RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Viper Virus (.email=ancrypted1@gmail.com.Viper Files Ransomware) – HiddenTear Ransomware

Viper Virus Ransomware

The Viper stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the HiddenTear ransomware family. Viper was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Viper adds the “.email=ancrypted1@gmail.com.Viper” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Viper, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.email=ancrypted1@gmail.com.Viper“. As soon as the encryption is completed, Viper places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Viper text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the HiddenTear family. It literally mentions 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 absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by Viper is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of Viper is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds related to Viper ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the requested amount, people should keep away from paying the ransom. 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 usually does not give any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly 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 Viper ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Therefore, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameViper Ransomware
File Extension.email=ancrypted1@gmail.com.Viper
TypeRansomware
FamilyHiddenTear
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 email=ancrypted1@gmail.com.Viper extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsFappy, Ugmh, Spybuster
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Viper ransomware. It is similar Fappy and many other ransomware-type threats. Malicious programs of such kind are normally 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 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 merely not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your essential data is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Remember 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 in addition to other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

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

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

Typically Viper virus might be presented as some legitimate software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some important software updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Viper infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may refer to numerous email spam methods to inject malicious codes into PC. So, they may describe 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 alerts may result in Viper virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of malicious codes resulting in Viper secret installation. Finally, injection of Viper may occur by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up harmful utilities without the user’s authorization.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of Viper ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we wish to show with you. First of all, be very careful when you browse the web and specifically while downloading totally free apps. Stay 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 malicious. Ensure that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to important damage to be made for your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render better services of defending your system.

Below please find the quotation from the Viper text file:

All your files have been encrypted!

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail ancrypted1@gmail.com
Write this ID in the title of your message -
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail:ancrypted1@gmail.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.

Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click \'Buy bitcoins\', and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Screenshot of files with “.email=ancrypted1@gmail.com.Viper” extension added by the ransomware:
Viper Ransomware - encrypt files with .email=ancrypted1@gmail.com.Viper extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Viper 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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