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How to Remove HELP YOUR FILES Virus and Restore Encrypted Files

HELP_YOUR_FILES.TXT, HELP_YOUR_FILES.HTML, and HELP_YOUR_FILES.PNG belong to the new variant of the CryptoWall ransomware. If all your files have random extensions (ie: 0hrpfndfq.p5r or d0prg.m4) appended on the end of the legit extension (ie: DOC, XLS, PDF, EXE etc) and you see HELP_YOUR_FILES files in every directory then your computer is infected with ransomware. It doesnt take a genius or a technical hotshot to know that there are an ever increasing plethora of malicious software programs lurking in the darkest reaches of the internet that are used by cyber criminals to manipulate us into handing over our data or details. Our bank accounts and our identities can be at serious risk – and so too can our actual computers. Protecting yourself when youre online is now more important than ever before.


One type of malware that you really do need to educate yourself about - even though it is not quite as infamous as some of its cousins - is something called ransomware. But dont be fooled into thinking that even though its not talked about as much as adware or spyware that you can ignore its very existence. Believe me when I say that ransomware is definitely something that poses a very real threat to all of us and it is definitely something that you do not want on your PC.

What is HELP_YOUR_FILES ransomware?

HELP_YOUR_FILES will attack you in a few different ways. As with many types of malware it might be hidden in an attachment sent via a spam email. Other variants of this ransomware programs are upping their game and moving with the times by hiding in links that are sent in an instant messenger app. Yet others follow the tried and tested route of being packaged with another software program or app that the ransomware has infected. Last but not least, if you have paid a visit to a website that has been compromised by the malware then you will also unfortunately be put at risk. CryptoWall ransomware seems to be the most commonly delivered payload by the Angler EK. At the moment, its possibly the most active and sophisticated exploit kit. Once installed, it injects code into explorer.exe or svchost.exe processes and disables system restore. Unfortunately, it can delete Volume Shadow Copies too.

When you think about it, if it seems that if every time you are online that you are at risk, then you wouldnt really be exaggerating – and this of course makes it of paramount importance why you need to not only protect yourself with firewalls and anti-viruses but to also proactively make sure you are using best practices when it comes to working or playing on the internet.

Being extremely careful when you open email attachments or click on links is crucial, even if you do know the sender – whos to say that your friend or colleague hasnt had their email or messenger app hacked?


What HELP_YOUR_FILES ransom virus can do

As the name suggests, it will kidnap your files, encrypt them so that you are unable to access them and then demand a ransom for their release. The ransom note will be left on your computer in the form of an HTML file or text/image files and will tell you in no uncertain terms how much you have to pay, and by what method, if you ever want to see your files again. HELP_YOUR_FILES.HTML ransom note:

Cannot you find the files you need?
Is the content of your files that you have watched not readable?
It is normal because the files names, as well as the data in your files have been encrypted.

Congratulations!!!
You have become a part of large community CryptoWall.

As you can see, it claims to be a part of the CryptoWall family. And it probably is because certain elements are clearly copied from previous CryptoWall variants. The note will tell you that once you have paid you will be sent a code that will allow you to decrypt your documents. However, this is not a guarantee and there are countless examples of people having handed over their hard earned cash only to be sent a big fat nothing in return.

What should I do if Ive been infected?

Its easy to say, but try not to panic. And whatever you do, dont pay the ransom unless the encrypted files are very important and you cant afford to lose them. If the encrypted files are not very important or you dont have money to pay the ransom, you can remove try to restore your files (at least some of them) using Shadow Explorer, Recuva and some other specialized tools listed below. Please note that even of you decide to pay the ransom theres really no guarantee that cyber crooks will recover your files. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Last, but not least, if theres anything you think I should add or correct, please let me know. It might be a pain but the issue needs to be dealt with – and the way to do it is by not giving in, not paying up and not letting the attackers win.

Written by Michael Kaur, http://deletemalware.blogspot.com

Step 1: Removing HELP_YOUR_FILES and related malware:

Before restoring your files from shadow copies, make sure HELP_YOUR_FILES is not running. You have to remove this malware permanently. Thankfully, there are a couple of anti-malware programs that will effectively detect and remove this malware from your computer.

1. First of all, download and install recommended anti-malware scanner. Run a full system scan and remove detected malware.






2. Then, download ESET Online Scanner and run a second scan to make sure there are no other malware running on your computer.

