How to Remove Expert Ransomware

How to Remove Expert Ransomware?

There’s a new ransomware plague, roaming the web. It goes by the name of Expert, and it’s terrorizing users aplenty. The infection follows instructions to slither into your system, and corrupt it. After it invades, it creators have designed it to encrypt everything. And, we do mean everything. The tool targets all the files, you keep on your computer. Documents, videos, music, pictures. All falls under the ransomware’s control. It locks your data, then, demands payment for unlocking it. That’s how these types of infections work. They sneak into your system, encrypt your files, and back you into a corner. “If you wish to see your files again, pay up.” It’s a simple scheme, and it’s quite effective. Most users fall for it. And, we’re here to say DON’T! Do not allow yourself to get extorted by cyber criminals! These are malicious cyber kidnappers, who are not worthy of your trust! Don’t expect them to play by the rules, and keep their end of the bargain. They make the rules! And, they will double-cross you. You won’t like it, but the best course of action to take is to discard your data. After all, it’s replaceable. And, you have so much more to lose than files if you comply. So, don’t.

How did I get infected with?

Ransomware tools use the old but gold means of infiltration to slither into your system. The Expert menace is no exception. There’s an array of methods, it can turn to. Like, hiding behind spam email attachments. Or, corrupted links or sites. It can also pretend to be a system or program update. Like, you may believe you’re updating your Java, but you’re not. It’s a fake and, in actuality, you’re allowing an infection into your computer. And, of course, freeware is an often-used means. After all, it’s one of the easiest ways in. For reasons unknown, users throw caution to the wind when installing freeware. Instead of on due diligence, they rely on luck and chance. Why rush, and give into naivety, when it’s bound to lead you to infections? Don’t go down that path. Always be extra vigilant and attentive when installing tools or updates off the web. It can save you a lot of troubles. Remember. Carelessness invites cyber threats. Caution keeps them away.

Why is Expert dangerous?

After Expert invades, it spreads throughout your system, and locks all your files. Once the encryption is in place, you find them renamed, with a special extension. You may try to move them, or bring them back to their original names, but it won’t work. They are on lock-down. The only way to unlock them is with a unique decryption key. And, the ransomware makes sure you know that. It leaves a ransom note for you to find. It’s on your Desktop, as well as in every folder with locked files. It clarifies your predicament, and gives you instructions to follow. The program states that if you follow its demands, you’ll get the key you need. Then, once you apply it, your files are free. And, that sound amazing! But it’s a big pile of lies. It’s smoke and mirrors to get you to do something that’s NOT in your best interest. If you make the decision to pay the ransom, you’ll regret it. It will achieve nothing. You won’t get your files back. What’s worse, you’ll lose private information. And, to cyber criminals no less. Let’s explain. When you transfer the sum, you leave personal and financial details. The extortionists can then steal that information. And, use it for their malicious agenda. Once you open that door, you cannot close it. That alone should make you think twice before complying. But if you still have doubt, how about this? Payment guarantees you nothing! That’s right. You can follow the instructions to the letter, but it counts for nothing. The extortionists can choose not to send you a decryption key. Or, send the wrong one. And, you have to realize something. Even if you get the right one, and it works, you’re still in trouble. You can decrypt your data, but the decryptor remains. The key does not remove the ransomware, only its effects. So, the Expert program still lurks on your PC, ready to strike again. Compliance is no solution. Don’t do it. Accept defeat. Say goodbye to your files, and make back-ups next time.

Expert Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover Expert 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 Expert 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 Expert 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.