How to remove SOLO ransomware

SOLO ransomware is a virus that demands ransom form German-speaking victims

SOLO ransomware — cryptovirus designed to infiltrate computer systems and encrypt data using AES algorithm. Once the file encryption is done, virus adds .SOLO file extension and marks encoded files this way. After this quick encryption,^[1] virus creates a ransom message which gets placed in a file IHRE_DATEIEN_SIND_VERSCHLUESSELT.html. The ransom note contains text written in German. However, it doesn't mean that your device can't be affected by SOLO ransomware if you live in other parts of the world. At the moment of writing, the ransom demanded by virus developers is equal to 0.2 BTC or $1279.60. However, proceeding with the payment could lead you to permanent data AND money loss, so focus on our virus removal first.

Like tons of other products from crypto-extortionists, SOLO ransomware locks various types of files. Anything from photos, videos, documents to even archives or databases can be locked by the cryptovirus which is using the AES encryption algorithm and .SOLO appendix to mark the affected data. Unfortunately, this is the final stage of the ransomware attack. Once the virus enters the system, it changes Windows registry entries, modifies various directories and adds new entry keys to make sure the threat is persistent. 

SOLO ransomware virus places a ransom message and payment instructions on the HTML window named IHRE_DATEIEN_SIND_VERSCHLUESSELT.html. The ransom note is written in German language and translation to English reads the following:

All your files are encrypted.
Your computer has been infected by the SOLO program. Your files have been encrypted and cannot be decrypted by you.
Please do not try to decrypt your files yourself, in the worst case you will damage your files and thus make them ** undecryptable forever **
To decrypt your files, you need a special program to decrypt:
SOLO Decrypter, which immediately decrypts all your encrypted files, and also removes the SOLO software for encryption from your PC.
The price of decryption software is 0.2 Bitcoin (about $ 1,200).
You can easily buy Bitcoin at one of the many crypt markets with a credit card or bank transfer. Examples of services where you can buy bitcoin:
Bitpanda – Credit Card, Instant Bank Transfer, Giropay, Bank Transfer
BTC Direct – Credit Card, Instant Bank Transfer, Giropay, Bank Transfer
ANYcoin Direct – SOFORT Transfer, Giropay, Bank Transfer
Localbitcoins – a large number of payment options
Coinmama – credit card
You can find more options with a short Google search for “buying Bitcoins”.
After purchasing the required number of bitcoins (0.2 BTC), send them to the following bitcoin address: 151oCJ1espbmqya9Vj2xxjxi1APb8zhqYR
amount: 0.2 BTC
After we receive the full amount, the decryption software will automatically be provided to you for download (please do not make any changes to this file to ensure proper functionality).
Full amount not yet paid.
Download decryption program
Powered by AES.

SOLO ransomware may store related files on different system folders, and this fact makes virus elimination more difficult. After this threat is placed on the device and developers connected to servers, data gets added to folders:

• %LocalLow%;
• %Roaming%;
• %AppData%;
• %Local%;
• %Temp%;
• %Windows%.

These added files, registry changes, and other system changes on the system make SOLO ransomware removal more challenging. Also, manual virus termination, in this case, is not considered because it is difficult to find all associated data which is hidden all over the system. 

You need to remove SOLO ransomware using your antivirus or another anti-malware program. Automatic method cleans the system thoroughly and eliminates possible threats from the device. However, use tools like FortectIntego for system repair and fixing possible virus damage.

Remember to delete SOLO ransomware first, as researchers^[2] advise, and then focus on data recovery using your backups or specially designed software. Unfortunately, if you have no externally stored data the best solution for file restoring is data recovery software. We have a few suggestions down below. 

Macro-filled file attachments distribute ransomware infections

Social engineering^[3] campaigns distribute all kinds of malware around including ransomware. Malicious actors manipulate people into downloading infected files with direct payload or malware which is designed to spread other threats around.

Spam email attachments often look legitimate and safe because MS Word or Excel files are commonly used types of documents. However, attachments are filled with malicious macros what makes virus spreading and easy task. Such emails trick users into downloading the file on the device and the minute user opens the attachment malicious script loads on the system

Unfortunately, emails look safe because of subject lines that state about order information, job applications, financial information, official reports or records. Various company names get misused in these malicious activities, so people are more willing to open such emails and believe the legitimacy of attachment. 

SOLO ransomware termination require your attention to details 

When talking about SOLO ransomware removal you need to note that this is a dangerous threat and you need to employ reputable anti-malware tools to make sure the process is correct. We cannot stress enough how important is to choose software sources wisely, so make sure that anti-malware of your choice is trustworthy.

Do not forget to remove SOLO ransomware and all related files from the device before attempting file restoring. A full system scan indicates possible threats and removes them from the device. Also, use FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes after virus elimination to double-check for virus damage and additional intrusive programs.