Format Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .format files) – DJVU Ransomware
Format – Ransomware
The Format mean a ransomware-type infection. Initially, it was revealed by Michael Gillespie. The virus comes from the DJVU ransomware family. Format was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Format adds the “.format” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Format, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.format. As quickly as the encryption is completed, Format places a special text file (such as “_readme.txt“) into every folder containing the encrypted data.The message given by Format text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the DJVU type. It actually mentions that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by Format is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, Format message:
Another trick of Format is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds connected with Format ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom, which totals up to $980. To acquire the payment details users are advised to contact the frauds through e-mail or telegram. The alert likewise indicates that the users need to contact the Format developers within 72 hours after the files encryption took place. The message says that doing so users will get a 50% discount, so the ransom quantity will drop down to $490.
Format encrypted your documents, but that might not be the only damage done to you. The ransomware might still be hidingon your computer. To identify and remove whether this holds true, we suggest downloading GridinSoft Anti-Malware tool.
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Nonetheless, regardless of the requested amount, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not give any positive outcome and people simply lose their money for nothing.
We strongly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Format ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Therefore, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.
Virus Summary
| Name | Format Ransomware |
| File Extension | format |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The 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. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the RSA-1024 encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special format extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Access, Ndarod, Ntuseg |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Keep in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Format ransomware. It is similar Access and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt essential data and to set forth the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the special decryption key for files decryption.
Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your essential data is to frequently create backups of your important information.
Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage place.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
There are numerous ways used by online frauds to distribute Format virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how precisely Format injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:
- integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
- spam e-mails from unknown senders;
- websites rendering free hosting services;
- pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.
Frequently Format virus may exist as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some important software application updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Format infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.
Furthermore, the criminals might describe various e-mail spam tactics to inject harmful codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some video, documents, tax reports or invoices.
Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifies may result in Format ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include harmful codes leading to Format secret installation. Finally, injection of Format may happen by means of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up destructive tools without the user’s approval.
Is there any method to prevent the injection of Format ransom virus?
Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. Firstly, be very careful when you surf the web and specifically while downloading complimentary apps. Keep 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 package, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always duly updated.
Obviously, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in vital damage to be produced your system. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render better services of defending your system.
Below please find the quotation from the Format text file:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files. What guarantees you have? You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-hvv30uAtTY Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Reserve e-mail address to contact us: ferast@firemail.cc Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.format” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Format ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
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.
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.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
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.
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.
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