Skymap ransomware (Recovery Instructions Included) - Free Guide

What is Skymap ransomware?

Skymap ransomware is the cryptovirus that marks encrypted and locked files with a .skymap file extension

Skymap ransomware virus is the cyber threat that comes to the top on the most damaging malware list because of the feature that developers demand money directly from the victim. Skymap ransomware is the cyber threat that belongs to the notorious ransomware family that keeps releasing new versions every other day. Djvu ransomware also belongs to STOP virus versions, and these relations make all those new variants more dangerous. However, many of these ransomware viruses have similar features and are not very different from each other. For example, the initial ransom demand is delivered in the message from virus developers that is placed on the system after infiltration and encryption.^[1] The text file named _readme.txt displays the same ransom demand, including the discount for the payment itself, for the past few months.

Cybercriminals – Skymap ransomware virus developers demand the payment in cryptocurrency, and the amount is $980. For a few months now, criminals also offer a discount of 50% if the victim contacts them in the first 72hours. However, Michael Gillespie is the malware researcher that works on STOP virus decrypter and updates this tool each time new version gets released in the wild.

You should remove Skymap cryptovirus and then wait for the decryption tool update needed for this particular version to recover your data. Don't forget that you need to thoroughly clean the computer from malware to be able to use the machine again.

Skymap ransomware developers expect to get the ransom in Bitcoin because this is a currency that cybercriminals prefer in many instances. However, we as many other experts^[2] are not recommending paying the ransom or even contacting people behind this threat since files can remain locked or even damaged even when the ransom is paid.

When Skymap ransomware gets on the system, it starts the process of checking the system, and this way indicates if the machine was encrypted before or not. Also, this scanning reveals information about the user:

• software choices;
• location;
• IP address.

Sometimes the virus can be designed to target only one country or affect machines except for the particular location, so these details are essential before the primary encryption of the data. Once this is done, ransomware chooses documents, photos, videos, PDFs or archives and uses sophisticated encryption algorithm to lock files by changing the original code. Then all the data affected by Skymap ransomware gets .skymap appendix, and the user cannot open them anymore.

Unfortunately, Skymap ransomware can access any data stored on the system that is placed as files. Various passwords, logins, account details or even credit credentials can be used later in other scam campaigns or also sold in the Dark Web.

Skymap ransomware is the cryptovirus that comes to the system and runs in the background until the data gets locked. Only then virus developers show the ransom demanding message.

You should react immediately after the ransom note is delivered and try to remove Skymap ransomware from the computer. The best solution for such infiltrations is the full scan on the machine, using anti-malware tools because these programs can indicate such malware and remove it completely.

Unfortunately, various AV engines have different databases, and detection names differ from tool to tool. Pay attention to the status, not the particular name and delete all detected intruders as soon as possible. Skymap ransomware as any other version in this family can be indicated as malicious with tons of different results:

• Trojan.Ransom.Stop;
• TR/AD.InstaBot.EI;
• Trojan.MalPack.GS.Generic;
• BehavesLike.Win32.Generic.gh.^[3]

All these heuristic names can also be associated with malware, not the main cryptovirus, like trojans or worms because Skymap ransomware gets delivered with the help of malware. However, the primary technique used to spread ransomware is spam email campaigns.

Since Skymap ransomware comes with other programs or installs files and apps on the PC after the initial infiltration, make sure to clean the computer thoroughly. You can do so by employing the anti-malware tool and performing a thorough scan on the PC.

Due to changes this virus makes on the system, you may need additional help for Skymap ransomware removal. Rely on professional antivirus tool and follow our suggestions below. For example, reboot the system in Safe Mode before scanning it thoroughly.

Ransomware distributed via spam email attachments with a malicious script or direct malware

Exploiting vulnerabilities and other malware spreading the ransomware also are commonly used to infiltrate crypto-extortion based products. However, the primary vector is the malicious files attached to legitimate-looking emails.

Criminals release spam email campaigns and pose as shipping companies or services like DHL, FedEx, eBay. This way, they trick people into believing that the email is legitimate and essential. However, emails that claim to have financial or shipping information are infected and contains payload droppers or malicious scripts.

Unfortunately, the attached PDF or word, excel file contains additional content that gets enabled by the user. This can be done automatically once the file is downloaded and opened on the machine or willingly when the victim is encouraged to allow extra content. You can avoid such processes by deleting suspicious emails once received.

Get rid of Skymap ransomware with professional anti-malware tools

You can be frustrated and scared because the Skymap ransomware virus changes many settings on the system. For example, it disables security functions, alters registry entries, and runs additional processes in the background. But you can eliminate this threat and reverse those alterations.

Forst, you need to employ a professional, trustworthy anti-malware program and remove Skymap ransomware by running a full system scan. You should use reliable tools like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes.

After the successful Skymap ransomware removal, make sure to clean all the parts, and fix virus damage. You can scan the machine again to double-check. Then, you can recover the files using your file backups or particular software.