How To Remove Unicorn Ransomware And Restore Infected Data

Simple Steps To Delete Unicorn Ransomware From Computer

Unicorn Ransomware is a newly discovered file-encrypting virus that was first discovered by security expert JamesWT. This pernicious crypto-malware is extremely destructive and has already infected several PC systems all across over the world. Once this hazardous threat gets into your work-station, it encrypts your crucial files and data stored inside your device and makes them completely inaccessible or unusable. It is capable of compromising files of multiple formats and has been found that it uses secure and powerful encryption algorithm to lock the targeted data. This nasty ransomware renames the infected files by appending “.fu**unicorn[random_string]” extension with the name of each of them.

More About Unicorn Ransomware:

Unicorn Ransomware is a kind of malware that has been specially designed by potent Cyber actors with their sole motive to extort illicit money from the affected users. And therefore, soon after the attack, it creates a ransom note named “READ_IT.txt” in Italian and also changes the desktop’s wallpaper that contains message in English. Moreover, the virus might also display a Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic map. The text file informs victims about the unpleasant situation and also provides the data-recovery method. Throughout the note, you will see Graeco-Roman mythology which means mythological figures, such as Rod/Staff of Asclepius, Asclepius and Prometheus.

To regain access to the locked files, you are asked to buy the decryption tool/software from Unicorn Ransomware authors within three days. The price of the tool is 300 EUR that has to be paid in BitCoins cryptocurrency. Crooks warn victims that this is the only way to retrieve the infected data as they will not be aided by either technical support specialists or law enforcement. The altered wallpaper also states that the infected PC has been blocked and all the stored files have been encrypted. It warns that trying to recover the compromised data manually may cause permanent data loss.

English Translation of The Text Presented In The text File:

The long snake on Asceplio’s staff has rebelled, and a new era is about to come!

This is your chance to redeem yourself after years of sins and abuses.

It’s up to you to choose. Within 3 days the pledge to pay you will have to or the fire of Prometheus will cancel

your data just as it has wiped out the power of the gods over men. The pledge is only 300 euros, to be paid

with Bitcoins at the following address: 195naAM74WpLtGHsKp9azSsXWmBCaDscxJ after you have paid,

an email to send us you will. [email protected] the transaction code will be the proof.

After the paid pledge you will receive the solution to put out Prometheus’ fire. Go from

police or calling technicians will be of no use, no human being can help you.

Text Presented In The Wallpaper:

FU**UNICORN

Your computer is blocked!
All files were encrypted and you will
not get access to them just like that,
but only break them! If you meet our
conditions, you can easily decrypt
your files! Think about it!

Should You Deal With The Attackers?

Unicorn Ransomware operators promise that once the payment is done, they will be provided the necessary decryption software. However, all the promises of criminals are fake as they often ignore the victimized people as soon as the payment is made. There are multiple instances when hackers just disappeared soon after taking the extortion and caused victims to lose both files as well as money. Furthermore, even if they deliver the tool that works, the crypto-virus will still remain in the machine and can strike again for further revenues. So, never trust on the attackers under any circumstance and try to remove Unicorn Ransomware from the system as early as possible.

How To Restore The Infected Files?

Paying ransom to the hackers is not a clever thing to under any circumstance as it will only motivate them to drop more such infections inside for further profits. To recover the infected files, you can use a backup made on any external drive or a powerful file-recovery application which you can download right here via the link given under this article. Moreover, experts strongly recommend to keep making frequent backups that can be very helpful in recovering the infected or lost data in such hazardous situation.

Other Malevolent Acts of This Parasite:

Apart from encoding your crucial data, this hazardous threat also creates tons of junk files in the hard drive of your system which consumes huge amount of memory resources and drags down the overall PC performance severely. It messes with vital system files that are essential for smooth computer functioning and prevents many installed apps as well as drivers from working in an appropriate manner. Unicorn Ransomware includes potential to deactivate all the running security measures and Windows Firewalls and make the device vulnerable for more notorious infections. It may easily bring other Online threats such as rootkits, worms, spyware, adware, Trojan etc. in your computer and turn the device into a malware-hub. It makes spiteful entries in Windows registries and alters it default settings which allows the virus to get automatically activated every time the PC is started. However, this activity of Unicorn Ransomware brings many vicious issues in the work-station such as boot errors, frequent system crash, supplication malfunctioning, hard drive failure and so on.

Summarize Information

Name: Unicorn Ransomware

Type: Ransomware, Crypto-virus

Description- Destructive malware that aims to encrypt users’ crucial files and then ask them to pay off for the decryption key/tool.

Extension- .fu**unicorn[random_string] (curse-word censored with asterisks)

Ransom demanding message: Text presented in the changed desktop wallpaper and READ_IT.txt

BitCoins Address- 195naAM74WpLtGHsKp9azSsXWmBCaDscxJ (Bitcoin)

Attackers’ Contact- “[email protected]”

Symptoms: Users can not open files available on their desktop, previously functional files now have different extensions, A ransom demanding message is displayed on the desktop screen. Users are asked to pay an amount of ransom to unlock their encoded data and files.

Distribution methods: Torrent websites, spam emails, peer to peer network sharing, unofficial activation and updating tools.

Damage: All files are encrypted and cannot be accessed without paying ransom, Additional password stealing Trojans and malware infections can be installed along with ransomware infections and other malware.

Removal: To remove this virus from the system, we advise you to use a reliable anti-malware tool. Once malware gets removed, you can recover your files by using existing backup or data-recovery software.

Beware of Emails Coming From Unknown Source:

The most common method through which such kind of ransomware programs sneak into the targeted computers is spam email campaign. And hence, you need to be very careful while opening an email coming from unknown sender. It might contain spiteful attachments which automatically get loaded and leads to the malware penetration into the device once you click on it. Besides, visiting harmful web domains, sharing files via peer to peer network, using infected removal drives, watching adult videos, clicking on malicious ad or links etc. can be also responsible for the intrusion of such deadly parasites. And therefore, avoid getting in touch with these notorious sources to keep the system harmless and secured. As long as this hazardous ransomware stays in your computer, it keeps infecting your other essential data and causing more damages to the PC. And therefore, you are strongly recommended to remove Unicorn Ransomware from the system without wasting any time.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Unicorn Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Unicorn Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Unicorn 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 Unicorn Ransomware using “System Restore”

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