How to remove PLANETARY ransomware

PLANETARY ransomware is now decryptable cryptolocker that remains active all over the world

Planetary ransomware is a file locker that was first spotted in December 2018. Initially, malware was named Mercury ransomware due to its extension, and no name was present on the ransom note or anywhere else. However, security researchers quickly realized that a cryptovirus that appends .mercury, .pluto, and .neptupe comes from the same string, and later extensions like .yum and .mira were added, stopping the space object-themed names. Planetary is a standalone cryptovirus that does not belong to any other known ransomware family. After the infection, malware targets personal files and encrypts them with AES-256 cipher, preventing victims from using them. It then drops a ransom note !!! READ_IT !!!.txt, which explains to users that, if they want to retrieve the access to data, they need to email hackers via getmydata@india.com, mydataback@aol.com, recovermydata@protonmail.com, and others. However, there is no need to pay hackers as two decryptors are already available – they should help users to recover data for free after Planetary ransomware removal. Another virus – HC7, uses .PLANETARY file extension, but is not connected to the threat we are describing in this article.

Developers of Planetary ransomware virus have mostly been spreading this virus via spam that relies on misleading subjects, such as “invoice,” “business report” and others. Once inside the system, this nasty virus infects all remaining PCs connected to the same network.

Once infiltrated, this malware encrypts your files that can include videos, photos, documents, and similar data. Then, it adds the predetermined file extension at the end of every file name. For example, a video file called “video.mpg” would be renamed to “video.mpg.PLANETARY”, so there is no way to miss the fact that you are infected with ransomware. From this point of time, all your files with this extension at the end become completely unusable.

Additionally, this virus places a text file called “RECOVER.TXT” on the desktop and every folder which was infected. This text file explains what happened to your data and how can you recover it. Keep in mind that developers of this malicious threat have the only goal – to acquire users’ money. If you have just become the victim of this ransomware virus, make sure that you keep yourself from buying decryption key from its developers and take care of Planetary ransomware removal. 

The ransom note also claims that the user has 48 or 96 hours to pay the ransom before all encrypted files are deleted from the computer. As we have already mentioned, ransom asked by PLANETARY varies between $500 and $5000, depending on the number of devices affected. The new fact is that the payment can be paid in different cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Monero, and Ethereum.^[3]

We highly recommend you to remove PLANETARY ransomware fist and only then start looking for ways to recover your files. For that, you can use FortectIntego or other reliable security software. Keep in mind that there is always a chance that you won’t receive the required code for the decryption of your files because people you are dealing with are hackers.

Apart from the hacked computer network and encrypted files, your PC might experience the following symptoms: 

• Decreased computer performance due to corrupted registry files that can be added by the virus;
• The possibility of getting infected with additional malware;^[4]
• Changes in your DNS^[5] and system settings.

To sum up, you should remember that the amount of ransomware viruses that can infect you is enormous. All of them have an identical function – encrypt victims' files and make them pay the required ransom. There are only two differences among them – the amount of ransom that is demanded and the encryption algorithm used by viruses to make files unreadable. However, as evident, you can use Emsisoft's or F-Secure's decryptors to retrieve your files for free.

PLANETARY ransomware versions

Mercury ransomware

Mercury ransomware is the first version with a changed ransom note file –  !!! READ_IT !!!.txt from RECOVERY.txt. Virus employs the same AES encryption method as the first variant and appends data using .Mercury file extension that fits with the Planetary virus theme. In the ransom note, as usual, virus developers state their contact information – getmydata@india.com and mydataback@aol.com email addresses and informs what is next for the victim.

Pluto ransomware 

Pluto ransomware appeared almost at the same time as Mercury ransomware, and these two versions also share the same ransom note, contact emails. It is possible that this is the same version that uses two different file markers because .pluto gets added to files after the sophisticated encryption process.

Neptune ransomware 

March 2019 came in strong when new versions of Planetary ransomware emerged. .neptune and similarly as the previous two came with the expansion of .yum file marker at the same time. Developers haven't changed the ransom note for these two either. Users data becomes locked and !!! READ_IT !!! .txt gets added to every folder with encoded files. Email addresses for these versions – recoverymydata@protonmail.com; recoverydata@india.com. 

Mira ransomware

In the same March of 2019, Mira ransomware came out. However, this time with only one .mira file marker. The same AES encryption algorithm as all the previous versions get employed in the file-locking process of this version. However, affected files can get decrypted because F-Secure reported about the Mira decryption tool.

Ransomware spreads via spam emails

There are several different ways that can be used to infect your computer with this nasty virus. These are the most common methods:

• Spam emails. In most of the cases, ransomware arrives as a useful email message, having an important email attachment. Typically, the subject of such email says “Your important delivery,” “An invoice,” etc. Please, do NOT fall for such email because the attachment that looks useful can lead you to the infiltration of this malware.
• Malicious websites. Hackers can easily set up a fake website that can be used to spread ransomware. Typically, they encourage users to click and download fake updates, promo codes, supposedly missing programs, etc.
• Redirects. Redirects can lead you to dubious websites where ransomware can be downloaded and installed.
• Peer-to-peer networks. Downloading content from torrent and P2P networks can lead to ransomware infection

Evidently, ransomware can get into your machine relatively easy. Therefore, being cautious at all times while browsing the internet is extremely important. The security team from Bedynet.ru^[6] also suggest to create data backups and update them regularly.

Terminate PLANETARY virus and recover your files

The first step to recover your computer to its previous state is PLANETARY ransomware removal from your machine. For that, make sure you run a full system scan with FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.

Keep in mind that a virus can block the scanner while trying to protect itself from removal. In this case, you can use one of the guides explaining how can you unblock the program and have this ransomware terminated for you. 

Only then you can proceed to file recovery. This procedure should be initiated only after you remove Planetary ransomware from the system. The best solution is to use your file backup to restore affected data. Therefore, make sure you back up your files externally and update them as required.

The more recent versions can be decrypted. Mira ransomware that came out in April 2019 has the decryption tool, you can find here. Previous versions can now also be decrypted using Emsisoft's decryption tool listed below.