How to Remove 3v3r1s Ransomware Threat

How to Remove 3v3r1s Ransomware?

3v3r1s is the name of a ransomware threat. It uses deceit to invade your system. Then, spreads corruption throughout. The tool targets the files, you have on your computer, and locks them. It uses strong encryption algorithms to render them unusable. Pictures, music, videos, archives, documents. Nothing escapes its clutches. The ransomware appends the ‘.3v3r1s‘ extension at the end of each one, to solidify its grip. Say, you have a photo called ‘no.jpg.’ It turns into ‘no.jpg.3v3r1s.’ After the extension is in place, accessing your files becomes impossible. You can try to rename or move them, but it proves futile. The only way to regain control over them, is to comply. After it strikes, the infection leaves you a ransom note. It contains an explanation on your current predicament. And, lists demands. The 3v3r1s tool expects you to pay a ransom, usually in Bitcoins. Then, promises that once you do, it will send you a decryption key. After you apply the key, it decrypts your data, thus, freeing your files. Don’t fall for that! Don’t believe anything, 3v3r1s promises! Don’t forget that the people, behind the ransomware, are data kidnappers. People, who extort you for monetary gain. They can hardly be trusted to fulfill their promises. Don’t waste your time, energy and resources, dealing with them.

How did I get infected with?

How do you imagine you got stuck with 3v3r1s? Programs, like it use all manner of deception and finesse to sneak in undetected. But neither one’s attempts can prove successful, without you. You provide the key ingredient to the cyber menace’s successful infiltration. Carelessness. The infection preys on it. It needs you to rush, and give into gullibility. To throw caution to the wind, and leave your fate to chance. Don’t oblige! Go the opposite direction, and always be thorough. Even a little extra attention can save you countless troubles. Choose caution over the lack thereof, and earn the gratitude of your future self. The infection’s usual antics include the following. It can use corrupted links, sites or torrents. Or, freeware, fake updates and spam emails. 3V3r1s has quite a few tricks up its sleeve. Regardless of which method, it turns to, remember to be thorough. Caution goes a long way.

Why is 3v3r1s dangerous?

Here’s why you shouldn’t comply with 3v3r1s’ demands. There are a few possible outcomes that follow, if you do choose to comply. Let’s examine them, shall we? Say, you do pay the 3v3r1s ransom. What then? Well, you expect to receive the decryption key that the extortionists promised. But what if you don’t? There’s a solid chance that these people don’t send you one. Nothing is holding them onto their word. So, they can discard their end of the bargain, get your money, and send you nothing. Or, they can’t send you a key that proves useless. Yes, that’s been known to happen. You pay the ransom, then get a key, but it’s the wrong key. So, it doesn’t help with the encryption. But, here’s the thing. Even if you do get the proper key and decrypt your data, don’t rejoice. Think about it. You paid to remove encryption. The infection, that forced the encryption on you, remains. The ransom, you pay doesn’t get rid of the 3v3r1s threat. Only of the ‘.3v3r1s‘ extension. The ransomware still lurks on your PC, ready to strike again. So, what’s to stop it from locking up your files, a mere minute after you decrypt them? The answer is ‘nothing.’ Don’t risk it. Take the tough but wise decision not to pay. Compliance is not the way to go. It won’t solve your problems, but only add to them.

3v3r1s Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover 3v3r1s 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 3v3r1s 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 3v3r1s 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.