How to remove Prometheus ransomware and retrieve files

Easy tips to delete Prometheus ransomware and decrypt files

Prometheus ransomware is a ransomware type infection that is designed to encrypt stored files and then demand ransom payment for the decryption, i.e., decryption tool/ software. During the encryption process, the files are appended with .PROM[[email protected]] extension. For example, a file 1.jpg would become “1.jpg.PROM[[email protected]]”, “2.jpg” become “2.jpg.PROM[[email protected]]”, and so on. After this process, the ransomware drops two ransom notes – “RESTORE_FILES_INFO.hta” (pop-up window) and “RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt” files, both of which contain identical message.

The ransom demanding notes inform the victims that their data have been encrypted and that the manual decryption is not viable. The only way to recover them is to purchase the decryption keys/ tools from the crooks behind the infection. The notes state the recovery will be possible for a week only –after this the decryption keys will be automatically be deleted. For further instructions, the users are asked to establish communication to them. The notes provide two communication options to them – one is via website that can be accessed only through Tor browser. The second option is email.

Prior to the payment, the victims are offered free decryption of up to three encrypted files that contain no valuable information. The ransom messages end with a warning to the users that renaming the filenames of the encrypted files and/or attempting to decrypt them using third party software –will result into permanent data loss. Unfortunately, in ransomware infection cases, files recovery is not possible without the involvement of the crooks behind it. It is when the ransomware has certain bug/ flaw or is in development stage.

Whatever be the case, it is highly recommended not to meet the ransom demands. Despite paying, the victims often do not receive the decryption tool to decrypt the files. Thus, they experience financial loss and their data remain encrypted. Removing Prometheus ransomware is necessary to prevent it from further files encryption. However, this will not restore already encrypted files. The possible ways to recover the files are to use existing backups, automatically created Shadow Copies by Windows Operating systems and some third party data recovery tools – refer our instructions provided below the post for complete guide how to remove Prometheus ransomware and recover files.

How did Prometheus ransomware infiltrate my system?

Ransomware and other malicious files are often distributed using various tactics and techniques. Malicious programs are often disguised as or bundled with ordinary software and proliferated via untrustworthy downloading channels like free file hosting sites, p2p networks and other third party downloaders/ installers. Illegal activation tools and fake software updaters are the prime examples of that. Cracking tools infect system instead of activating licensed software. Illegitimate updaters cause system infections by exploiting bug/ flaws of outdated software and/or by installing malicious software rather than the promised updates.

Spam campaigns are also used to spread malware of this kind. This term describes as a mass scale operation during which thousands of spam emails are designed and delivered. These letters are presented as official, important, urgent, priority and similar. They have infectious files or links for such files in them. The malicious files can be in any forms, including PDFs and Microsoft Office documents, Archives, executables, JavaScript and so on. When these files are executed, opened or otherwise clicked the infection process is triggered.

Full text presented in Prometheus ransomware’s ransom notes (“RESTORE_FILES_INFO.hta” and “RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt”):

You are not able to decrypt it by yourself! The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.

Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.

We recommend you upload 3 encrypted files in hxxps://privatlab.com/file and paste link to you message. We will demonstrate that we can recover your files.

* Please note that files must not contain any valuable information.

Do you really want to restore your files?

1) Using a TOR browser!

1. a) Download and install TOR browser from this site: hxxps://torproject.org/
2. b) Open website: hxxp://sonarmsniko2lvfu.onion/?a=reg
3. c) Register account
4. d) Click Compose and write to us, our username: Prometheus, in message write Your Key Identifier (it is at the end of file)

2) Using a email

Write to 3 emails address at once, in message write Your Key Identifier (it is at the end of file) :

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

We recommend using 1 method via TOR browser to contact us.

Email letters may not reach us. Therefore, if you do not receive a response within 12 hours, please use method 1.

* 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.

*For our safety, all information about your server and your decryption key will be automaticaly DELETED AFTER 7 DAYS! You will irrevocably lose all your data!

Key Identifier:

–

How to prevent ransomware infection?

It is important to only use official and verified download channels. Additionally, software should have to be activated/ updated using tools/ functions from official software developers. To avoid the system infection from spam email, it is advised against opening suspect and irrelevant emails –especially any attachments or website links in them. It is paramount to have a reputable antivirus tool installed and updated. These programs should have to be used for regular system scans and to remove any detected threats and issues.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

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

Step 2: Delete Prometheus ransomware using “System Restore”

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

Log-in to the account infected with Prometheus 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 Prometheus 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 Prometheus 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 Prometheus 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 Prometheus 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 Prometheus 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 Prometheus 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 Prometheus 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 Prometheus 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.