How to remove UpdateHost ransomware virus

Features of UpdateHost ransomware virus:

Like most modern ransomware, UpdateHost virus is a crypto-malware ^[1] which uses a sophisticated type of encryption algorithm to block the access to the user’s files. In particular, the virus applies the asymmetric AES ciphering ^[2] which allows locking the file contents with a public key, while their recovery is only possible with a private one. Of course, the extortionists remove this key from the computer and additionally destroy Volume Shadow Copies ^[3] so that the victims would not be able to decrypt files themselves. After that, the unfortunate users are left with very limited options: they can either remove UpdateHost from their computers and wait for the security experts to come up with a free decryption tool, or pay the ransom and hope for the criminals to stick to their promise and send the decryption key. You should understand, though, that the extortionists have one goal on their mind and that is making money. Thus, they often forget about the victims or simply choose to ignore them once the cash is in their pocket. Unless it is simply critical, you should avoid collaborating with the extortionists and get rid of the virus as soon as possible. FortectIntego is the software we recommend using for the quick virus extermination. Besides, this utility will not only banish the parasite from your computer but also help your system recover after the attack. Unfortunately, this tool will not decrypt your files, but no need to worry. Below this article, we provide alternative techniques that may help you roll some of your most important files back to their original state.

Though it may not seem like it at first, UpdateHost malware is actually one of the many versions that succeeded Hidden Tear open-source project ^[4]. This project was initially established purely for the educational purposes with the intention of teaching users about how ransomware works and how to avoid getting infected by it. Sadly, as it usually happens, the program’s code quickly turned up in the hands of the evil-minded programmers who have modified it to actually lock the files, instead of merely demonstrating the attack. Now, the updated ransomware versions travel disguised as updatehost.exe file and flares up a true hell once it reaches the computer. A number of most popular types of files, such as .txt, .doc, .xls or .zip get encrypted, and the virus appends them all with .locked extensions. Then, comes the time for a ransom note and a brief explanation about what happened to the computer. For this purpose, the virus places a document called READ_It.txt on the infected computer’s desktop and all the encrypted folders. The note is rather obscure: it does not disclose the amount of ransom that the hackers demand in exchange for the data decryption, nor does it explain the payment system through which the money should be paid. The hackers simply instruct the victims to contact them via given email address ghanihate@gmail.com in order to receive further data recovery guidelines. As we have already mentioned, complying with the extortionists’ orders does not guarantee anything, but you can neither sit and wait for the situation to resolve itself. It is necessary to carry out UpdateHost removal to be able to proceed with the safe data recovery. We give suggestions how to achieve smooth system cleanup later in the article.

How does this parasite travel around?

Though it is not clear exactly how the UpdateHost reaches computers, telling from the title of its executable, we can presume that it disguises itself as a software update or some automatic software updating application, so the victims simply download it on their computers without suspecting a thing. It is likely that these fraudulent applications are promoted on poor reputation websites ^[5], including gambling sites, software sharing platforms or torrent download pages. It goes without saying that you should stay away from these unsafe domains if you want to keep your data safe. If, however, you accidentally download an executable file called UpdateHost — do not launch it! Delete the files immediately and scan your computer with an antivirus tool without delay.

Want to remove UpdateHost? Here is where you should start:

First, before taking any UpdateHost removal steps, make sure you are properly prepared for the removal process. Please check whether your antivirus software is capable of eliminating ransomware infections and update it to the latest version. Then, proceed by booting your computer into Safe Mode. This will help decontaminate the infection and remove UpdateHost virus from the computer more smoothly. The moment the virus is banished from the system along with all of its malicious components you may begin the data recovery process. Check out the alternative data recovery solutions at the end of the page and check back regularly for the UpdateHost decrypter.