How to remove Omerta ransomware

Omerta ransomware – multi-version malware that belongs to Scarab virus family

Omerta is a dangerous ransomware virus^[1] that has eight released versions and belongs to notorious Scarab ransomware family. Malware uses symmetric AES encryption algorithm to lock all photos, videos, documents, and other personal files. From that point, victims are unable to open them, as they need a decryption key that is in the possession of hackers behind Omerta virus.

You can recognize the first version of Omerta ransomware from the [XAVAX@PM.ME].omerta extension added to every file that was locked. Additionally, you will find READ THIS IF YOU WANT TO GET ALL YOUR FILES BACK.TXT ransom note which asks sending crooks a payment in Bitcoin. There are multiple other versions of this malware that are released every few months, each of which is using the same file extension, although the contact address differs, consequently altering the file marker.

While it is highly unlikely that the newest ransomware variants can be decrypted, some of the previous versions might be unlocked with the help of paid Dr.Web service. Nevertheless, regardless of which version you are infected with, you should terminate Omerta ransomware from your PC and only then attempt file recovery.

At the moment, the demanded ransom does not have a certain price. It can vary from $500 to $1500 and should be paid in cryptocurrency. According to experts from SenzaVirus.it,^[3] Bitcoin is considered to be the main type of currency used by ransomware viruses, including Scarab-Omerta.

Decryption keys which are generated by Omerta ransomware right after it finishes its encryption on the system are unique, so you can't find them on Google or by simply guessing it. Virus developers keep these decryption keys on a remote server, so it may seem the only way to get them is to pay the ransom. However, you should ignore the following ransom note and start fixing your computer by initiating Omerta ransomware removal on your computer:

Your files are now encrypted!

—–BEGIN PERSONAL IDENTIFIER—–
–
—–END PERSONAL IDENTIFIER—–

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.

Now you should send us email with your personal identifier.
This email will be as confirmation you are ready to pay for decryption key.
You have to pay for decryption in BITCOINS. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.

Contact us using this email address: XAVAX@PM.ME

Free decryption as guarantee!
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption.
The total size of files must be less than 10Mb (non archived), and files should not contain
valuable information (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.).
[…]

As a proof that files can be restored, cybercriminals are asking the victim to send them several files that are encrypted by Omerta virus. They claim that they will return decrypted files to the user. However, we want to warn you not to fall for these claims as getting in contact with cybercriminals can leave you with more damage on your computer. Additionally, you shouldn't think about paying a ransom. According to research, victims usually turn out to be scammed after sending their money in order to pay the demanded fee for Omerta ransomware developers.^[4] 

To start the whole procedure, you should firstly remove Omerta ransomware and then follow our “Data recovery” guide at the end of this post. However, first of all, download and install an anti-malware tool, for example, FortectIntego, and run a full system scan. This program will help you get rid of malicious files from your computer system without emptying your pockets. Do not let criminals gain profit from you like the more they succeed, the more attempts will be made against other users.

Omerta ransomware variants

Omerta was first spotted in early July 2018 as a variant of Scarab. Nevertheless, the crypto-malware came back with different file extensions and email addresses, including:

• .[XAVAX@PM.ME].omerta;
• .[Vankacrypter@protonmail.com].omerta;
• .[Monez@protonmail.com].omerta;
• .[Gdecryptor5@yahoo.com].omerta;
• [ygod123@pm.me].omerta;
• [Y0urGod@protonmail.com].omerta;
• [StaRcRypt@tutanota.com].omerta;
• [patern32@protonmail.com].omerta.

All variants of Scarab ransomware versions generate the ransom note called READ THIS IF YOU WANT TO GET ALL YOUR FILES BACK.TXT with similar information about the attack. Cybercrooks behind Omerta virus always prefer Bitcoin cryptocurrency payment, but the amount is not known.

Spam email attachments contain malicious macros that spread ransomware

Ransomware is often spread through spam emails which, from the first view, seem legitimate and safe messages. Such emails are always filled with specific documents attached that pretend to be legal and important files. This is due to trick the user and urge him/her to open the malicious content and activate the virus. Other popular ways for ransomware-type viruses to spread around are:

• Free downloads from third party sources;
• P2P (peer-to-peer) networks such as commonly known torrents;
• Fake software updates;
• Trojans that make a path for viruses to “flow”.

To help you avoid ransomware, we can offer some tips. First of all, be careful with spam emails – carefully study them before opening, and, if they look like they contain any dubious content or something unexpected, consider deleting them.

Furthermore, avoid using third-party download sources. If you need to install some software from an unknown developer, click the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation mode and scroll through all incoming downloads to opt-out ones that are suspicious-looking.

Also, keep all of your programs up-to-date, especially your antivirus. It is the best way while trying to avoid ransomware-type viruses on your computer. We strongly recommend downloading one as it will regularly scan your computer system and show alerts if any infections are found.

If you want to terminate Scarab-Omerta ransomware, you need professional tools

To remove Omerta ransomware from the system, you need to download and install an anti-malware program, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Keep in mind that you are dealing with a serious virus that can spread around together with numerous files and other components. To get rid of all of them, you should select one of the programs that are provided in the guide as they are considered to be the most powerful ones while trying to ensure full elimination of the virus.

However, the Omerta ransomware removal may not be that simple as it looks from the first view. The virus might try to block your security software and use other tricks to stay alive on the affected computer. In this case, we strongly advise you to turn on the Safe Mode and rely on System Restore. Both of these methods are explained below.

If you want to restore your files which were locked by the cyber threat, use our Data Recovery section. Do NOT buy Omerta decryptor which is presented as the best option by virus developers!