RansomwareRemoval Guide

Epta.Mcold Virus Removal Guide (+Decode .[epta.mcold@gmail.com] files)

Epta.Mcold Virus – Details

The Epta.Mcold stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the GlobeImposter ransomware family. Epta.Mcold was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Epta.Mcold places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Epta.Mcold text file requesting the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the GlobeImposter family. It actually mentions that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by Epta.Mcold is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of Epta.Mcold is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds related to Epta.Mcold ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested quantity, people should stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly 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 Epta.Mcold ransomware and to recover the information data totally free. Thus, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameEpta.Mcold Ransomware
File Extension.[epta.mcold@gmail.com] Crypted Files
TypeRansomware
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 [epta.mcold@gmail.com] extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Epta.Mcold ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial 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 information decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk drive 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 certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of methods used by online scams to distribute Epta.Mcold virus. Even though it is uncertain how exactly Epta.Mcold injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Often Epta.Mcold virus might be presented as some genuine software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some important software application updates. This is the common technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Epta.Mcold infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe different e-mail spam tactics to inject malicious codes into copmuter. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, files, 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 notifies may result in Epta.Mcold ransom injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include destructive codes leading to Epta.Mcold secret installation. Lastly, injection of Epta.Mcold may take place by means of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install harmful tools without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of Epta.Mcold ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we wish to show with you. First off, be very mindful when you browse the web and particularly while downloading complimentary programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to essential damage to be produced your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your system.

Below please find the quotation from the Epta.Mcold text file:

                   ** All your files have been encrypted **
                           *** PLEASE READ THIS ***
               **** IF YOU WANT TO GET ALL YOUR FILES BACK ****
 ______________________________________________________________________________
|                                   ATTENTION                                  |
| * Do not rename encrypted files.                                             |
| * Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, this can       |
|   result in complete data loss.                                              |
|______________________________________________________________________________|
 
Send us email with your personal encryption KEY.
This email will be as confirmation your are ready to pay for decryption key.
After payment, we send you the decryption tool, that decrypt all your files.
 
Before paying you can send 2 file for free decryption. The total size of file
must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable
information (backups, databases, large excel-word sheets, etc.)
 
CONTACT US:
epta.mcold@gmail.com
epta.mcold@yahoo.com
 
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS:
epta.mcold@aol.com

Screenshot of encrypted files by Epta.Mcold Ransomware:

Epta.Mcold Ransomware - encrypt files with .[epta.mcold@gmail.com] extension
Epta.Mcold Ransomware – encrypt files with .[epta.mcold@gmail.com] extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Epta.Mcold 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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