RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove VIRUS ALERT Virus (.paynow Files Ransomware) – Chaos Ransomware

VIRUS ALERT Virus Ransomware

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

The message given by VIRUS ALERT text file asking for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Chaos clan. It literally points out that the info is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by VIRUS ALERT is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of VIRUS ALERT is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds connected with VIRUS ALERT ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the asked for amount, people should keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, 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 give any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly 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 VIRUS ALERT ransomware and to recover the information data totally free. Thus, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameVIRUS ALERT Ransomware
File Extension.paynow
TypeRansomware
FamilyChaos
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 paynow extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to VIRUS ALERT ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt important information and to set forth the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to produce the unique 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 merely not feasible. The only way to prevent 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 Memory Stick or external hard 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 location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of ways used by online frauds to distribute VIRUS ALERT ransom virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how precisely VIRUS ALERT 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;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Frequently VIRUS ALERT ransomware might exist as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some essential software application updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing VIRUS ALERT 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 malicious codes into systems. 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 encouraging 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 system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in VIRUS ALERT ransom injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain destructive codes causing VIRUS ALERT secret installation. Lastly, injection of VIRUS ALERT may take place by ways of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up destructive tools without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of VIRUS ALERT ransomware?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to share with with you. First off, be extremely careful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading totally free 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Make certain that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to necessary damage to be produced your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your computer.

Screenshot of files with “.paynow” extension added by the ransomware:
VIRUS ALERT Ransomware - encrypt files with .paynow extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove VIRUS ALERT 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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