RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Octopus Virus (+Decrypt .[octopusdoc@mail.ee].octopus files) – Phobos Ransomware

Octopus – Ransomware

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

The message given by Octopus text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the Phobos type. It actually points out that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by Octopus is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of Octopus is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds related to Octopus ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the asked for amount, people must keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, 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 usually does not give any positive outcome and people just waste their money for 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 Octopus ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Therefore, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameOctopus Ransomware
File Extension.[octopusdoc@mail.ee].octopus
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 [octopusdoc@mail.ee].octopus extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsBanjo, Elder, Adair
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Octopus ransomware. It is similar Banjo and many other ransomware-type threats. Harmful programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt essential information and to set forth the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to create the unique decryption key for data decryption.

Hence, 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 important data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Keep 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 Memory Stick or external hard disk 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 in addition to other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

Octopus info.txt content:

!!!All of your files are encrypted!!!
To decrypt them send e-mail to this address: octopusdoc@mail.ee.
If we don't answer in 24h., send e-mail to this address: octopusdoc@airmail.cc

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are numerous ways used by online frauds to distribute Octopus virus. Although it doubts how exactly Octopus injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Typically Octopus virus might be presented as some legitimate software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some essential software updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Octopus infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might refer to numerous e-mail spam strategies 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 encouraging users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in Octopus virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include destructive codes resulting in Octopus secret installation. Lastly, injection of Octopus may take place by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up harmful utilities without the user’s permission.

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

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we want to share with with you. Firstly, be very mindful when you surf 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 contain other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Make certain that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Of course, 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 advised to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render better services of protecting your PC.

Screenshot of files with “.[octopusdoc@mail.ee].octopus” extension added by the ransomware:
Octopus Ransomware - encrypt files with .[octopusdoc@mail.ee].octopus extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Octopus 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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