How to remove Vendetta ransomware

Vendetta ransomware is a cryptovirus that locks data and marks it with .vendetta and .vendetta2 file extensions

Vendetta — a dangerous ransomware that focuses on data-encryption. It is believed that it is the newest version of RSAUtil ransomware which has been known since 2017. Although .vendetta file extension is not a new appendix, the virus also uses .vendetta2 file extension to mark encrypted files. You may also see the same appendix but in the upper case. Data is primarily locked using RSA-5008 encryption algorithm and then marked. However, ransomware attack starts before the data-locking procedure. The virus firstly ensures its well-being by altering registry entries and dropping additional files on the system. When the encryption process is done,^[1] the victim gets a ransom note in a file How to decrypt files.txt which contains a suggestion to contact cybercriminals who developed the ransomware via DecryptFox@protonmail.com email address.

Vendetta ransomware virus informs its victims about the attack in the ransom note placed in every folder on the system that contains encoded files. How to decrypt files.txt contains unique victim's ID and contact email that should be used to reach hackers. Cybercriminals are also stating that there is a possibility to test their decryption capabilities. You can allegedly get your files decrypted after sending five files, but this might be the technique hackers use to look trustworthy. 

According to the ransom message of Vendetta ransomware, the ransom amount depends on your speed because the faster you contact them, the less you will need to pay. Ransom note reads the following: 

All your filed have been encrypted!

All your filed have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the email DecryptFox@protonmail.com
Write this ID in the title of your message [redacted 32 lowercase hex]—[redacted different 32 lowercase hex]
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.

Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. the total size of files must be less than 10Mb (non archived), and the files should not contain valuable information. (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

According to the ransom message, Vendetta ransomware developers prefer Bitcoin^[2] that is still the most common cryptocurrency in such crimes. At the end of the note, hackers are stating that the use of the third-party software may lead their victims to permanent data loss. However, researchers^[3] always say that paying the demanded ransom or keeping contact with criminals doesn't guarantee any good. You should definitely try backups, Shadow Explorer and similar software for data recovery.

However, before you proceed with this step, be sure that your system is clean. For that, you need to remove Vendetta ransomware by using reputable anti-malware tools. We recommend tools like FortectIntego for this job. No matter that the virus is relatively new, it already has a high detection rate.^[4]

You can run into issues while trying to perform automatic Vendetta ransomware removal on your system as this ransomware tends to block anti-spyware to protect itself. In this case, you should try System Restore or Safe Mode with Networking. After booting to this mode, disable the malware and run a scan to remove malicious files. Then, repeat a scan when on normal mode.

Since there is no official Vendetta ransomware decryption tool yet, the best option for data recovery is file backups. However, not everyone has this routine of backing their data. You can employ one of the data recovery software from our suggestions down below. 

Methods hackers use for ransomware infections

The most common virus distribution technique used by cybercriminals that develop ransomware is spam email attachments. This way the single malicious executable starts the whole infiltration process and ransomware can affect the machine from the inside. Malicious file attachment can look safe and legitimate because hackers disguise their products behind reputable names of services and companies.

Emails with suspicious file attachments shouldn't be the ones you open first. Always check if the name of a service is familiar and remember that PayPal, FedEx, Amazon or eBay do not send order information or receipts for non-customers. You can also look for typos or automatic emails that you cannot answer back. Also, try scanning the file before downloading on the system. One malicious file opened on the computer may lead to severe damage.

Vendetta ransomware termination requires your attention and professional tools

You should remove Vendetta ransomware from the computer as soon as you notice the malicious activity. Do not trust the test decryption offered to you by hackers and get rid of the threat as soon as possible. Use FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes for the process and scan your device fully. For double-checking, you can also use two different tools.

If you think Vendetta ransomware removal is too difficult even with anti-malware, follow our guide below the article and enter the Safe Mode with Networking before scanning the PC. This allows your anti-malware program to work properly. When you make sure that the device is completely clean you can plug in the external device or use data recovery programs that we suggest down below also.