How to remove Viper Ransomware and decrypt files

Easy steps to delete Viper Ransomware

Threat summary

Name: Viper Ransomware

Type: Ransomware, Cryptovirus, File-lockers

Extension: .Viper (files are also appended with a unique ID and cyber criminals’ email address)

Ransom Demanding Message: how to recover my files.hta (pop-up)

Email used: [email protected]

Short Description: Encrypts important files and asks victims to pay ransom money to get decryption tool/key.

Symptoms: Files are encrypted with the .Viper file extension and how to recover my files.hta ransom note is added.

Distribution Method: Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner.

Removal: For complete information about file recovery and removal of Viper Ransomware you are advised to go through given below removal instructions.

Viper Ransomware was discovered by virus analyst S!Ri and belongs to HiddenTear ransomware family. This ransomware encrypts all users’ data available on the desktop including (photos, documents, text, html, music, videos etc) and adds its specific extension (“.Viper”) to the end of every file and creates the “how to recover my files.hta” files in every folder which contains encrypted files. For example, Your photo, named “me.jpg” will be altered to “[email protected]” after the encryption.

Information about ways of contacting Viper Ransomware developers and some other info can be found in the created ransom note. Inside of the ransom note, there is usually an instruction saying about purchasing the decryption tool. This tool is created by ransomware developers and can be obtained through the email, contacting [email protected]. It will also allow you to send 5 files for free decryption to verify the authenticity of the claim that it can unlock all your files.

They also warn user not to rename encrypted files or try to decrypt them with third party decryptions software as it may cause permanent data damage. Regrettably, it is true because in most cases, it has been seen that decryption cannot be possible without the involvement of people who are behind this ransomware infection. In such situation, we strongly recommend you only to remove Viper Ransomware immediately from the computer to avoid further encryptions.

How to remove Viper Ransomware and recover files?

To get back encrypted files, victims are advised not to pay ransom to the cyber criminals. After paying money, they start ignoring users and not even answer their calls or messages. So, in such case, you must not be panic you can easily recover your files without paying money to the scammers. But to do so, first of all you need to remove Viper Ransomware from the computer because if this malware stays in your PC for long time then it will re-encrypt remaining files. After completing removal process, you can retrieve your files by using existing backup (if available) or you can use data recovery tool.

How did ransomware infect my system?

Hackers behind this use several deceptive methods to infiltrate this malware into system. The most common malware proliferation methods include distribution through Trojans, illegal activation tools, spam campaigns, fake updates and untrustworthy download channels. Cyber hackers behind this use spam campaigns method in order to trick user by sending them lots of deceptive emails pretending it as some legit and important documents like bank statement, credit card bill etc. Once users open such infectious files, their PC will get infected by Viper Ransomware. In case of Trojans presence, these are malicious programs with broad range of functionalities including the ability to cause chain infections, which means download  and install additional malware. So you must be very careful when you visit any websites, download free stuff or open any scheming email on your system. These all action could lead to certain malware attack and you can put your entire machine at risk.

Text presented in Viper Ransomware’s pop-up window:

All your files have been encrypted!

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail [email protected]
Write this ID in the title of your message –
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail:[email protected]
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.

 

Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

 

How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

 

Attention!
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.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

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

Step 2: Delete Viper Ransomware using “System Restore”

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

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