How to Remove SPORT File Extension Ransomware

How to Remove SPORT File Extension Ransomware?

As you could imagine, the .SPORT file extension has nothing to do with sports. On the other hand, it has quite a lot to do with ransomware. And if you don’t know what ransomware is, take your time to learn about this tricky infection and its malicious ways. Even though hackers may not be among the most honorable people out there, there’s no denying the fact they are always well-informed. Are you? Don’t take unwarranted risks when it comes to your safety. It goes without saying that cyber criminals could easily find a way to use your ignorance against you. In this article you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about ransomware and, of course, we’ve prepared a detailed removal guide below. Now, what is ransomware? It’s considered to be one of the most virulent and destructive types of malware on the Web. Yes, you’re dealing with a notoriously dangerous kind of infection. And, unfortunately, once your computer gets compromised, the problems start right away. The virus performs a thorough scan on your PC. As we mentioned, it’s very aggressive and immensely harmful. When the scan is complete, you will notice a new random .SPORT file extension. This is where the serious part begins. The only reason why this parasite scanned your machine was to locate your personal files so it could encrypt them. Ransomware-type programs use complicated encrypting algorithms in order to lock your own private information. You should know that ransomware infects a great variety of files by replacing their original extension with the malicious .SPORT one. As you figured out already, your PC will not be able to recognize this file format so your machine will not be able to read your files. And you won’t be able to use them. Ransomware is very problematic as it modifies pictures, music, Microsoft Office documents, presentations, videos – anything of value you might have stored on your machine. Due to the parasite’s manipulations, your data is now being held hostage. Apart from the obvious fact that such a sneaky technique is incredibly unfair, this poses a serious threat to your bank account. Actually, the very reason why ransomware viruses exist is to blackmail gullible PC users. How exactly does this scheme work? Once the virus has denied you access to your own information, it starts displaying a ransom note. And thanks to the .txt files on your desktop and on every single folder that contains encrypted data, you will be seeing this message all the time. The parasite might even replace your desktop wallpaper with hackers’ instructions, just in case you haven’t read them already. According to this extremely aggravating ransom note, there is just one way to restore your files. Unfortunately, it involves a hefty sum of money. Ransomware aims directly at your bank account so it goes without saying that paying the ransom is simply not an option. Don’t believe this message and its empty threats. Instead, do the right thing and delete the parasite.

How did I get infected with?

To begin with, the virus landed on your machine in silence. Nobody in their right mind downloads ransomware voluntarily so the parasite successfully tricked you into installing it. If you don’t appreciate such sneaky techniques, you will definitely take care of your PC in the future. Always stay away from unverified websites because they might be infested with malware. Also, keep in mind that spam messages from unknown/known senders or spam email-attachments are usually malicious as well. Don’t click anything you don’t trust because a single moment of haste is more than enough to infect your computer. Another piece of advice for the future – make sure you pay close attention to the software you install, especially if it comes bundled. And especially if it comes for free. Instead of rushing the installation, check out the programs one by one. This way you will know exactly what you end up downloading. Otherwise, you’re practically jeopardizing your own safety and privacy.

Why is SPORT File Extension dangerous?

Keep in mind that ransomware relies on your anxiety and panic. Well, to be honest, many people would be quite nervous when they notice such drastic unauthorized changes in their personal files. That’s what hackers aim for. As mentioned already, ransomware is nothing but an easy method for frauds to make illegitimate profit online by deceiving you. Therefore, make sure you don’t get scammed. Even if you strictly follow the rules and pay the money demanded, there’s still no guarantee that you will receive anything in exchange. On theory, this will provide you a decryption key – a unique combination of symbols which allows you to regain access to your infected data. However, on practice, paying the ransom only makes the situation worse. Hackers don’t tend to follow the rules, including the rules they invent so they have no reason whatsoever to help you. They do have numerous reasons to steal your money, though. Unless you’re deliberately trying to become a sponsor of cyber criminals, you will restrain yourself from following their instructions. Long story short, the .SPORT file extension is a sign for some great cyber trouble. To delete the ransomware parasite that brought this malicious extension to you in the first place, please follow the comprehensive removal guide down below.

SPORT File Extension Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover SPORT File Extension Encrypted Files

STEP 1: Stop the malicious process using Windows Task Manager

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of the ransomware. Have in mind that this is usually a random generated file.
• Before you kill the process, type the name on a text document for later reference.

• Locate any suspicious processes associated with SPORT File Extension encryption Virus.
• Right click on the process
• Open File Location
• End Process
• Delete the directories with the suspicious files.
• Have in mind that the process can be hiding and very difficult to detect

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

STEP 3: Locate SPORT File Extension encryption Virus startup location

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

Navigate to your %appdata% folder and delete the executable.

You can alternatively use your msconfig windows program to double check the execution point of the virus. Please, have in mind that the names in your machine might be different as they might be generated randomly, that’s why you should run any professional scanner to identify malicious files.

STEP 4: How to recover encrypted files?

• Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your data from a recent backup, in case that you have one.

• Method 2: File Recovery Software – Usually when the ransomware encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you may try to use file recovery software to recover some of your original files.
• Method 3: Shadow Volume Copies – As a last resort, you can try to restore your files via Shadow Volume Copies. Open the Shadow Explorer part of the package and choose the Drive you want to recover. Right click on any file you want to restore and click Export on it.