Thats it! Your computer should be clean now and you can safely restore your files. Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Restoring files encrypted by HELP_YOUR_FILES virus:

Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your files from a recent backup. If you have been regularly performing backups, then you should use your backups to restore your files.

Method 2: Try to restore previous versions of files using Windows folder tools. To learn more, please read Previous versions of files.

Method 3: Using the Shadow Volume Copies:

1. Download and install Shadow Explorer. Note, this tool is available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

2. Open Shadow Explorer. From the drop down list you can select from one of the available point-in-time Shadow Copies. Select drive and the latest date that you wish to restore from.



3. Righ-click any encrypted file or entire folder and Export it. You will then be prompted as to where you would like to restore the contents of the folder to.



Hopefully, this will help you to restore all encrypted files or at least some of them.

Go to link Download

How to Remove HELP DECRYPT Virus and Restore Encrypted Files

HELP_DECRYPT.HTML, HELP_DECRYPT.TXT and HELP_DECRYPT.PNG files belong to the CryptoWall 3.0 ransomware. If all your files have a random extension (ie: .xnldzbl) appended on the end of the legit extension (ie: DOC, EXE etc) and you see HELP_DECRYPT files in every directory then your computer is infected with ransomware. Your files were encrypted and you can only get them back by paying the ransom or using backups. If you dont have backups you can still use data recovery tools listed below and hope for the best. We are all well aware of the many dangers associated with the numerous types of malicious software, or malware. From spyware and adware to Trojan Horses and Potentially Unwanted Programs we have to be on guard against all of these attackers. However, one type of malware might have passed you by as it never seems to garner the same publicity as the others, chiefly because it seems to come and go in waves, and that is ransomware. However regardless of whether or not it is a constant threat, you definitely need to know of its existence, as this is one unpleasant threat that you really do want to keep a watchful eye out for.


HELP_DECRYPT has a few different names and you may also come across the terms crypto-virus, cryptoware, crypto-Trojan or crypto-worm, regardless of what this malware is called, what YOU need to know is what it can do and how you should react if it has infected your computer.

HELP_DECRYPT infects your computer by taking advantage of your curiosity

The majority of ransomware is disseminated by email. More specifically, in files that are attached to messages. These spam emails will either look like a tempting special offer that you simply cant miss out on, or they may come via a friend or acquaintance in your contact list that has been hacked. The attachment is carrying the HELP_DECRYPT virus and once you have clicked on the file, video clip or document to open it, it will install itself on your PC.

Some variants if this ransomware may also attack you if you have been unlucky enough to visit a compromised website that has been infected with it.

How do you lower the chances of being infected by HELP_DECRYPT virus? Well unfortunately it is not possible to know in advance whether a website has been compromised but you can definitely be proactive when it comes to emails (and instant messenger chat windows that come with links embedded in them). Weve been told it a thousand times, but it is shocking the amount of people who still cant resist opening emails – and even attachments – that come from an unknown sender.

What does HELP_DECRYPT do to your computer?

It has been created to extort money from you. Its as simple as that. And to increase the chances of you giving in to its demands it needs to give you the most cause for alarm that it possibly can.

If youre under attack from this ransom virus your files or documents will be held hostage and you will receive a ransom note, either by email or in a pop-up window that is asking for an amount of money in return for the release of your data or files. The release normally comes in the form of a code that tells you youll be able to use it in order to unlock your file or files. However, not all of these codes actually work so handing over the ransom is no indication you will even get your files back.

What should I do if Ive been infected?

Its easy to say, but try not to panic. And whatever you do, dont pay the ransom unless the encrypted files are very important and you cant afford to lose them. If the encrypted files are not very important or you dont have money to pay the ransom, you can remove try to restore your files (at least some of them) using Shadow Explorer, Recuva and some other specialized tools listed below. Please note that even of you decide to pay the ransom theres really no guarantee that cyber crooks will recover your files. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Last, but not least, if theres anything you think I should add or correct, please let me know. It might be a pain but the issue needs to be dealt with – and the way to do it is by not giving in, not paying up and not letting the attackers win.

Written by Michael Kaur, http://deletemalware.blogspot.com

Step 1: Removing HELP_DECRYPT and related malware:

Before restoring your files from shadow copies, make sure HELP_DECRYPT is not running. You have to remove this malware permanently. Thankfully, there are a couple of anti-malware programs that will effectively detect and remove this malware from your computer.

