Target777 ransomware (Decryption Steps Included) - Removal Guide

Target777 virus Removal Guide

What is Target777 ransomware?

Target777 ransomware is a cryptovirus that targets specific companies

Target777 ransomwareTarget777 ransomware is a cyber threat that hits large businesses and demands ransom after data encryption.

Target777 ransomware is the threat that hits businesses and names encrypted files or its ransom notes after the company. This cryptovirus focuses on demanding ransom and gaining easy profit from companies after the data encryption process. The name for this virus was given by the malware researcher Michael Gillespie that discovered this ransomware just before Christmas.[1] There is also a theory that Target777 ransomware virus may be a version of already known Defray ransomware because of the similar features like 777 in the file extension and the “![redacted]_ReadMeHowToDeCryptFiles!.txt” filename as the ransom note. Contact email has also been formed according to the targeted company and contains @protonmail.com after that. Since this is targeted ransomware, ransom amount depends on the specific business or company. Unfortunately, these types of malware are often targeting government or healthcare industry.[2]

Name Target777 ransomware
Type Cryptovirus
File extension The name of the comany777
Contact email The name of the company@protonmail.com
Similar to Defray virus
Ransom note ![redacted]_ReadMeHowToDeCryptFiles!.txt
Main target Big companies, businesses
Encryption method AES and RSA algorithms
Elimination Get rid of Target777 ransomware using powerful anti-malware and then clean the system further using FortectIntego

As we have stated, Target777 ransomware is reportedly related or at least similar to other highly-targeted ransomware dubbed Defray virus. In these few days, malware experts have encountered at least six victims that got affected by this file-locking cyber threat. Unfortunately, there is no detailed information on the functionality of this virus because the ransomware sample hasn't been received yet.

Since Target777 ransomware is a data-locking virus, it changes the original code of the target files on the system. As a result, audio files, images, documents or data having other format gets marked with the specifically generated file extension that also includes “777,” just like the name of this virus.

A few of the Target777 ransomware victims have provided some details about the attack and have revealed the specific features. For example, a company called Justin's bread encountered files marked with the personalized extension – filename.JB777. Also, when data got locked, the personalized ransom note was placed on the system in such a pattern: !JustinsBread_ReadMeHowToDeCryptFiles!.txt. It reads the following:

Hello, XXX!

Please, check this message in details and contact a person from IT department.
Your personal computer has been infected by ransomware virus.

All your personal files (confidential and business documents, backups and projects) are encrypted.
If you want to restore your files including your clients personal data, you will need to make the payment.
Otherwise all your files will be posted in the Internet which may lead you to the loss of reputation and cause the troubles for your business.

To show you that we can restore your files any time, we can send you decrypted files (about 50kb).
The rest of the data will be provided to you after the full payment.
Let us know if you have any questions.

Our email address: [xxx]@protonmail.com

If you don't get an answer from us within one day, please, download BitMessage application.
BitMessage homelink: https://bitmessage.org
BitMessage identity: BM-2cUy6rCDbfQhwMLaEur9FCm5YXjehdpWFd

As well as other security experts[3], we do not recommend contacting Target777 ransomware developers or paying the ransom. According to various statistics, only a few victims get their files back after paying. Otherwise, you can lose your data or money permanently.[4]

You need to remove Target777 ransomware from the system as soon as possible because various additional changes may affect the network of your company in a significant way. This is a cyberthreat that focuses on large companies, so you need to employ your IT specialists and focus on the virus elimination process.

However, Target777 ransomware removal may be a process that requires anti-malware programs on individual PCs. If that is the case, choose a reputable antivirus tool and terminate this malware. Then, use repair tools or system cleaning features of programs like FortectIntego and clean the virus damage or fix system changes.

Target777 ransomware virusTarget777 ransomware is a crypto-extortion based malware that displays ransom note in a file named after the targeted company.

Ransomware payload distributes via spam email attachments

The main technique used to spread cyber threats like ransomware is email campaigns because this method allows malware creators to distribute their products all over the world in a matter of minutes. Also, people only need to open the email and file attachment on the system to get infected by this serious malware.

You can avoid these cyber infections if you pay more attention to email you get on your email box and stay away from downloading and opening documents that may look suspicious. Unfortunately, malicious actors disguise the payload of malware in file attachments called “Invoice” or “Order information” to lure people into opening the email and file attached to it.

However, Microsoft Word or Excel files contain malicious macros which get triggered by opening the file on the system and allowing the script to run on the device immediately. Then, your computer gets infected with ransomware distributing malware or the cryptovirus itself.

Eliminate Target777 ransomware with reputable anti-malware tools

To remove Target777 ransomware completely from the system with all possibly related files and programs, you need to get a trustworthy anti-malware program. Antivirus tools can scan the network and the affected device thoroughly to indicate potential danger and terminate all malware.

However, since Target777 ransomware virus targets large scale companies there is more severe damage that can be done. You need to seek help from security experts, IT professionals and specific malware researchers. Amp up the security of your network to avoid additional malware attacks or ransomware infections repetition.

Target777 ransomware removal should be followed by a full system scan using FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes to make sure that other malware programs are removed from the PC and virus damage is repaired. Then, you can try data recovery methods when you know that the computer is malware-free.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Target777 virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Reboot the device in Safe Mode before the system scan, so Target777 ransomware removal works on a first try:

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
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. 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.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

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:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

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:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. 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).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. 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 Target777 using System Restore

Make sure that System Restore feature is enabled properly by following this guide:

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Target777. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Target777 removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Target777 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 Target777, you can use several methods to restore them:

You may need to employ Data Recovery Pro for file restoring if the file backup is not up-to-date

Data Recovery Pro helps with files encrypted by the Target777 ransomware or for accidentally deleted data

  • 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 Target777 ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Windows Previous Versions feature should be employed when file backups are not the option

You need to make sure that System Restore was enabled before so that Windows Previous Versions could work

  • Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
  • Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
  • Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

ShadowExplorer is a good alternative for data backups when you need to restore Target777 ransomware encrypted files

Try ShadowExplorer if Shadow Volume Copies were left untouched

  • 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.

Decryption tool is not available

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Target777 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important – recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Alice Woods
Alice Woods - Likes to teach users about virus prevention

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