How to remove Predator ransomware

Predator ransomware – a test virus which demands a $100 ransom in Bitcoin after encrypting victim's files

Predator ransomware is an experimental cryptovirus which has been infecting computers globally. Alternatively known as Predator The Cipher, this cryptovirus is using .predator extension to mark encrypted data. As a result, the affected data becomes unusable because of the AES encryption algorithm used by the cybercrooks. Furthermore, the virus is using the README.txt ransom note urging users to contact its developers via nadwkjk@protonmail.com email address. Predator ransomware is requesting $100 in Bitcoin in exchange for the decryption key.^[1]

Here you can see, the ransom note of Predator virus is typically asking victims to send their money to cyber criminals without wasting their time:

Your files were encrypted with Predator The Cipher!
Predator The Cipher v1.0
To decrypt your files:
1. Send 100$ to this bitcoin wallet: 1Pe9zG5uZFj4bGxPs98VbReXrnFayuoGf.
2. Send us email with your machine ID (XXXXXXXXXX) and bitcoin wallet ID: nadwkjk@protonmail.com
Then we would send you back our decipher tool.
ATTENTION!
DO NOT TRY TO DECRYPT OR DELETE YOUR FILES. YOU WILL ONLY MAKE IT WORSE!

Also, files encrypted by Predator ransomware are blocked by using the AES cipher which is used to block the target data and push the victim into thinking that the only way to unlock it is to pay the money. In reality, the decryption keys which are needed for this procedure are stored on external servers that can be reached only by the cybercriminals.

However, even if you are desperate to get important data back, we advise holding yourself from paying the demanded price forPredator ransomware because there is a huge possibility to get scammed after believing false promises. Usually, a decryption tool is not received, and the cybercrooks run off with the money and spread their hazardous activity on other PCs.

We recommend staying away from contacting the developers of this ransomware virus and thinking about another option to recover encrypted data. First of all, you should remove Predator ransomware by downloading a professional anti-malware tool. Try using FortectIntego or any other similar one. Additionally, for the decryption of your files, we suggest using trustworthy decryptors. Several options are provided at the end of this post. To keep your data safe next time, you should think about saving extra copies of your important files on a USB drive or another remote device^[2].

There are other harmful abilities that Predator ransomware might contain:

• This virus can be set to gather various personal information about you;
• It can modify your system settings;
• Such ransomware might start crypto mining and similar activities;
• Every time you turn on your PC, the virus can repeat files' encryption.

To avoid such dangers, you need to perform the Predator ransomware removal as soon as you spot it. If not – your computer system might face various damaging consequences and the loss of other important data.

Spam emails are the main ransomware distribution source

According to IT researchers^[3], ransomware infections appear on computers because of spam. Each day, people receive various spam emails that include misleading or harmful content attached to them. If you encounter such email – better delete it for good as such messages might be used for virus activation.

Also, there are some other methods used to distribute ransomware, like dubious websites. Pages, especially secondary ones, might redirect you to dangerous content which, once clicked, might help the ransomware virus to infiltrate your system. Stay away from various questionable sites that you are not able to recognize to avoid stepping on harmful links.

If you think that you are not able to identify them, some advice would be to download and install antivirus software and keep it up-to-date. If taken care of properly, it will increase your computer's security level and will prevent cyber threats before they get into the system.

Vanish Predator ransomware and its dangerous files

To remove Predator virus, you will need to lean on trustworthy and high-tech help because manual elimination of such threats is not recommended. For such case, we recommend installing an anti-malware tool. Use one of these programs to get rid of your malware: FortectIntego, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. They will display quick instructions on how to use their database properly to get rid of the cyber threat without leaving its leftover files.

After you work on the Predator ransomware removal, there is one more thing you need to do to ensure your computer safety. Consider doing some system backups to find out, if any ransomware-related components are still active.