Skymap Virus Removal Guide (+Decode .skymap files) – Djvu Ransomware

Skymap Virus – Details

The Skymap stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Djvu ransomware family. Skymap was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Skymap adds the “.skymap” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Skymap, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.skymap“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, Skymap places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Skymap text file requesting the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the Djvu clan. It literally points out that the info is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by Skymap is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of Skymap is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds connected with Skymap ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom, which totals up to $980. To get the payment details users are instructed to contact the frauds through e-mail or telegram. The alert likewise shows that the users require to contact the Skymap developers within 72 hours after the files encryption happened. The message says that doing so users will get a 50% discount, so the ransom amount will fall to $490.

However, irrespective of the asked for quantity, people need to keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, 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 generally 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 definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Skymap ransomware and to recover the information data for free. Hence, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name Skymap Ransomware
File Extension .skymap
Type Ransomware
Family Djvu
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 skymap extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections Rectot, Ferosas, Radman
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Skymap ransomware. It is similar Rectot and many other ransomware-type threats. Malicious programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt essential data and to state the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the special 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 simply not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your essential data is to routinely 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 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 absolutely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of methods used by online frauds to distribute Skymap ransomware. Although it doubts how exactly Skymap 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 Skymap ransomware may be presented as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some essential software updates. This is the common technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Skymap infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to numerous email spam tactics to inject destructive codes into systems. 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 motivating users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in Skymap ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of malicious codes resulting in Skymap secret installation. Finally, injection of Skymap may take place by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up destructive utilities without the user’s permission.

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

Although there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to show with you. Firstly, be very mindful when you browse the web and particularly while downloading totally free programs. 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 package, so they may be harmful. Make sure 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 produced your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the Skymap text file:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry my friend, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-WNIGhROCrH
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.


To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
vengisto@firemail.cc

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch

Our Telegram account:
@datarestore

Your personal ID:

Screenshot of files with “.skymap” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Skymap 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.

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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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