RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove VIAM Virus (.viamwasted Files Ransomware) – VoidCrypt Ransomware

VIAM – General Info

The VIAM stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the VoidCrypt ransomware family. VIAM was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. VIAM adds the “.viamwasted” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by VIAM, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.viamwasted“. As soon as the encryption is finished, VIAM places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by VIAM text file requesting the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the VoidCrypt clan. It actually points out that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by VIAM is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

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

However, regardless of the requested quantity, people must stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely disregard 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 just lose their money for nothing.

We highly recommend 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 VIAM ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Hence, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameVIAM Ransomware
File Extension.viamwasted
TypeRansomware
FamilyVoidCrypt
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 viamwasted extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsLegend, Mifr, Swat
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to VIAM ransomware. It is similar Legend and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to state 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 create the unique decryption key for information 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 crucial information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external 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 absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous ways used by online frauds to distribute VIAM virus. Even though it is uncertain how exactly VIAM injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Frequently VIAM ransomware might be presented as some legitimate software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some crucial software updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing VIAM infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may refer to different e-mail spam techniques to inject malicious codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to 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 video, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in VIAM ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also contain malicious codes causing VIAM secret installation. Lastly, injection of VIAM may occur by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install harmful utilities without the user’s approval.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of VIAM ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to share with with you. Firstly, be really 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.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Make certain that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in important damage to be made for your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the VIAM text file:

VIAM.

Your network has been penetrated.

All files on each host in the network have been encrypted with a strong algorythm.

Backups were either encrypted or deleted.

Do not rename or move the encrypted files.

To get the files back contact us at: 43780@PROTONMAIL.CH or 18002@AIRMAIL.CC

Store the encryption key:
-

Screenshot of files with “.viamwasted” extension added by the ransomware:
VIAM Ransomware - encrypt files with .viamwasted extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove VIAM 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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