Venom ransomware: what it is and how to remove it

Venom ransomware is a strain detected by security vendors and it belongs to the ZEPPELIN ransomware family. The file was flagged by 52 security vendors and 1 sandbox as malicious.

Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.

Automatic

Get a free scan and check if your PC is infected.

Fortect finds malware, unwanted programs and the Windows damage they leave behind, and repairs it in one pass.

A free scan checks for the encryptor still on the PC; it does not decrypt .venom files.

Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free.

Do it yourself · free Remove Venom ransomware yourself 6 steps, about 18 minutes, no software needed.

Start the steps
Screenshot of Venom: ransomware
Venom as our 2022 report showed it.

Venom ransomware: summary

DistributionEmail attachments, peer-to-peer file sharing platforms, malicious ads
NAMEVenom
TYPERansomware, cryptovirus, data-locking malware
RANSOMWARE FAMILYZEPPELIN
FILE EXTENSION.venom.[victim_ID]
RANSOM NOTEALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED.txt; the text is quoted in full below
Removal

Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged.

Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free.
Show 16 more facts
FILE RECOVERYIf no backups are available, recovering data is almost impossible. We list alternative methods that could help you in some cases below
MALWARE REMOVALScan your machine with anti-malware software to eliminate the malicious files (this will not recover your data)
Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
Contactvenom@privatemail.com
Encrypted file extension.venom
DecryptorNo free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates
DamageNot recorded in the old report
NameVenom
TypeFile-encrypting ransomware
SymptomsFiles renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders
Evidence5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet
Encrypted files.venom
Ransom notethe ransom note
Free decryptorNo free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026)
First seen6 April 2022
Facts checked7 October 2026
  • File extension: .venom
  • Note file: the ransom note

From our report of Apr 2022 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Venom

  • Malware can seriously tamper with Windows systems, causing errors, crashes, lag, and other stability issues.

How Venom ransomware behaves

From our report of Apr 2022 · not reviewed since

Venom ransomware makes users' files impossible to open and demands payment for their return

Venom ransomware is a strain detected by security vendors and it belongs to the ZEPPELIN ransomware family.

The file was flagged by 52 security vendors and 1 sandbox as malicious. When the virus infiltrates the victims' devices, it immediately starts the encryption process using complicated algorithms.

The affected files get appended with the .venom. extension, so for example, if a file was previously named picture.jpg after the encryption is complete, it would look like this - picture.jpg.venom.765-3E3-6D8 The icons also change to blank pages so you cannot see the content even in preview mode. If you try to open the damaged files, a prompt appears saying that Windows is unable to open the file.

Shortly after, a ransom note ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED.txt is generated on the user's PC to inform them of what has happened and what they should do if they want to recover the files. This particular ransomware's developers do not specify how much exactly they want for a decryption key or software.

Screenshot of Venom: ransomware
Venom in our 2022 report.

From our report of Apr 2022 · not reviewed since

The ransom note

The full ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED.txt ransom note read as follows:

As you can see there are plenty of grammar mistakes, so it might be that English is not the developers' native language. The creators try to use scare tactics to prevent users from exploring other options and try to get them to act immediately without thinking.

They ask to be paid in Bitcoin because it is anonymous. Although, these days cryptocurrency transactions can be easily traced, and criminals still need to expose their identity if they want to transfer money into their bank account. The only option to stay anonymous is to exchange cryptocurrency for online gift cards, but we cannot see how that can be convenient for big sums of money.

We always suggest against contacting the threat actors as they cannot be trusted. Past ransomware victims report that they never heard back after sending the money to criminals, so you risk not only losing your files but your money too. Do not worry about the ransom note and try to follow our guide as closely as possible, to successfully remove the malicious program from your system.

From our report of Apr 2022 · not reviewed since

How do I keep my data safe?

You need to take precautionary measures to prevent this from happening again:

  • Keep backups of your data on multiple storage devices
  • Do not click on unsafe links
  • Do not disclose your personal information to strangers or post it on the Internet
  • Do not open suspicious email attachments
  • Update your operating system and software as frequently as possible
  • Have trusted professional security tools in your system to add an additional layer of safety

The Venom ransomware note

Text of the ransom note

ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED

***All your data has been compromised. Documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.

***You cannot decipher them yourself! The only method for recovering files is by purchasing a unique private key. Only we can provide you with this key and only we can restore your files.

***The decryption key fee is charged only in bitcoins, we CAN assist in buying bitcoins by giving instructions on how and where to buy.

