How to Remove Asterix Ransomware

How to Remove Asterix Ransomware?

Asterix is the name of a beloved comic character, known world-wide. Until now, the name had only a positive connotation. Well, that’s about to change. Users have started to complain of a dreaded infection with the same name. And, it’s not just any infection. It’s, arguably, the worst type of cyber threat there is. A ransomware. The Asterix ransomware is a plague on your PC. It finds a sneaky way in, then once inside, takes over. The program spreads its nastiness throughout. And, you can’t escape the consequences of its presence. After it acts up, you find all files you had on your computer, locked. Your documents, pictures, music, video, everything is under lock-down. The tool encrypts your data, using AES-256 encryption algorithm. Once locked, your data becomes its hostage. The Asterix application extorts you. Upon the completion of the encryption process, it leaves a note for you to find. It’s either a TXT or HTML file. It’s on your Desktop, as well as in every affected folder, so you can’t miss it. And, it contains a standard message. A brief explanation of your predicament, and an ultimatum.“Your data got encrypted. Pay us to decrypt it or lose it.” You find instructions of what it expects you to do. Heed experts’ advice, and don’t follow them! It may come as a surprise, but cyber criminals are not reliable. Why would you trust them to follow through on their promises? Compliance does not equal decryption of your data. It may seem enticing to play the ransomware’s game, but don’t. You’re fed false hope. As tough as it may be, accept your files are lost, and move on. Next time, make sure to create back-ups so that the loss is easier to swallow. Should you find yourself in the same predicament. The Asterix infection is an opponent, you mustn’t underestimate. You will lose the fight against it. Cut your losses. Losing your files is the better alternative.

How did I get infected with?

Asterix turns to the usual tricks to invade. It often uses spam email attachments. If you receive emails from unknown or suspicious senders, be wary! Caution goes a long way. Carelessness, however, tends to be a one-way street to infections. Take freeware, for example. It’s another common method of infiltration. The infection uses the freeware as a shield to lurk behind. If you’re not vigilant enough to spot it, that’s it. It slips by you, and corrupts your system. Never agree to the terms and conditions in haste, without reading them. It’s a sure way to end up with a cyber threat. Do yourself a favor, and do your due diligence.

Why is Asterix dangerous?

After Asterix invades, it doesn’t take long before it encrypts everything. Then you see the ransom note, and face a choice. Let’s examine your options, shall we? You can go the naive route, and comply. The cyber kidnappers promise to send you a decryption key upon receiving payment. But, here’s a thought. What if they don’t? What if, you pay the requested ransom, but receive nothing? Or, get a key, but it’s not the one you need? Both are quite valid possibilities. We say again, cyber extortionists are not trustworthy people. They can, and likely will, double-cross you. Even if the exchange goes through smoothly, what then? You paid them and got the right key, but what happens next? Did you stop to consider that you are paying for the key that removes the encryption? Not the infection! Asterix remains on your system even after you apply the decryption key, and unlock your data. It’s there, ready to strike at any moment. Then, you’re back at square one. Only this time, you have less money. And, what’s worse, your private life is no longer private. Yes, you exposed your information to the cyber criminals. When transferring the ransom, you leave personal and financial details. The extortionists can then access those details. And, exploit them any way they see fit. So, you have to decide. Are you okay with losing your privacy or your files? Pick the less evil. Forsake your files.

Asterix Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover Asterix 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 Asterix 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 Asterix 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.