RansomwareRemoval Guide

ACTIN Virus Removal Guide (+Decode .actin files) – Phobos Ransomware

ACTIN Virus – Details

The ACTIN stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Phobos ransomware family. ACTIN was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. ACTIN adds the “.actin” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by ACTIN, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.actin“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, ACTIN places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by ACTIN text file requesting the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Phobos family. It literally points out that the info is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by ACTIN is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely 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 trick of ACTIN is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds associated with ACTIN ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the asked for quantity, people need to stay away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to totally 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 waste their money for nothing.

We strongly recommend 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 ACTIN ransomware and to recover the information data totally free. Thus, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameACTIN Ransomware
File Extension.actin
TypeRansomware
FamilyPhobos
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 actin extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to ACTIN ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt important data and to state the demand 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.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your essential files is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the 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 in addition to other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of methods used by online scams to distribute ACTIN ransomware. Despite the fact that it doubts how exactly ACTIN injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate 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.

Frequently ACTIN virus might be presented as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some crucial software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing ACTIN infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may refer to numerous email spam techniques to inject malicious codes into PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices 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 documents or clicking on such dangerous links may badly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifies may result in ACTIN virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also include malicious codes causing ACTIN secret installation. Finally, injection of ACTIN may happen by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install destructive tools without the user’s permission.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of ACTIN ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to share with with you. Firstly, be very careful when you browse the web and particularly 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 include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in important damage to be made for your PC. 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 better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the ACTIN text file:

!!! All of your files are encrypted !!!
To decrypt them send e-mail to this address: kew07@qq.com.

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove ACTIN 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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