Held Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .held files)

Held Virus Ransomware

Held is a harmful software application working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known virus researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Held was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as quickly as the encryption is effectively accomplished, the users are not able to get access to them. Held virus includes its own “.held” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as modified by Held, will be titled as “price_list.xls.held”. As soon as the encryption is achieved, Held puts its own distinct text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.

The alert specified by text file asking for the random os very similar to the alerts given by other ransomware threats coming from the DJVU family. The caution basically indicates that the data has been secured and the only service to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely true.

The method to secure the files utilized by Held is not entirely looked into. However, there is no doubt that each computer owner might be provided an unique decryption key, which is absolutely special. It is extremely hard to recover the data without the proper type in location.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:

One more peculiarity of the Held infection is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the complete control by the criminals who have actually released the Held ransomware into the world wide web. In order to get the key and bring back the essential information, the users are informed to contact the frauds through e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.

The message likewise says that individuals should contact the Held authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information file encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so individuals will acquire a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.

No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we highly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online scoundrels will keep their guarantees, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom frequently does not lead to a successful recovery. So, the users might simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.

Similarly, we urge you not to get in touch with the scams as they instruct. Do not move loan into their wallets. There are no applications that could break the Held virus or restore the information at no charge. For that reason, the only right choice is to bring back the information from possible backups (if offered).

Virus Summary

Do not forget that the Web is now filled with infections comparable to the Held ransomware. For example, this particular risk is essentially identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful utilities have been developed in order to secure the crucial data and reveal the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the similar algorithm to produce the specific key for successful files decryption.

Unless the Held ransomware is still under the development process or has actually got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Hence, the only working service to avoid the loss of your crucial data is to frequently keep up-to-date backups of all your vital files.

Another essential piece of guidance is to store the backups on unique storage not linked to your main computer. For instance, you may keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your routine drive is very dangerous, since the backup might also be encrypted by the Held virus.

Leakages for the Held ransomware attack.

Held uses many paths to infiltrate the susceptible computers. It is not specific what specific approach was utilized in your case, however, the intrusion may take place through the following channels:

• bundling with third-party programs, mainly freeware;
• spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
• sites providing complimentary hosting;
• P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.

There are times when the Held ransomware might camouflage itself as some real application, for instance, through the misleading alerts requiring setup of some software application update. This is the most common trick used by the scams to inject the Held ransomware files into the system. In this manner users partly participate in its installation, without plainly comprehending the threat.

Furthermore, the scams may send out unsolicited spam email with tricky signals motivating the people to open dubious attachments or click on some download links, for example, those encouraging the people to open certain images, text files, tax files and other information.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking the harmful links may basically damage the system. Fake Acrobat Reader upgrade notices may lead to the Held ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the broken software application may furthermore include the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Held might occur through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission or even consent.

Preventing the Held virus injection.

Naturally, there is no outright guarantee that your computer system will be constantly without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we wish to share some beneficial suggestions with you to make it more secure. Make sure to pay really close attention while browsing the web and specifically while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email attachments, particularly if the sender is not known to you.

Do not forget that specific freeware installer may also include some other extra apps in the bundle. These extra applications may be very destructive. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in basic to be constantly appropriately upgraded.

It is quite rational that downloading pirated programs is unlawful, however, additionally, such unapproved programs use may likewise bring major damage to your PC. For this reason, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the reality that your existing anti-virus did not secure the system from the Held ransomware is an excellent reason for you to reevaluate your options and switch to another program that can render the securing functions on a far better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Held 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-2P5WrE5b9f
 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:
 restorealldata@firemail.cc

 Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
 gorentos@bitmessage.ch

 Our Telegram account:
 @datarestore

Screenshot of files with “.held” extension added by the ransomware:”

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Held 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.

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.

Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore held files

You can download Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:

  Emsisoft Decryptor

1. Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
2. Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
3. By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
4. Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
5. After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
6. The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.