***In case of non-payment, all data will be put up for auction on the darknet. Beware of data leaks.

***To make sure we have a decryptor and it works, you can send an email to venom@privatemail.com and decrypt one not important file for free, DO NOT send files containing databases, any XLS / XML documents for the test.

***Beware of dishonest middlemen. as well as buying a decryption key through intermediaries increases the final cost of the key.

***Do you really want to restore your files?

Write to email: venom@privatemail.com

Your personal ID:-

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.

How to remove Venom ransomware

Tools you'll need

All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.

  • A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
  • Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
  • Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
  • ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
  • No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
  • Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.

How to remove Venom and get your files back

Work in this order.

Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.

  1. Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives

    Venom encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.

    Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

    Windows 11 quick settings with Wi-Fi turned off
    Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  2. Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family

    Copy the ransom note and one or two files ending in .venom to a USB stick, and leave the originals where they are.

    From another device, upload the note and a sample file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note, the extension and the file structure.

    Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note, because a decryptor or the police may ask for them.

    Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

    A ransom note text file next to encrypted files in File Explorer
    Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  3. Step 3: Check for a free decryptor

    For Venom, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.

    Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.

    Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  4. Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt

    Restoring or decrypting files while Venom still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).

    If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

    Windows Security Scan options with Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan selected
    Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan

  5. Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files

    Open Command Prompt as administrator and run vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.

    ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

    Command Prompt running vssadmin list shadows
    Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  6. Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals

    Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.

    If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.

    Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix

Instructions for each browser and system

The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.

Find a working decryptor for your files

File encryption is a process that is similar to applying a password to a particular file or folder. However, from a technical point of view, encryption is fundamentally different due to its complexity. By using encryption, threat actors use a unique set of alphanumeric characters as a password that can not easily be deciphered if the process is performed correctly.

There are several algorithms that can be used to lock data (whether for good or bad reasons); for example, AES uses the symmetric method of encryption, meaning that the key used to lock and unlock files is the same. Unfortunately, it is only accessible to the attackers who hold it on a remote server - they ask for a payment in exchange for it. This simple principle is what allows ransomware authors to prosper in this illegal business.

While many high-profile ransomware strains such as Djvu or Dharma use immaculate encryption methods, there are plenty of failures that can be observed within the code of some novice malware developers. For example, the keys could be stored locally, which would allow users to regain access to their files without paying. In some cases, ransomware does not even encrypt files due to bugs, although victims might believe the opposite due to the ransom note that shows up right after the infection and data encryption is completed.

Therefore, regardless of which crypto-malware affects your files, you should try to find the relevant decryptor if such exists. Security researchers are in a constant battle against cybercriminals. In some cases, they manage to create a working decryption tool that would allow victims to recover files for free.

Once you have identified which ransomware you are affected by, you should check the following links for a decryptor:

  • No More Ransom Project
  • Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky
  • Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft
  • Avast decryptors

No More Ransom Project

If you can't find a decryptor that works for you, you should try the alternative methods we list below. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that it sometimes takes years for a working decryption tool to be developed, so there are always hopes for the future.

Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
Report the incident to your local authorities

Ransomware is a lucrative, highly illegal business, and authorities are actively targeting ransomware operators. The level of investigation and follow-up depends on the country, the scale of the incident, and whether the attack is linked to known ransomware groups. To increase the likelihood of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. In many cases, reports are used primarily for intelligence gathering, trend analysis, and victim support rather than immediate identification of attackers.

Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help stop the cybercriminal activities and catch the threat actors. Reporting does not guarantee investigation or recovery of data, but it contributes to broader efforts to track ransomware campaigns. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Relevant details may also include affected systems, ransom demands, cryptocurrency wallet addresses, and any communication with the attackers. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, encrypted files, or malware executables would be beneficial.

Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:

  • USA - Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3
  • United Kingdom - ActionFraud
  • Canada - Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
  • Australia - ScamWatch
  • New Zealand - ConsumerProtection
  • Germany - Polizei
  • France - Ministère de l'Intérieur

Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3

If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.

Isolate the infected computer

Some ransomware strains aim to infect not only one computer but hijack the entire network. As soon as one of the machines is infected, malware can spread via the network and encrypt files everywhere else, including Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. NAS devices are commonly compromised via reused administrator credentials and remote access services, and attackers may also delete existing snapshots. If your computer is connected to a network, it is important to isolate it to prevent re-infection after ransomware removal is complete.

In modern environments, ransomware often spreads using stolen credentials, remote management tools, VPN connections, and cloud synchronization services, not only through shared network drives.