1. First of all, download and install recommended anti-malware scanner. Run a full system scan and remove detected malware.





2. Then, download ESET Online Scanner and run a second scan to make sure there are no other malware running on your computer.

Thats it! Your computer should be clean now and you can safely restore your files. Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Restoring files encrypted by HELP_DECRYPT virus:

Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your files from a recent backup. If you have been regularly performing backups, then you should use your backups to restore your files.

Method 2: Try to restore previous versions of files using Windows folder tools. To learn more, please read Previous versions of files.

Method 3: Using the Shadow Volume Copies:

1. Download and install Shadow Explorer. Note, this tool is available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

2. Open Shadow Explorer. From the drop down list you can select from one of the available point-in-time Shadow Copies. Select drive and the latest date that you wish to restore from.



3. Righ-click any encrypted file or entire folder and Export it. You will then be prompted as to where you would like to restore the contents of the folder to.



Hopefully, this will help you to restore all encrypted files or at least some of them.

Go to link Download

How to Remove Bit Cryptor Virus and Restore Encrypted Files

Bit Cryptor or BitCryptor is a file-encrypting ransom virus (ransomware) that encrypts your files using AES-256 encryption algorithm so they are not accessible and repairable without the unique encryption key. In order to get the key and decrypt your files you need to pay a ransom of 1 bitcoin which is currently about $240. It targets all version of Windows. Files stored on Network-Attached Storage (NAS) and other computers on the same network can be encrypted as well. Just like any other ransomware it scans your computer for data files and then encrypts them silently in the background. Most users probably wont even notice anything suspicious. Once the ransom virus has encrypted your files it will display a Bit Cryptor program that contains instructions on how to get your files back. As you can see, it has a countdown clock and apparently the ransom cost will increase if you wont pay on time. Each victim has a unique bitcoin payment address. Cyber criminals allow you to decrypt one file for free.


You know as well as I do that as we all spend increasingly large portions of our waking lives working, playing, shopping and browsing online, the higher the risks of contracting a computer virus or being infected by ransomware are. There is big money to be made in the cyber crime industry and malicious programmers are creating online attackers that are now more sophisticated than ever before. Its like watching a dog chase its tail, watching antiviruses and malicious software play this endless game of outsmarting each other with their creations. But where does that leave us – the people who rely on the internet to earn money, relax or simply keep our busy lives in order? Well where were left is in the position of now having to be increasingly alert if we want to defend ourselves from becoming yet another faceless victim in the online war.

But the issue is that because the two sides of good and evil are constantly battling to stay one step ahead of each other, ransomware is constantly reinventing itself and finding new ways to cause havoc on our PCs or extort our hard earned cash from us. Bit Cryptor is a good example of how cyber criminals constantly improves their malware making it more sophisticated and dangerous. This particular variant, unlike most ransomware, block Task Manager and other program that can be used to disable it. As a result, it might be difficult to run anti-malware software and remove the ransom virus. Bclock.exe is the main process of this ransomware. Its usually located in C:Users[YourUserName]AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWindows folder. So, in case you cant open anti-malware programs or Windows tools, try to remove or at least disable the bclock.exe program first. If you cant do this using Task Manager, try Process Explorer. Theres also a filelist.locklst file which contains a list of all files encrypted. Dont delete it. Its not dangerous and besides you may still need it.

Heres how BitCryptor Your files have been encrypted wallpaper stored in %Temp%wallpaper.jpg looks like:


What is ransomware?

Ransomware is, to put it frankly, a nightmare. Yes, Bit Cryptor is a nightmare too. Not only does it try and con you out of money, it also causes major issues on your computer, and it can cause you very real stress and upset too. It certainly is something that is worth taking the time to learn a little more about. Ransomware seems to come and go so read on and make sure that the next time its doing the rounds you stand the best possible chance of not falling victim to it.

Youre probably already one step ahead at this point and have guessed that ransomware is a type of malware that operates by holding you hostage. Actually, it holds your files, data, programs or operating system to ransom, but when your life is stored on our computers it may as well be you! In a nutshell, ransomware will kidnap, or lock, your computer and hold it hostage until you pay a release fee. It also display a ransom note in a text file, not just the Bit Cryptor decryptor window.

Your personal documents and files on this computer have just been encrypted.
The original files have been deleted and will only be recovered by following the steps described below.
Click on "Show encrypted files" to see a list of files that got encrypted.

