Remove AIM Virus (.[smith1@mailfence.com].Aim Files Ransomware) – Phobos Ransomware

AIM – General Info

The AIM stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Phobos ransomware family. AIM was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. AIM adds the “.[smith1@mailfence.com].Aim” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by AIM, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[smith1@mailfence.com].Aim“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, AIM places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

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

Another technique of AIM is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds associated with AIM ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, regardless of the asked for quantity, people must keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, 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 typically does not give any positive result and people simply waste their money for 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 AIM ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Hence, the only best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	AIM Ransomware
File Extension	.[smith1@mailfence.com].Aim
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 [smith1@mailfence.com].Aim extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections	Raga, Eking, Eject
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to AIM ransomware. It is similar Raga and many other ransomware-type threats. Harmful programs of such kind are typically 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 produce the unique decryption key for files 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 information is to regularly 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 computer. You may use the USB 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 together with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are numerous ways used by online frauds to distribute AIM ransomware. Although it doubts how precisely AIM injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

• integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
• spam e-mails from unknown senders;
• sites rendering free hosting services;
• pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Frequently AIM virus may be presented as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some crucial software updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing AIM infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may refer to various e-mail spam tactics to inject destructive 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 photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may badly harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in AIM ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of destructive codes causing AIM secret installation. Finally, injection of AIM may occur by means of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up destructive tools without the user’s permission.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of AIM ransomware?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to show with you. First of all, be very cautious when you surf the web and especially 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 bundle, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to important damage to be made for your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render better services of protecting your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the AIM 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 smith1@mailfence.com
Write this ID in the title of your message
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail:kaidrake@cock.li
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 tool that will decrypt all your files.
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.)
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.
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
http://www.coindesk.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 “.[smith1@mailfence.com].Aim” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove AIM 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.