How to remove VisionCrypt ransomware virus

VisionCrypt 2.0 – a malicious program that takes files hostage and asks to pay the ransom

VisionCrypt is a ransomware-type^[1] computer virus that encrypts files using the AES-128 algorithm. To all encrypted documents, pictures, databases, and other widely used files, it appends .VisionCrypt marker, consequently preventing victims from accessing their data. While these files are not corrupted (and could be potentially recovered), they require a unique key that is in possession of malware authors.

Following data encryption, the virus runs a program window that delivers a ransom-demanding message. Victims are informed that they need to transfer $25 in Bitcoins within 48 hours to retrieve their files. Paying the ransom is not recommended, as the attackers might simply fail to fulfill their promises, making you lose your money and files forever.

Regardless of which way malware arrives on the computer (although it is likely to happen when users open infectious email attachments), VisionCryptor.exe is likely to be the file name that causes the infection to begin. On the affected device, the malware also modifies Windows Registry to activate ransomware every time Windows operating system is launched.

Ransomware hasn’t started its active distribution campaign. Thus, you can still protect yourself from this and many other cyber threats lurking on the web by installing reputable antivirus or anti-malware programs and making data backups. However, if you have already suffered, you should remove ransomware immediately with the help of SpyHunterCombo Cleaner instead of following cyber criminals’ orders.

The ransom note pop-ups on the affected computer’s screen as soon as data encryption is over. VisionCrypt 2.0 informs that users may lose their files if they don’t follow two conditions. According to the crooks, when the timer provided in the ransom note runs out or victims decide to close this program, victims will lose their chance to recover encrypted data.

Therefore, they are supposed to transfer $25 to the provided Bitcoin wallet address within 48 hours. Once the payment is made, they have to contact cybercriminals using the “Contact Us” form that reveals the criminal’s email address (VisionDep@Sigaint.org).

People have to email their Payment Hash and Victim ID number that also provided in the ransom note. Hackers will respond with a decryption key that needs to be entered in the “Decryption Password” section. However, following these orders may lead to money loss.

While the ransom is small, you should not become a sponsor for cybercrime. Criminals are not reliable people. Thus, you might not receive a decryption password or get the wrong password. Besides, you can never be sure whether this decryption tool will not install other malware.

For this reason, we highly recommend focusing on malware removal first. Later, you can retrieve your files from backups or try alternative recovery options presented at the end of the article.

Malicious email attachments might include malware executable

Ransomware might be traveling as an obfuscated email attachment and show up in your inbox as an invoice, bank statement, or another important document. Once people are tricked into clicking this file, the malware payload is dropped and executed on the system.

Thus, if you do not know the sender and you do not expect to receive a particular document, stay away from such email and delete it from the inbox immediately. However, it may not be the only distribution strategy. File-locking parasites might also be hiding under malware-laden ads, bogus software updates, and downloads. Bear in mind that dangerous ads might be placed even on legitimate websites and look credible.

File-sharing sites, P2P networks, and torrents are not reliable sources to download software too. Thus, if you want to avoid ransomware, you should remember these small tips^[2] and browse the web carefully.

Removal of the VisionCrypt

Ransomware has to be eliminated using a powerful security program. Trying to delete malware manually may lead to system damage. This malicious program might have installed additional files and injected malicious codes into legitimate system processes. Thus, you need professional help to detect and eliminate them safely.

For VisionCrypt removal we recommend using MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. If you cannot install any of these security programs, you need to reboot the computer to Safe Mode with Networking (the guidelines are provided below). Malware might be resistant. Thus, you need to disable the virus first. Once you remove the cryptovirus from the system, you can try to recover encrypted files using our suggested methods presented below.