The encryption was done with a unique generated encryption key (using AES-256).
This means that encrypted files are of no use until they get decrypted using a key stored on a server.

This server will only release the key if the amount of Bitcoins (displayed left of this window) is send to the Bitcoin address shown on the left of this window.

Each time the timer expires, the total cost will raise with the starting price.

...

How does Bit Cryptor infect you?

Like most types of malware, Bit Cryptor will infect you through a program, file or app that you have downloaded. Some ransomware attacks websites, infecting them and then you the visitor by default. Other ransomware is hidden in an attachment sent in a spam email or instant chat application. Finally, you may even be unlucky enough to be the victim of something called a drive-by installation which is when youve stumbled across a website that has been infected by the malicious software.

What to do when this ransomware attacks?

Dont panic. And DONT pay a ransom. Instead, follow the removal guide below on how to salvage your data and clean your computer ASAP. There are a few tools that can help you to restore at least some of your files without paying a ransom. Even though, theres no guarantee that these tools will help you, theres also no reason not to try them out. Who knows, maybe you will be the lucky one. Good luck and be safe online!

Written by Michael Kaur, http://deletemalware.blogspot.com

Step 1: Removing Bit Cryptor and related malware:

Before restoring your files from shadow copies, make sure Bit Cryptor virus is not running. You have to remove this malware permanently. Thankfully, there are a couple of anti-malware programs that will effectively detect and remove this malware from your computer.

1. First of all, download and install recommended anti-malware scanner. Run a full system scan and remove detected malware.





IMPORTANT! If you cant download or run it, please restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking or Safe Mode and try again. Also, try to disable bclock.exe using Process Explorer.

2. Then, download ESET Online Scanner and run a second scan to make sure there are no other malware running on your computer.

Thats it! Your computer should be clean now and you can safely restore your files. Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Restoring files encrypted by Bit Cryptor crypto virus:

Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your files from a recent backup. If you have been regularly performing backups, then you should use your backups to restore your files.

Method 2: Try to restore previous versions of files using Windows folder tools. To learn more, please read Previous versions of files.

Method 3: Using the Shadow Volume Copies:

1. Download and install Shadow Explorer. Note, this tool is available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

2. Open Shadow Explorer. From the drop down list you can select from one of the available point-in-time Shadow Copies. Select drive and the latest date that you wish to restore from.



3. Righ-click any encrypted file or entire folder and Export it. You will then be prompted as to where you would like to restore the contents of the folder to.



Hopefully, this will help you to restore all encrypted files or at least some of them.

Go to link Download

How to Remove HELP TO SAVE FILES txt Virus and Restore Encrypted Files

HELP_TO_SAVE_FILES.txt is a ransom note that contains links and information on how you can pay the ransom to decrypt your files that were encrypted by Alpha Crypt ransomware. The Trojan ransom encrypts your files using a very strong RSA-2048 encryption algorithm, appends the .ezz extension to each encrypted file and creates multiple HELP_TO_SAVE_FILES.txt files on your computer. Basically, this ransom note can be found in every folder with at least one encrypted file. In this day and age, we all need to know as much as we can about the different types of malware that are out there trying to do us harm. And one of those pieces of malicious software that it is in our interests to know a little more about is ransomware. Staying one step ahead of cyber crime is crucial, therefore if you want to know how to best protect yourself from falling victim to this particularly nasty form of malware, carry on reading as I will give you a couple of simple ways to keep the ransomware at bay.

What is Alpha Crypt and why it creates HELP_TO_SAVE_FILES.txt?

You may have heard of a Trojan ransom because its one of the most commonly found strain of malware. It is also one of the most unpleasant for sure. Not only does it cause carnage on your computer by encrypting your documents but it can have a serious affect on your overall security too, making you even more vulnerable to further attack by other types of malware, for example spyware.


How does this ransomware work?

If you have been infected by HELP_TO_SAVE_FILES.txt or Alpha Crypt ransomware it will kidnap your files and hold them hostage until you pay for their release. Some users reported that cyber criminals asked to pay 1 Bitcoin while others mentioned only 0.5 Bitcoin. One way or another, its still at least $100. Its a classic and time worn method of extorting money – the only difference is now were dealing with online kidnapping. But this one is even more evil. It tries to delete shadow copies and even restore points to make it nearly impossible to restore your files. Luckily, it does not always succeeds, so there is a chance you can recover your encrypted data files using file recovery programs such as TeslaCrypt Decryption Tool by Cisco. Cisco programmers did a great job. The tool worked well with the previous version of this ransomware called Tesla Crypt.

