EVEREST ransomware (Removal Guide) - Decryption Methods Included

What is EVEREST ransomware?

EVEREST ransomware is the cryptovirus which encrypts data using AES and DES algorithms

EVEREST ransomware is a threat that can also be called Everest Locker because developers state this name in the ransom note.

EVEREST ransomware is a virus that locks users' data and demands ransom in cryptocurrency. Also known as EVEREST LOCKER, this cryptovirus hails from the already known family of Everbe 2.0 ransomware. Ransomware infiltrates the system without your consent, then it encodes various files on the device and appends .[everest@airmail.cc].EVEREST file extension to the target data. This file marker indicates modified data which is inaccessible due to the encryption algorithm.^[1] When your files are locked, virus developers place the ransom file on the system in every folder with encrypted data and on your desktop. It is called EVEREST LOCKER .txt or 新建文本文档.txt which can be found on the device and contains more information about the initial attack.

EVEREST ransomware virus belongs to a family of not decryptable ransomware, so that means it is not possible to recover files after the encryption process this virus performs on your data. However, you can replace encoded files with safe copies, or use data recovery software to restore them.

However, EVEREST ransomware encryption is a dangerous process because developers are using military-grade encryption algorithms to make your data inaccessible. Unfortunately, you cannot open your photos, documents, music or video files after this procedure and use their content are you normally do. The only solution is to remove the threat and clean the system.

In addition to the encryption process, Everest Locker applies the following command and deletes Shadow Volume Copies: vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet. It also makes several changes in the system which it affects:

• system folders and files;
• registry entries;
• device functions;
• your AV functionality.

When EVEREST ransomware is done with encrypting your data, it marks those files using .[everest@airmail.cc].EVEREST extension and generates the ransom note as a text file called EVEREST LOCKER.txt and 新建文本文档.txt. The ransom message reads the following:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> EVEREST 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: everest@airmail.cc
And in subject write your ID: ID-
We send you full instruction how to decrypt all your files.
If you don't get a reply, then contact us using xmpp: decryptors@xmpp.is
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.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> EVEREST LOCKER <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Developers of EVEREST ransomware state that they can decrypt your files and offers you to test decryption. However, we and other analysts^[2] do not recommend contacting these hackers. Especially when paying the ransom may lead to more severe issues with your device or privacy.^[3]

Make sure to remove EVEREST ransomware as soon as you notice this final stage of ransomware attack and clean the system thoroughly before moving on with data recovery. You need to double-check if your computer is clear before plugging any external device or downloading anything else.

Use only trustworthy antimalware for EVEREST ransomware removal as it will help you detect all related files, remove malicious programs and fix the damage. Double-check the device using FortectIntego to make sure that your system is clear. Then, you can try data recovery methods listed down below if you have no backups.

EVEREST ransomware is a cryptovirus that locks your data using AES and DES encryption methods. This double encryption makes this variant not decryptable.

A ransomware payload dropper hide in spam email file attachments

Cyber infections have multiple distribution ways and can be easily spread around the world. Malicious script can be initiated from the payload directly, or other malicious programs distribute ransomware around. When the file lands on your system and code is launched, the system becomes infected, and ransomware starts its infiltration.

Spam email box fills up with commercial emails from companies and advertisers, but there is a possibility that malicious emails go straight to your email box and not as spam. Since malicious actors disguise their emails with known company names and subject lines like Invoice or Receipt people, tend to open them without paying much attention.

When you receive an email that contains financial information or MS Word or Excel file be aware that documents may be filled with malicious macros. Do not open the email if you haven't waited for one and do not download any data on the system without checking the sender and email itself.

Terminate EVEREST ransomware and learn how to avoid cyber infections

You need to remove EVEREST ransomware from the system immediately after you noticed the existence and encryption. Ransomware starts with editing the registry, so it makes the virus persistent, but you need to get rid of the threat until it affected more severe parts of your PC.

EVEREST ransomware removal should be performed using anti-malware tools because manual virus removal is not giving you the wanted results. Using FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes for a thorough system scan helps improve the overall security of your computer. During such your device is scanned and cleaned, all ransomware related files removed and terminated. After this process, you can attempt file recovery using your preferred method.

However, there is a possibility that ransomware disabled some functions of your antivirus or keeps anti-malware from working as it supposed to. You may need to enter the Safe Mode before you scan the system. You can follow our step-by-step guides below to make sure everything is cleaned properly before you recover your files.