If you want to restore your files write on email – everbe@airmail.cc
In the subject write – [redacted victim ID number]

As you can see from the quote above, this short message encourages users to contact developers via everbe@airmail.cc email, if they want to restore encrypted data. The ransom note also provides unique victim’s ID which is asked to enter in the subject line of the email.

However, we do not recommend contacting the creators of Everbe ransomware and following their instructions. There’s no doubt that they will ask Bitcoins or another cryptocurrency in exchange for unique decryption key created for each victim. But once cybercriminals receive the payment, they might disappear and leave you with a bigger loss.

No matter how much you need to get back your files, you should remember that there are no guarantees that crooks keep their promise and help with data recovery.^[1] Additionally, paying the ransom gives no results in Everbe removal. Hence, your computer remains vulnerable and sluggish. Besides, there is a free decryptor available,^[2] so there is no need to pay hackers.

Keep in mind that you need to remove Everbe ransomware first before you can proceed with data recovery. However, if you do not have backups, you can try using additional tools that we have presented at the end of the article. If they do not help, you should remain patient and wait for malware researchers to create a free decryptor. Finally, if your computer starts lagging and crashing after Everbe ransomware termination, you can make use of FortectIntego to fix virus damage quickly.

Different Everbe family variants

The good news is that Everbe decryptor can help while dealing with two variants of malware — Embrace and Painlocker. Although, this only work for these firstly discovered ones because hackers are known to modify the code of ransomware so that decryptor would not work. These versions came out quickly one after another, each having a new name altogether. 

Once more, two new versions came out in July 2018. Everbe 2.0 and Hyena Locker are not decryptable yet. The previous tool does not work. These two are similar and have lengthy ransom notes containing new contact emails (two for each version) and new file extensions. 

Embrace ransomware

Embrace ransomware made a comeback as the first continuation of Everbe malware. It spread through unprotected RDP, using malicious attachments in spam emails or was injected into malicious websites. It used the same encryption algorithm (AES or DES) to lock up files and added [embrace@airmail.cc].embrace. For example, a file called picture.jpg would be turned into picture.jpg.[embrace@airmail.cc] .embrace. 

The ransom note !=How_recovery_files=!.txt slightly differs from the first variant and urges users to contact hackers via embrace@airmail.cc. Victims are also warned that in case the payment will not be made within seven days, the price of ransom will double. It is unknown how much money crooks ask for; however, prices usually range between $500 and $1500, and payments are executed in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency.

As usual, we recommend users to ignore ransomware authors and remove Embrace virus from the machine ASAP.

PainLocker ransomware

PainLocker is the latest addition to Everbe crypto-malware family. It adds [pain@cock.lu].pain appendix to each of the files and generates ransom note of the same name – !=How_recovery_files=!.txt., which states the following:

########## PAIN LOCKER ##########
Hello, dear friend!
All your files have been ENCRYPTED
Do you really want to restore files?
Write to our email – pain@cock.lu or pain@airmail.cc and tell us your unique ID

Painlocker wants users' money. Thus, these hackers are not your friends (as they self-proclaimed)! Even though the decryptor works for this version of the virus as well, in rare cases it may not work for you. Therefore, it is vital to keep regular backups and employ reputable security software which could detect malicious threats and eliminate them before they can enter. If you found your files encoded, hurry up and remove PainLocker using an anti-malware tool.

Everbe 2.0 ransomware

This version came out in July 2018 as the second version to the main ransomware Everbe virus. Security experts were convinced that the virus will remain decryptable. However, decryption tools that have already been presented do nothing to recover files encrypted by this ransomware version. This variant is appending .[eV3rbe@rape.lol].eV3rbe file extension or .[thunderhelp@airmail.cc].thunder appendix to the target data.

The particular version is using AES-256 encryption method. This version offers to test its decryption capabilities by decrypting three the most important victim's files. The ransom amount is still unknown, so it is possible that the ransom you need to pay depends on the time you take to contact the criminals. However, we highly do NOT recommend contacting cybercriminals. Instead, you should try the data recovery steps given at the end of this post.

Hyena Locker ransomware 

Hyena Locker is the fourth version of the ransomware which showed up in July 2018. It is using three-paragraph ransom note to suggest its victims sending files to test the decryption procedure. This is offered so you can believe that the payment you send to cyber criminals will guarantee you the full decryption of your files.

