Project34 ransomware / virus (Free Instructions) - Easy Removal Guide
Project34 virus Removal Guide
What is Project34 ransomware virus?
The modus operandi of Project34 ransomware
Project34 virus is the name of brand-new ransomware classified to @india.com crypto-malware family. After taking a first look at the malware, it seems to be the misdeed of the same ransomware gang of hackers which have released dozens of crypto-malware last year. While some of them were single-time threats, others such as Dharma ransomware have evolved into a terrifying threat with several branches of it. Fortunately, that some versions of their malware are now decryptable[1]. However, this fact does not suggest that you should let your guard down. Even if the ransom message is presented in the Russian language, this virtual menace might attack residents of different countries. What is more, the style of the ransom suggests that the hackers are not native Russian speakers so that they might target any country. In fact, residents of economically developed countries are more likely to be attacked[2]. If you happen to avoid this threat, take a look at the prevention tips below. Otherwise, proceed to Project34 removal. One of the options to do that is to entrust the elimination process to FortectIntego or Malwarebytes.
Throughout the first three past months of 2017, the cyber world has been already rich with a variety of new cyber threats. Former notorious hackers are making a move as well. Even if IT experts have come up with free decryption tools, the cyber villains make sure to preoccupy them with more elaborate ones. Project34 ransomware does not stand out much in its operation peculiarities from the rest of the group. Once it enters the system, it modifies the settings for it to fully perform the command. Within several minutes, Project34 ransomware encrypts personal data. Note that it is able to encode the files in all local disks. It is still unknown whether it can avoid data in archive discs. Within the process, the crypto-malware appends .project34@india.com file extension. Concerning the ransom message, Project34 malware seems to be still under development since it does not specify data recovery instructions clearly in the ransom note. Only a brief note informs the victims to contact the racketeers via project34@india.com and indicate their IP address. When it comes to ransom paying, there are too many uncertainties whether the felons will return the data after receiving the financial transaction[3]. Instead, remove Project34 as soon as possible.
When did I get infected with this ransomware?
Do you recall opening the invoice or another similar document attached to an email? If yes, then you have the answer how Project34 hijack happened. Less popular threats are also distributed via trojans or exploit kits. Often they lurk in the gambling or gaming websites, torrent sharing domains. If you tend to visit such websites frequently, there are high chances of encountering more or less destructive malware. On the other hand, now crooks have developed techniques how to invade legitimate domains and place their malicious content there. Smartphones users might download ransomware along with an infected app, while smart TVs and watches are also vulnerable for cyber attacks[4]. Cautiousness is a necessity while browsing the Web[5].
Project34 elimination instructions
When it comes to Project34 removal, it would be better to remove the virus with an anti-spyware program. Updated software is likely to detect all components of the ransomware and eradicate them completely. On the other hand, it is not surprising if this virus shuts down your anti-virus utility. If that happens, use the instructions below to regain full control of the device. Note that you will need to use alternative methods to recover the files. Check your backup settings and try to retrieve the backup copy of the system image. If you have run out of solutions, some of the below suggested recommendations might be useful in your case.
Getting rid of Project34 virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Launch Safe Mode to continue the elimination of Project34 ransomware.
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove Project34 using System Restore
System Restore is another option you might try.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Project34. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Project34 from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by Project34, you can use several methods to restore them:
Opt for Data Recovery Pro to retrieve the locked files
After you remove Project34 virus, install this program and follow the instructions to restore the files.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Project34 ransomware;
- Restore them.
The benefits of ShadowExplorer
The key advantage of this program is that it recreates the files based on shadow volume copies. This method might be efficient in recovering the files affected by Project34@india.com ransomware.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Project34 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
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- ^ Lucian Constantin. Free decryption tools now available for Dharma ransomware. PC World. News, tips andreviews from the experts on PCs, Windows, and more.
- ^ Ichiro Kitamoto. Japan becoming prime target of 'ransomware' crime. JapanToday. Japan News and Discussions .
- ^ Chris Potter. Hackers Lock Pennsylvania Dems Out of Their Email, But They Refuse to Pay Ransom. Government Technology. Government Technology State and Local Government News and Articles .
- ^ Ben Farmer. Smartphones, TVs and watches could be held to ransom by hackers, cyber security chiefs warn. The Telegraph. Local and World News.
- ^ Sam Edwards. Are smart buildings safe from hackers and privacy breaches?. Phys Org. News and Articles on Science and Technology.