259 – General Info
The 259 mean a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Dharma ransomware family. 259 was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. 259 adds the “.259” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by 259, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.259“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, 259 places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.The message given by 259 text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the Dharma type. It literally points out that the information is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by 259 is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.
Another technique of 259 is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds associated with 259 ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.
259 encrypted your documents, but that might not be the only damage done to you. The ransomware might still be hidingon your computer. To identify whether this holds true, we suggest downloading GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
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Nevertheless, regardless of the requested amount, people should keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive result and people just lose their money for absolutely nothing.
We highly advise that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack 259 ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Therefore, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.
Virus Summary
| Name | 259 Ransomware |
| File Extension | .259 |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | Dharma |
| 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 AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special 259 extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Similar Infections | Lck, Gtsc, Zxcv |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Remember that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to 259 ransomware. It is similar Lck and many other ransomware-type threats. Malicious programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt important data and to set forth the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the special decryption key for data decryption.
Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is just not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your essential data is to routinely create backups of your important information.
Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.
How did ransomware infect my system?
There are several ways used by online scams to distribute 259 virus. Even though it is uncertain how precisely 259 injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:
- integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
- spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
- sites rendering free hosting services;
- pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.
Frequently 259 virus might be presented as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some crucial software updates. This is the common technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing 259 infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.
In addition, the criminals may describe different e-mail spam techniques to inject destructive codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.
Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may badly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in 259 ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include malicious codes resulting in 259 secret installation. Lastly, injection of 259 may occur by ways of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install destructive tools without the user’s approval.
Is there any way to prevent the injection of 259 ransomware?
Although there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. First of all, be extremely careful when you browse the web and especially while downloading totally free apps. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.
Bear in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.
Naturally, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in vital damage to be made for your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render better services of defending your Windows.
Below please find the quotation from the 259 text file:
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 259461356@qq.com Write this ID in the title of your message XXXXXX In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:259461356@qq.com 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 decryption tool that will decrypt all your files. Free decryption as guarantee Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (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[dot]com/buy_bitcoins Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here: hxxps://www.coindesk[dot]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.
Screenshot of files with “.259” extension added by the ransomware:
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove 259 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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