Two ways of defending your computer from ransomware

1. The majority of ransom Trojans are spread via email attachments or links in instant messenger chats. Therefore never open attachments or click on links in messages where you dont know the sender. Other Trojans are packaged with shareware or peer to peer files so only download from reputable sources.
2. A smaller, but still significant amount of Trojans are installed during a drive by installation meaning you have visited a website that has been compromised by the malware. Theres no way of telling which sites are infected but bear in mind that the shadier the site, the more chance you have of leaving with some kind of infection

So, this is the strategy that HELP_TO_SAVE_FILES.txt ransom virus employs. It is designed to look innocent, or useful, and fool you into thinking you are downloading a game, the latest Taylor Swift album from a freeware or shareware file (if Taylors your thing!), or maybe even an anti-virus tool. All things that look benign, fun or useful; but chances are you might actually be downloading ransomware instead.

Is there a way to recover my files?

Unfortunately, at this time there is no way to decrypt the files without your unique decryption key which can be bought from cyber criminals for 1BTC. However, do not pay the ransom unless your files are very important to you and are worth more than $100 or $300. And of course, if the tools given below do not work. Instead, follow the removal guide below how to salvage your data and clean your computer ASAP. There are a few tools that can help you to restore at least some of your files without paying a ransom: Shadow Explorer and TeslaCrypt Decryption Tool by Cisco. Even though, theres no guarantee that these tools will help you, theres also no reason not to try them out. Who know, maybe you will be the lucky one. Please follow the steps in the removal guide below.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. And now youre done reading this, may I suggest that you back up all your files onto an external hard drive NOW. That way if you are unlucky enough to fall victim to HELP_TO_SAVE_FILES.txt ransomware, youll be able to simply wipe clean your internal disk drive and replace it with up to date data. If you have any questions, please leave a comment down below. Good luck and be safe online!

Written by Michael Kaur, http://deletemalware.blogspot.com

Step 1: Removing Alpha Crypt and related malware:

Before restoring your files from shadow copies, make sure Alpha Crypt is not running. You have to remove this malware permanently. Thankfully, there are a couple of anti-malware programs that will effectively detect and remove this malware from your computer.

1. First of all, download and install recommended anti-malware scanner. Run a full system scan and remove detected malware.





Important! If you cant download or run it, please restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking or Safe Mode and try again.

2. Then, download ESET Online Scanner and run a second scan to make sure there are no other malware running on your computer.

Thats it! Your computer should be clean now and you can safely restore your files. Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Restoring files encrypted by Alpha Crypt virus:

Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your files from a recent backup. If you have been regularly performing backups, then you should use your backups to restore your files.

Method 2: Try to restore previous versions of files using Windows folder tools. To learn more, please read Previous versions of files.

Method 3: Try the TeslaCrypt Decryption Tool by Cisco. Download TeslaDecrypt tool and run it.

Method 4: Try the TeslaDecoder Decryption Tool. Download TeslaDecoder tool and run it.

Method 5: Using the Shadow Volume Copies:

1. Download and install Shadow Explorer. Note, this tool is available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

2. Open Shadow Explorer. From the drop down list you can select from one of the available point-in-time Shadow Copies. Select drive and the latest date that you wish to restore from.



3. Righ-click any encrypted file or entire folder and Export it. You will then be prompted as to where you would like to restore the contents of the folder to.



Hopefully, this will help you to restore all encrypted files or at least some of them.

Go to link Download

How to Remove Crypt0L0cker Virus and Restore Encrypted Files

Here were going to take a look at one type of malware that doesnt seem to get as much attention as some of its better known cousins TorrentLocker and CryptoLocker, and that is Crypt0L0cker ransomware. The only noticeable difference is that Os are replaced with 0 (zeros). Other than that I would say its very similar to TorrentLocker ransom virus except that it adds ".encrypted" to the end of affected file names and drops a few ransom notes DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.txt and DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.html. This is a particularly unpleasant program and just because its not given as much press as spyware or adware, for example, that doesnt mean you can dismiss it as something that you dont need to be too concerned about. On the contrary in fact!


