How to remove Recognizer ransomware

Recognizer ransomware – file locking malware that comes from Paradise virus family

Recognizer is the newest variant of Paradise ransomware file-locking virus. While there are minor changes for the original, the purpose of this virus is the same – to lock up users' files and hold them hostage until ransom in Bitcoin is paid for the decryption tool. Recognizer ransomware takes advantage of an encryption algorithm to cipher files (it means that they are not corrupted in any way, but rather locked by a password that is unique to each user) and then appends .{file@p-security.li}.Recognizer extension. Once the access to pictures, documents, databases, videos, and other data is denied, then the virus focuses on delivering a ransom note and does that by contacting a remote Command and Control server.^[1] In the message, which comes in a pop-up window named file@p-security.li, hackers explain what happened and also offer test decryption service. Bad actors also warn that Recognizer ransomware removal will lead to permanent data loss. While it might be the case, experts do not recommend contacting cybercriminals or paying the ransom, as there is a chance of not only losing files but also money.

Recognizer virus can infect machines in various ways, including:

• Spam email attachments or hyperlinks;
• Brute force attacks;
• Cracks or keygens;
• Repacked or pirated software;
• Exploit kits;
• Unprotected RDP;
• Fake updates, etc.

After the infiltration, Recognizer ransomware performs a variety of changes to the system, such as registry modification, deletion of Shadow Volume Copies, a creation of new scheduled tasks and services, termination of and launching of certain processes, etc. Thus, as long as the malware is running on the system, its functionality is greatly compromised.

Recognizer ransomware then encrypts data and drops two ransom notes. While the pop-up window explains the situation in more detail, the Instructions with your files.txt file is dropped into each affected folder. The content of the message is:

All your files have been encrypted contact us via the e-mail listed below.
e-mail: file@p-security.li or e-mail: fileparadise@cock.li

Paradise Ransomware team.

It is yet unknown how much Recognizer virus authors will ask for the decryption tool, but you should not agree to their demands. While it might seem like the only option, the action might make the situation even worse, as you might lose all your money, without receiving the decryptor. Additionally, paying criminals only proves them that ransomware works.

Thus, remove Recognizer ransomware from your PC using adequate security solutions and only then attempt to retrieve your data using alternative recovery methods – we provide instructions below. After that, we recommend using FortectIntego or similar repair software to restore the normal operation of your device.

Ways to avoid ransomware infections

As we explained in the first part of the article, ransomware can be spread with the help of various different distribution methods. Therefore, users should take precautionary measures to avoid serious infections like ransomware. Experts^[2] advise the following:

• Employ reputable security application (we recommend investing in one, as free tools are mostly not as effective as paid versions) and keep it up to date;
• Prepare regular backups of your files;
• Patch your operating system along with the installed programs as soon as security updates are released;
• Set your apps to prompt updates automatically and do not believe fake Adobe Flash^[3] or similar update prompts you might encounter on the web;
• Be aware that spam emails that include hyperlinks or attachments might deliver malware if opened;
• Use ad-blocker;
• Enable Firewall.

Terminate Recognizer ransomware from your device by using our instructions

To remove Recognizer virus, you will have to use a reputable security application. Be aware that each of the vendors uses different databases to detect various threats. For that reason, not all security applications might be able to identify and remove this particular ransomware. However, because the virus heavily modifies Windows operating system, we strongly advise you enter Safe Mode with networking before you proceed with Recognizer ransomware removal.

As soon as you delete Recognizer ransomware, you can them attempt to recover your data. As we previously mentioned, this variant of Paradise is not decryptable, so you can only rely on backups or alternative recovery solutions. Check out the list of tools we provide below – these apps might be able to retrieve at least some of your files. Finally, security researchers might decipher .Recognizer file virus at any time, so keep backups of encrypted data in case that happens.