How to remove Michael ransomware

Tips for Michael ransomware removal

Michael ransomware is a piece of software, categorized as a ransomware. It belongs to dangerous Balaclava ransomware family. This malware operates by encrypting the data stored and demanding ransom payment for the decryption. During the encryption process, filenames of the encrypted files will be appended with .michael extension. For example, a file named 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.michael. Right after that, the ransomware creates HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt file and drops it on each infected folder.

The message on the .txt file states that the victims data stored on there have been encrypted due to the ransomware attack. As per the note, the only way to get the files back in original accessible condition is to purchase the unique decryption tool from the crooks behind the Michael ransomware. To get much more information on it like how much the decryptor cost, how to use it and so on, the users are asked to establish a contact to the crooks and send the provided ID number associated with each victim individually. The users are asked to attach 1 encrypted file with the letter to test that the capability of the decryption tool- the crooks claim to promote free decryption of this file. The testing file should be less than 2 MB in size and must not contain any valuable information. Here is the full text in the text file created by the Michael ransomware:

Hello!

If you see this message – this means your files are now encrypted and are in a non-working state!  Now only we can help you recover.

 If you are ready to restore the work – send us an email to the address [email protected]  In the letter, specify your personal identifier, which you will see below.  In the reply letter we will inform you the cost of decrypting your files.

Before payment you can send us 1-2 files for test decryption.  We will decrypt the files you requested and send you back.  This ensures that we own the key to recover your data.  The total file size should be no more than 2 MB, the files should not contain valuable information (databases, backups, large Excel spreadsheets …).

Email to contact us – [email protected]

YOUR PERSONAL ID :

–

Unfortunately, in most of the cases with any ransomware type infection, the files recovery is not possible without the involvement of the crooks behind them. These people are allowed to create a unique decryption tool during the encryption process. Each tool/key is stored on some remote server that is only these people can access to it. They blackmail the users to pay the ransom amount for the exchange of the tool. Despite paying, users do not receive the decryptor. The crooks disappear leaving the victims without their files once the payment is done. In order to avoid getting scammed, you should ignore the ransom payment instruction and should use some data recovery alternatives. The safest option is to remove Michael ransomware and recover the files using existing backup.

The malware removal is necessary to prevent further files removal. Its removal is necessary for yet another reason. The longer presence of the malware can bring additional issues, to the system or even to the users’ personal  as according to the module used or the developers’ wish, the Michael ransomware can infiltrate other malicious malware that cause direct impact on the system performances. Additionally, this malware can operate as a tool for information stealer for the developers that can cost on privacy and can cause identity exposure at the end. Therefore, without wasting much of the time, delete Michael ransomware from the device.

After the ransomware removal, consider about the data recovery. At current, the official decryption has to be released for this virus. Therefore, we have t o rely on some data recovery alternatives. You can try data recovery using existing backup. In fact, this is the safest option for the data recovery. However, not all users have such files. In such a case, volume shadow copy created by OS for short time could be an option for you. But, there is a change that this option is initially detected by the threat by running PowerShell command. In such a case, the only option you have is to use data recovery alternatives. Nowadays, such tools are designed with special functionality added and so we can anticipate of the data recovery using them.

Threat summary

Type: Ransomware

Family: Balaclava ransomware family

Ransom note: HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt

Extension:  .michael

Cyber criminals’ contact:  [email protected]

Symptoms: Files cannot be opened, the previously functional files appear with different extension name and a ransom note appear asking for ransom payment demands for the data decryption

Distribution: Spam emails, software cracks and updating tools

Removal: Use some reputable antivirus tool to automatically remove Michael ransomware from the system

Files recovery: Use existing backup for the data restoration. If you do not have such tools, use data recovery tool provided below the post. Such tools are designed nowadays with special functionality added and so you can anticipate of the data recovery using them

Tips for preventing malware infections

Ransomware is one of the most devastating malware. It mainly targets home users, corporations, businesses and local governments as well.  Multiple distribution channels are possible for its distribution. There is no method to prevent the risk of malware intrusion to 100%. However, such risks can be minimized by precautions. Here, some experts’ recommended precautionary measures are provided for you –hope so these will work in practice:

• Employ some reputable antivirus tool
• Update the installed software and the OS
• Never download software cracks/keygens or pirated programs installers
• Do not open any attachments provided on emails seen suspicious
• Enable anti-spam and anti-phishing tools as well as ad-blocking extension
• Protect the accounts with secure alphanumeric passwords or use a password manager

Remove Michael ransomware

Manual malware removal guide is provided below in step by step manner. Follow it so that you will not find any trouble during removal process. You can use some reputable antivirus tool to automatically remove Michael ransomware from the system.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Michael ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Michael ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Michael 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 Michael ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Michael ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

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 Michael 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 Michael 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 Michael 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 Michael 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 Michael 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 Michael 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 Michael 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 Michael 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.