How to remove Extortionist Ransomware and recover files
Easy tips to delete Extortionist Ransomware and decrypt files
Extortionist Ransomware is a ransomware and a part of VoidCrypt ransomwaer family. It encrypts stored files and appends [email protected] email address, a string of ransom characters, and the “.Extortionist” extension to filenames. For example, it renames 1.jpg to “1.jpg.[[email protected]][MJ-PQ4931720865].Extortionist”, “2.jpg” to “2.jpg.[[email protected]][MJ-PQ4931720865].Extortionist” and so on.
Also, it creates “Decrypt-me.txt” text file as its ransom note, containing ransom demanding message for alleged files recovery. They are asked that it is necessary for them to purchase a unique decryption tool from the crooks behind the infection for the files recovery. Before that, the ransom note instructs the victims to send “prvkey*.txt.key” file located on the “C:\ProgramData\” folder to the crooks.
The note shows the importance of this file as if it is deleted, the files decryption will not be possible. If they want the proof that the tool is really working, they can send a few files for the test, less than 1 MB in aggregate and contain no valuable information. The note contains [email protected] or [email protected] email belongs to the crooks for the contact purpose.
In most cases with ransomware infection, the files recovery is not possible without the involvement of the crooks behind the infection. It might be when the ransomware is at its initial stage or has certain bugs/ flaws in them. Regardless, it is strongly not recommended to contact/ pay to the crooks under any circumstances. These people will never provide you the decryption tool even if all their demands are met.
The best way to deal with this case is to remove Extortionist Ransomware and recover the files using existing backups. If there is no backup available, check if Shadow Copies exist –these automatically designed backups are sometimes left untouched during the entire process of system attack and files encryption. Third party data recovery tools are another data recovery alternative you should use if the Extortionist Ransomware deleted the Shadow Copies on your system.
How did Extortionist Ransomware enter my system?
Most crooks distribute ransomware through Trojans, emails software cracking tools, fake updaters and unreliable sources for downloading files, programs. Their emails contain malicious attachments or links. The recipients infect their systems by opening a malicious file downloaded from such emails. Trojans are malicious programs that cause chain infections.
Software cracking tools are supposed to bypass activation tools. It is not legal to use such tools and often they include malware in them. Unreliable downloading sources such as p2p networks, free file hosting sites and third party downloaders/ installers spread malware by presenting it as legit software. Fake software updaters exploit bugs/ flaws of outdated software and/or cause direct malware download.
Text presented in Extortionist Ransomware‘s text file (“Decrypt-me.txt”):
All Your Files Has Been Encrypted
You Have to Pay to Get Your Files Back
1-Go to C:\ProgramData\ folder and send us prvkey*.txt.key file , * might be a number (like this : prvkey3.txt.key)
2-You can send some file little than 1mb for Decryption test to trust us But the test File should not contain valuable data
3-Payment should be with Bitcoin
4-Changing Windows without saving prvkey.txt.key file will cause permanete Data loss
Our Email:[email protected]
in Case of no Answer:[email protected]
How to prevent ransomware infection?
Avoid using unreliable sources for downloading files, programs. Use official websites for that. Do not open files or website links in irrelevant emails sent from unknown, suspicious addresses. Update and activate installed software using tools, functions from official developer. Also, have a reputable antivirus tool installed on system and scan it for threats regularly.
Special Offer (For Windows)
Extortionist Ransomware can be creepy computer infection that may regain its presence again and again as it keeps its files hidden on computers. To accomplish a hassle free removal of this malware, we suggest you take a try with a powerful Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you getting rid of this virus.
Do make sure to read SpyHunter’s EULA, Threat Assessment Criteria, and Privacy Policy. Spyhunter free scanner downloaded just scans and detect present threats from computers and can remove them as well once, however it requires you to wiat for next 48 hours. If you intend to remove detected therats instantly, then you will have to buy its licenses version that will activate the software fully.
Data Recovery Offer
We Suggest you to choose your lately created backup files in order to restore your encrypted files, however in case if you don’t have any such backups, you can try a data recovery tool to check if you can restore your lost data.
Antimalware Details And User Guide
Step 1: Remove Extortionist Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”
Step 2: Delete Extortionist Ransomware using “System Restore”
Step 1: Remove Extortionist Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”
For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.
Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.
For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button. In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.
For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.
Step 2: Delete Extortionist Ransomware using “System Restore”
Log-in to the account infected with Extortionist Ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.
Special Offer (For Windows)
Extortionist Ransomware can be creepy computer infection that may regain its presence again and again as it keeps its files hidden on computers. To accomplish a hassle free removal of this malware, we suggest you take a try with a powerful Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you getting rid of this virus.
Do make sure to read SpyHunter’s EULA, Threat Assessment Criteria, and Privacy Policy. Spyhunter free scanner downloaded just scans and detect present threats from computers and can remove them as well once, however it requires you to wiat for next 48 hours. If you intend to remove detected therats instantly, then you will have to buy its licenses version that will activate the software fully.
Data Recovery Offer
We Suggest you to choose your lately created backup files in order to restore your encrypted files, however in case if you don’t have any such backups, you can try a data recovery tool to check if you can restore your lost data.
In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”
- During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”
- In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.
- Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”
- Click “Next” on the new windows
- Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Extortionist Ransomware infiltration in the PC.
- In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.
Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Extortionist Ransomware files if they left in the work-station.
In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.
Important Note: Some variants of Extortionist Ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.
How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:
In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.
In order to access the files encrypted by Extortionist Ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.
Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Extortionist Ransomware.
Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.
It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.
How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Extortionist Ransomware?
Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Extortionist Ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.
Use of Data Recovery Tool
This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Extortionist Ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.
Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.
Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.
Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.
Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.
Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.
Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.
Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.
Special Offer (For Windows)
Extortionist Ransomware can be creepy computer infection that may regain its presence again and again as it keeps its files hidden on computers. To accomplish a hassle free removal of this malware, we suggest you take a try with a powerful Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you getting rid of this virus.
Do make sure to read SpyHunter’s EULA, Threat Assessment Criteria, and Privacy Policy. Spyhunter free scanner downloaded just scans and detect present threats from computers and can remove them as well once, however it requires you to wiat for next 48 hours. If you intend to remove detected therats instantly, then you will have to buy its licenses version that will activate the software fully.
Data Recovery Offer
We Suggest you to choose your lately created backup files in order to restore your encrypted files, however in case if you don’t have any such backups, you can try a data recovery tool to check if you can restore your lost data.
