PrOToN – General Info
The PrOToN stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Xorist ransomware family. PrOToN was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. PrOToN adds the “.PrOToN” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by PrOToN, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.PrOToN“. As soon as the encryption is finished, PrOToN places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.The message given by PrOToN text file requesting the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the Xorist family. It actually mentions that the info is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by PrOToN is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.
Another trick of PrOToN is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds related to PrOToN ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.
PrOToN encrypted your documents, but that might not be the only damage done to you. The ransomware might still be hidingon your computer. To identify whether this holds true, we suggest downloading GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
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Nevertheless, regardless of the requested amount, people should keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, 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 nothing.
We highly advise that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack PrOToN ransomware and to recover the information data totally free. Therefore, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.
Virus Summary
| Name | PrOToN Ransomware |
| File Extension | .PrOToN |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | Xorist |
| 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 PrOToN extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to PrOToN ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to state the need 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 files decryption.
Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is just not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your essential data is to regularly create backups of your important information.
Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the 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 together with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
There are numerous methods used by online frauds to distribute PrOToN virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how precisely PrOToN 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 PrOToN virus might be presented as some legitimate software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some crucial software application updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing PrOToN infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.
Additionally, the criminals might refer to different email spam tactics to inject destructive codes into PC. 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 video, documents, tax reports or invoices.
Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in PrOToN ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of destructive codes leading to PrOToN secret installation. Lastly, injection of PrOToN may take place by ways of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up harmful tools without the user’s approval.
Is there any method to prevent the injection of PrOToN ransomware?
Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we wish to show with you. First of all, be extremely mindful when you surf the web and especially while downloading free programs. Stay 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 package, so they may be malicious. Ensure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.
Naturally, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to important damage to be made for your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your Windows.
Below please find the quotation from the PrOToN text file:
Hello All your files have been encrypted if you want to decrypt them you have to pay me 0.045 bitcoin. Make sure you send the 0.045 bitcoins to this address: bc1qygn239pmpswtge00x60ultpp6wymht64ggf5mk If you don\'t own bitcoin, you can easily buy it from these sites: www.coinmama.com www.bitpanda.com www.localbitcoins.com www.paxful.com You can find a larger list here: hxxps://bitcoin.org/en/exchanges After sending the bitcoin, contact me at this email address: protonis2023@tuta.io with this subject: - After the payment has been confirmed, you will get decryptor and decryption keys! You will also receive information on how to defend against another ransomware attack and the most important thing is your security hole through which we entered. Attention! Do not try other cheaper decryption options because nobody and nothing can decrypt your files without the keys generated for your server, you will lose time, money and your files forever!
Screenshot of files with “.PrOToN” extension added by the ransomware:
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove PrOToN ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
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.
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