Crypt0L0cker and its aliases

If youve heard of a cryptoworm, cryptoware, a cryptovirus, or a cryprotrojan then youve heard of ransomware as these are all names variously given to the same type of program. But just what exactly is cryptoware, or as we will refer to it, ransomware? As with most types of malicious software, the clue is in the name. Crypt0L0cker, as you may have already guessed, holds your computer, data or files to ransom and then attempts to extort money from you by promising to release them (or decrypt, decode, or unlock them) upon receiving payment which is at least $400.

How does Crypt0L0cker get on to your computer?

There are a couple of different ways that Crypt0L0cker is spread. You may be infected by it having paid a visit to a website that has been compromised by it, or alternatively it can hijack you through an email attachment, a link in a chat application message, or via a computer program. One thing is clear about the murky world of malware – we are at increasing risk every time we log onto our computers and onto the internet.

The ransomware Modus Operandi

As mentioned Crypt0L0cker’s MO is to kidnap your files (PDF, xml, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, just the name a few) or parts of your PCs operating system, demand payment for their release and then – maybe return them to you. And yes, we did say maybe. Lets not forget that we are dealing with an unscrupulous attacker here – chances of them bothering to send you a code to unlock your data once payment has been received are not really all that likely.

WARNING we have encrypted your files with Crypt0L0cker virus

Your important files (including those on the networks disks, USB, etc): photos, videos, documents, etc. were encrypted by Crypt0L0cker virus. The only way to get your files back is to pay us. Otherwise, your files will be lost. 

How the Crypt0L0cker demands payment is via – of course – a ransom note. This will either be a text file DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.txt or a HTML pop-up window DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.html, or even an aggressive full screen notification. To make matters worse these ransom notes often portray the kidnapper not as a random third party but as a national, or even international, law enforcement agency. For example, the FBI if your IP address is in the United States or Scotland Yard if you are in the United Kingdom.

The note state that your important files were encrypted – and that you can avoid legal consequences by paying the fine. Thats complete rubbish of course. No national law enforcement agency would send such a demand, so if you receive one – whatever you do, DONT pay it!

 Now, the most important part, how to get your files back. The best method is obviously to restore your files from a recent backup. If you have been performing backups, then you should use your backups to restore your files. If you dont have backups then you can try restoring your files with a program called Shadow Explorer. It may work and or may not. I know some users managed to get at least some of their files back using this program. You can try it too. Theres really nothing to lose after all. If you have any questions, please leave a comment down below. Good luck and be safe online!

Written by Michael Kaur, http://deletemalware.blogspot.com

Step 1: Removing Crypt0L0cker and related malware:

Before restoring your files from shadow copies, make sure Crypt0L0cker virus is not running. You have to remove this malware permanently. Thankfully, there are a couple of anti-malware programs that will effectively detect and remove this malware from your computer.

1. First of all, download and install recommended anti-malware scanner. Run a full system scan and remove detected malware.





2. Then, download ESET Online Scanner and run a second scan to make sure there are no other malware running on your computer.

Thats it! Your computer should be clean now and you can safely restore your files. Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Restoring files encrypted by Crypt0L0cker virus:

Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your files from a recent backup. If you have been regularly performing backups, then you should use your backups to restore your files.

Method 2: Try to restore previous versions of files using Windows folder tools. To learn more, please read Previous versions of files.

Method 3: Using the Shadow Volume Copies:

1. Download and install Shadow Explorer. Note, this tool is available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

2. Open Shadow Explorer. From the drop down list you can select from one of the available point-in-time Shadow Copies. Select drive and the latest date that you wish to restore from.



3. Righ-click any encrypted file or entire folder and Export it. You will then be prompted as to where you would like to restore the contents of the folder to.



Hopefully, this will help you to restore all encrypted files or at least some of them.

Go to link Download

How to Remove Alpha Crypt Virus and Restore Encrypted Files

Alpha Crypt is a Trojan ransom (ransomware) from the same malware family as TeslaCrypt. It encrypts your files using RSA-2048 encryption algorithm and then demands a ransom payment in order to decrypt your files ($500 USD in Bitcoins). Do you want to know what exactly it does, and how it infects your computer? If so youve come to the right place, so carry on reading as we uncover the mystery of this strangely named ransomware Alpha Crypt.


If youre pretty careful about what you do and dont download on your PC, it might shock you to know that in actual fact, you are almost wholly responsible for letting Alpha Crypt infect your computer. Why, you ask? It is because to enable a Trojan ransom to attack you in the first place, you must install the server component of the program. Of course, you dont do this wittingly; the ransomware has to con you into doing that. It will convince you that it is an innocent gift (or something useful) and that you really should accept it onto your PC.

