Protected ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
The crucial information about Protected virus
Recently published ransomware viruses are not only peculiar for their aggressiveness, but for their titles as well. This virus – Protected malware – recently joined the family of these treats which tend to ruthlessly lock out data and terrorize victims for the money in return for the information. However, few users report of retrieved information. Therefore, do not risk wasting several hundreds of dollars and, instead, find out how you can remove Protected virus. One of the ways to do it is to use the services of Reimage.
Questions about Protected ransomware virus
It is still little known about the behavior of Protected, whether it uses an email address or anonymous Tor browser. However, cyber security specialists are aware that the virus is capable of encrypting a wide range of various files. Here are some examples the virus targets to encrypt:
.srw, .pef, .ptx, .r3d, .rw2, .rwl, .raw, .raf, .orf, .nrw, .mrwref, .mef, .erf, .kdc, .dcr, .cr2, .crw, .bay, .sr2, .srf, .arw, .3fr, .dng, .jpe, .jpg, .cdr, .indd, .ai, .eps, .pdf, .pdd, .psd, .dbf, .mdf, .wb2, .rtf, .wpd, .dxg, .xf, .dwg, .pst, .accdb, .mdb, .pptm, .pptx, .ppt, .xlk, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xls.
For a while, you may not even suspect that highly devastating threat has settled on your computer. This is because the virus needs time to detect potentially important files and encode them using mathematically elaborate AES algorithm. Like other notorious threats, the ransomware uses public and private keys to finish the encoding of the information. After the process is finished, the virus opens up a how_to_decrypt.txt file. It also changes your desktop background to constantly remind you of the current state.
The file bears instructions how to proceed with the payment to retrieve the files. Certainly, you should not pay the money as you will only encourage the hackers to continue their criminal activity. If Protected virus has managed to encrypt highly valuable documents and personal photos, you can try PhotoRec and R-studio to recover the files. All in all, you should direct your attention to Protected removal.
When did the malware infect my computer?
It has been observed that cyber criminals prefer spreading Protected ransowmare via spam emails. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in spam and phishing scams. Most of them deceive users by fake tax refunds or encourage opening infected attachments. To make such spam email more persuasive, they either contain the logos of existing tax or other governmental institutions. Thus, if you receive a spam which urges you to proof-check the details for tax refund and open the indicated attachment, avoid doing it. Only when you are sure that you received a legitimate email from the company, open it.
In addition, the virus may also slither into the PC using the disguise of an exploit kit. Usually, it is a trojan which is capable of escaping the attention of the security software and extract itself after settling on the computer. In order to detect and prevent it, you should install a powerful anti-spyware program. It is specifically designed for detecting such threats as trojans. It is also a reliable ransomware removal tool.
Can I efficiently remove Protected virus?
The most reliable way to exterminate the virus fully is to use the malware removal application. It will ensure that no files are left which might trigger the re-infection by Protected virus. If you want it to conduct the elimination properly, you should install the newest version or update it regularly. After that, you might concentrate on the alternatives to store your personal files. We recommend you either to keep them on the PC but perform regular back-ups or store the information in portable data storage devices: USB sticks and DVDs. Finally, if the virus has shut down your operating system and you struggle to finish Protected removal, use the guidelines, given below, to restore the access.
To remove Protected virus, follow these steps:
Remove Protected using Safe Mode with Networking
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
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.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking 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 Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove Protected
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Protected removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove Protected using System Restore
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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.
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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 Protected. 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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Protected and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes
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