The easiest way to disconnect a PC from everything is simply to plug out the ethernet cable. This does not disconnect wireless networks, VPN connections, or cloud services, which must also be disabled separately. However, in the corporate environment, this might be extremely difficult to do (also would take a long time). In many organizations, devices are centrally managed, and network isolation is typically performed by IT or security teams using endpoint security or device management tools. The method below will disconnect from all the networks, including local and the internet, isolating each of the machines involved.

On modern Windows systems, network connections can also be disabled through the Settings app or automatically isolated using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools.

  • Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
  • Go to Network and InternetNetwork and internet
  • Click Network and Sharing CenterNetwork and internet 2
  • On the left, pick Change adapter settingsNetwork and internet 3
  • Right-click on your connection (for example, Ethernet), and select DisableNetwork and internet 4
  • Confirm with Yes.

If you are using some type of cloud storage you are connected to, you should disconnect from it immediately. It is also advisable to disconnect all the external devices, such as USB flash sticks, external HDDs, etc. Once the malware elimination process is finished, you can connect your computers to the network and internet, as explained above, but by pressing Enable instead. Before reconnecting, credentials should be reset, persistence mechanisms checked, and backups verified to ensure reinfection does not occur.

From our report of Apr 2022 · not reviewed since

Start the removal process

The important thing to do is to disconnect the affected machine from the local network as we talked about the dangers of that previously.

For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have instructions for corporate environments at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first.

You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have experience. Manual removal of ransomware is extremely complicated and is suitable for people with advanced IT skills.

This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware does not let you use antivirus in normal mode, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

Windows 10 / Windows 8

  • Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  • 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.
  • Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
  • Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
  • On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  • Click Restart now.
  • Select Troubleshoot.
  • Go to Advanced options.
  • Select Startup Settings.
  • Click Restart.
  • Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Screenshot of Venom: 1 27
Venom in our 2022 report.
Venom: update security 1
Venom in our 2022 report.

From our report of Apr 2022 · not reviewed since

Repair corrupted system files

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required, are nothing unusual after malware infection.

These types of viruses can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software cannot fix it.

Manual troubleshooting of such damage is also very complicated and can take a long time. This is why was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this.

Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could prevent yourself from having to reinstall WIndows completely.

  • Download the application by clicking on the link above
  • Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  • If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
  • Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
  • The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
  • Once complete, check the results - they will be listed in the Summary
  • You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
Screenshot of Venom: 4 1
Venom in our 2022 report.

From our report of Apr 2022 · not reviewed since

Try recovering data with third-party software

Only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up previously, there is a good chance that you will never get them back. You can try using data recovery software, but keep in mind that third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files.

Whatever the situation may be, we suggest at least trying this method. Before you proceed, copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another external storage device. And remember - only do this if you have already removed the Venom ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:

Install data recovery software

  • Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it - use a USB flash drive or another storage.
  • Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.
  • Download .
  • Double-click the installer to launch it.
  • Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
  • As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
  • Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
  • Press Next.
  • At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
  • Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
  • You can now pick which folders/files to recover - don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
  • Press Recover to retrieve your files.
Screenshot of Venom: stellar2
Venom in our 2022 report.
Screenshot of Venom: stellar5
Venom in our 2022 report.

Report it and recover your files

Report it

Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.

United States
FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud

Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.

Backups: the 3-2-1 rule

Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.

A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Venom together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.

On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .venom and no longer open.

Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.

Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.

Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.

Questions about Venom ransomware

How do I open .venom files?

You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .venom has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:

  • OneDrive versions
  • File History
  • an offline backup drive
  • Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them

Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.

How did Venom get on my computer?

The way Venom spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.

Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .venom and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.

Is there a free Venom decryptor?

We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Venom no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.

Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Venom decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.

Should I pay the ransom?

We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.

Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.

Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?

Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.

Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.

Did Venom steal my files or passwords?

We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Venom, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .venom and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.

From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.

Is Venom the same as other ransomware with a similar name?

Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.

Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.

What does the ransom note tell me about the ransomware?

Quite a lot. The file name the ransom note, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.

That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.

Will .venom spread to my other drives?

It can. Ransomware encrypts every drive and network share it can reach while it runs, so external disks, USB sticks and shared folders connected during the attack may also have files ending in .venom. Disconnect everything now, then check each device from a clean computer.

Do not plug a backup drive into the infected PC until the ransomware has been removed with an offline scan. Cloud folders such as OneDrive sync the encrypted versions, but they keep earlier versions you can usually restore.

Will Fortect remove Venom?

Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.

For Venom, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.

Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.

Sources

More removal guides

Questions and experiences: Venom ransomware

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