Remove Acuff Virus (.[unlockfiles2021@cock.li].Acuff Files Ransomware) – Phobos Ransomware

Acuff – Ransomware

The Acuff mean a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Phobos ransomware family. Acuff was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Acuff adds the “.[unlockfiles2021@cock.li].Acuff” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by Acuff, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[unlockfiles2021@cock.li].Acuff“. As soon as the encryption is completed, Acuff places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Acuff text file asking for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the Phobos type. It literally discusses that the info is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by Acuff is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of Acuff is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds connected with Acuff ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the asked for amount, people should keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, 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 encourage 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 Acuff ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Hence, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	Acuff Ransomware
File Extension	.[unlockfiles2021@cock.li].Acuff
Type	Ransomware
Family	Phobos
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 [unlockfiles2021@cock.li].Acuff extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections	Eldaosla, Messedup, Isos
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Acuff ransomware. It is similar Eldaosla and many other ransomware-type threats. Harmful programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt essential information and to set forth the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the unique decryption key for information 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 way to prevent the loss of your essential information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they need to be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard 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 along with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are a number of methods used by online frauds to distribute Acuff ransom virus. Although it is uncertain how precisely Acuff injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Typically Acuff ransomware may be presented as some legitimate software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some essential software updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Acuff infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe various e-mail spam methods to inject destructive codes into Windows PC. 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 motivating users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may badly damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifies may result in Acuff virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain malicious codes causing Acuff secret installation. Lastly, injection of Acuff may take place by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up destructive tools without the user’s permission.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of Acuff ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to show with you. First of all, be very mindful when you browse the web and especially while downloading complimentary programs. 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 bundle, so they may be destructive. Ensure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in necessary damage to be produced your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the Acuff text file:

info.hta:

All your files have been encrypted!
Your PC has been infected by a ransomware. If you want to restore them, contact the following address below.
E - Mail contact - unlockfiles2021@cock.li / decryfiles2021@tutanota.com
Write this ID in the title of your message -
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
Where to buy 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.
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
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Attention!
NEVER RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR FILES PERMANENTLY
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.
==================

into.txt:

Your PC has been infected by a ransomware.  If you want to restore them, contact the following address below.
E - Mail contact - unlockfiles2021@cock.li / decryfiles2021@tutanota.com
NEVER RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR FILES PERMANENTLY

Screenshot of files with “.[unlockfiles2021@cock.li].Acuff” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Acuff 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.