RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove LIKEAHORSE Virus (.LIKEAHORSE Files Ransomware)

LIKEAHORSE Virus – Details

The LIKEAHORSE stands for a ransomware-type infection. LIKEAHORSE was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. LIKEAHORSE adds the “.LIKEAHORSE” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by LIKEAHORSE, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.LIKEAHORSE“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, LIKEAHORSE places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by LIKEAHORSE text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It literally discusses that the information is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by LIKEAHORSE is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of LIKEAHORSE is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is kept on a specific server run by the frauds associated with LIKEAHORSE ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the asked for quantity, people should stay away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not provide any positive outcome and people just waste their money for nothing.

We highly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack LIKEAHORSE ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Hence, the only best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameLIKEAHORSE Ransomware
File Extension.LIKEAHORSE
TypeRansomware
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special LIKEAHORSE extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to LIKEAHORSE ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to state the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to produce the distinct decryption key for data decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your important data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are a number of ways used by online scams to distribute LIKEAHORSE ransomware. Although it is uncertain how precisely LIKEAHORSE injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically LIKEAHORSE ransomware may be presented as some legitimate software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some important software application updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing LIKEAHORSE infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may describe numerous email spam strategies to inject harmful codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in LIKEAHORSE virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of malicious codes leading to LIKEAHORSE secret installation. Lastly, injection of LIKEAHORSE may happen by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up malicious tools without the user’s permission.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of LIKEAHORSE ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we want to share with with you. To start with, be really cautious when you surf the web and especially while downloading totally free apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to essential damage to be produced your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your PC.

Screenshot of files with “.LIKEAHORSE” extension added by the ransomware:
LIKEAHORSE Ransomware - encrypt files with .LIKEAHORSE extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove LIKEAHORSE ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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