Some variants of Alpha Crypt appear as pop-ups, caused by a previous infection of malware, others are packaged with files, apps or programs that are available for download on the internet, while others may be included as an attachment or link in an instant messenger chat app or an email sent to you by the programmer or disseminator of the malware. Open the attachment which is being distributed through the Angler Exploit Kit and, hey presto, you have triggered the ransomware simply by running the .exe file which will then install it. Once it is on your machine the server that the ransomware runs on will run the program each time you log on.


How much harm will Alpha Crypt do to me?

Plenty is the unfortunate answer to that. It is not nice, to say the least. It can cause serious issues that affect your hard drive and your operating system as well as your files, documents and other data. It will encrypt your files and append the .ezz extension to each of them. Since your files are encrypted and have this strange extension you can open them without a special decryption tool and decryption key. Both can be bought from cyber criminals. You just need to send then the RECOVERY_FILE.TXT file and of course pay a ransom. Its called AlphaTool Decryption Service. Dont get fooled, its not your friendly decryption service run by geeks, its in control of the same cyber criminals who created the Alpha Crypt ransomware. In short they can make using your computer an absolute nightmare – and thats not even taking into consideration the impact of lost data. When the encryption has finished, it will change your dekstop background to theHELP_TO_SAVE_FILES.bmp ransom note and then open the the HELP_TO_SAVE_FILES.txt ransom note. Finally it will open the Alpha Crypt encryptor program shown above. Bot the ransom note and encryptor program contain links and information on how you can pay pay the ransom to decrypt your files.

How can I ensure I dont get fooled by ransomware?

The good news is that there are things you can do to lower the risk of an attack from Alpha Crypt. Due to the way most ransom Trojans are spread, the biggest preemptive strike you can make is to never open emails if you dont know the sender. Opened one by mistake? Whatever you do, do not click on any links or open any attachments. The same goes for chat messages sent from unknown sources. You should also be wary even when you do know the sender before opening files or links as you never know if your contact has been hacked. Finally: a reputable antimalware – install one NOW if you havent already!

What should you do if youve been infected by Alpha Crypt? Should you pay the fine?

In a word, no! There are two reasons for this: a) youre only encouraging further criminal activity and b) how do you know that youll receive the decryption key anyway? If the encrypted files are not very important or you dont have money to pay the ransom, you can try to restore your files (at least some of them) using Shadow Explorer and specialized tools listed below like TeslaCrypt Decryption Tool by Cisco. Even better if you have backups or copies in the cloud. Please note that even of you decide to pay the ransom theres really no guarantee that cyber criminals will send you the private key and you will be able to decrypt your files. If you have any questions, please leave a comment down below. Good luck and be safe online!

Written by Michael Kaur, http://deletemalware.blogspot.com

Step 1: Removing Alpha Crypt and related malware:

Before restoring your files from shadow copies, make sure Alpha Crypt is not running. You have to remove this malware permanently. Thankfully, there are a couple of anti-malware programs that will effectively detect and remove this malware from your computer.

1. First of all, download and install recommended anti-malware scanner. Run a full system scan and remove detected malware.





Important! If you cant download or run it, please restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking or Safe Mode and try again.

2. Then, download ESET Online Scanner and run a second scan to make sure there are no other malware running on your computer.

Thats it! Your computer should be clean now and you can safely restore your files. Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Restoring files encrypted by Alpha Crypt virus:

Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your files from a recent backup. If you have been regularly performing backups, then you should use your backups to restore your files.

Method 2: Try to restore previous versions of files using Windows folder tools. To learn more, please read Previous versions of files.

Method 3: Try the TeslaCrypt Decryption Tool by Cisco. Download TeslaDecrypt tool and run it.

Method 4: Try the TeslaDecoder Decryption Tool. Download TeslaDecoder tool and run it.

Method 5: Using the Shadow Volume Copies:

1. Download and install Shadow Explorer. Note, this tool is available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

2. Open Shadow Explorer. From the drop down list you can select from one of the available point-in-time Shadow Copies. Select drive and the latest date that you wish to restore from.



3. Righ-click any encrypted file or entire folder and Export it. You will then be prompted as to where you would like to restore the contents of the folder to.



Hopefully, this will help you to restore all encrypted files or at least some of them.

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