Hyena is using .[hyena@rape.lol].HYENA file extension while marking encrypted files and generates the key which is saved on a remote server which belongs to hackers. Just like Verbe 2.0, it is using AES-256 encryption chiper. The virus is still undecryptable.

.[yoursalvations@protonmail.ch].neverdies@tutanota.com file extension virus

On November 22 2018, the newest Eveerbe ransomware variant was discovered. This virus comes with a typical lengthy file extension – .[yoursalvations@protonmail.ch].neverdies@tutanota.com. This version encrypts users' personal data using the RSA-2048 encryption algorithm and marks them with the mentioned marker.

Then it delivers a ransom message in the file named as the previous versions – !=How_recovery_files=!. However, it shows up as a program window on the screen stating about the encryption and suggesting to contact developers via yoursalvations@protonmail.ch or neverdies@tutanota.com. You shouldn't do so and remove this virus instead. Based on the detection rate, you can use Fortect for the job.^[3]

 Culex Locker ransomware

The release of Everbe ransomware was relatively successful to the attackers, as they followed with new variants at a regular pace. However, malware kept a low profile during 2019, just to come back in March 2020 with a new release of Culex Locker version, or otherwise known as Everbe 3.0.

Using a variety of different attack vectors, Culex ransomware typically reaches users' PCs unnoticed and immediately begins Windows system modification. This allows the virus to perform the file encryption process, which appends the extension .[Culex@cock.li].CULEX to each of the files. Then, malware drops the !_HOW_RECOVERY_FILES_!.txt message to users, which reads:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CULEX LOCKER <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

HELLO, DEAR FRIEND!

1. [ ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED! ]
Your files are NOT damaged! Your files are modified only. This modification is reversible. The only 1 way to decrypt your files is to receive the decryption program.

2. [ HOW TO RECOVERY FILES? ]
To receive the decryption program write to email: culex@cock.li And in subject write your ID: ID-xxxxxxxxx We send you full instruction how to decrypt all your files. If we do not respond within 24 hours, write to the email: culex@cock.lu

3. [ FREE DECRYPTION! ]
Free decryption as guarantee. We guarantee the receipt of the decryption program after payment. To believe, you can give us up to 3 files that we decrypt for free. Files should not be important to you! (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CULEX LOCKER <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 

Macro-filled documents from spam emails distribute ransomware payload

The main way how ransomware is being spread on the web and installed on computers is spam emails.^[4] They often include malicious attachments that execute download and installation of malware to your computer. Letters can be called like they are from real and big companies like PayPal, DHL, LinkedIn, and others.

Additionally, infected email attachments usually look safe to open. Creators of malware often inject malicious code into Word or PDF documents. In some cases, ransomware might arrive in the ZIP archive. So, you should be extremely careful with received emails.

Security specialists from NoVirus.uk^[5] also warn that authors of malware might use other methods to spread the file-encrypting virus, such as:

• Unofficial software download sources or peer-to-peer networks that promote and offer to install suspicious programs;
• Fake updaters might include malware instead of being upgrading any software;
• Security pop-ups might ask to install fake security programs that are malware;
• Malicious ads placed on both legit and high-risk websites.

To avoid infiltration of such cyber threat, you should be not only careful with emails and learn how to identify tricky messages sent by hackers, but also follow major security tips, such as avoiding visiting potentially dangerous sites, downloading programs from ads or unauthorized download sites. Additionally, data backups and installation of antivirus program helps to minimize the risk of ransomware attack.

Eliminate Everbe immediately and clean the system

Everbe removal needs to be done using the anti-malware program. Ransomware creators upgrade their codes and make viruses more evolved each time the new version comes out. We recommend using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and MalwarebytesMalwarebytes for cleaning your computer and then fixing damaged system files with FortectIntego to avoid Windows reinstallation. However, feel free to use your beloved anti-malware program, but do not forget to update it first!

Additionally, ransomware virus can block access to the security program or its installation process. So you might need to do other steps that are mentioned in a removal guide below.

Once you remove Everbe from the machine, you can begin the data recovery procedure. You should first try to gain access to your files back by using Embrace Decryptor or InsaneCryptDecrypter. These tools should be helpful with almost every version of this ransomware. In case it does not work for you, below you can see other options for restoring your data.