Remove Space_rangers@aol.com Ransomware

How to Remove Space_rangers@aol.com Ransomware?

You’ve fallen victim to a relatively new ransomware-type infection. If you don’t know what ransomware is, check out this article. Here you will find all the information you need about this parasite. Also, we’ve prepared a detailed manual removal guide down below. It is key for your safety to get rid of the virus as soon as possible. Ransomware is among the most dangerous and aggressive types of malware online. Yes, you’ve stumbled across quite a pest. The program currently on board is a classic member of the ransomware family. It uses a complicated encrypting algorithm to lock your files. And, by “your files”, we mean literally all your files. Ransomware takes down all the personal information that it could find on your machine. That includes music, videos, pictures, Microsoft Office documents, presentations, etc. Do you now see why these infections are so immensely dreaded? They lock your private information so you’re unable to use it. As you could imagine, there’s probably some very important data on board. The ransomware firstly performs a thorough scan so it could locate your files. Then encryption begins. As mentioned, the parasite utilizes a complex encrypting cipher. It adds a malicious extension to your data and renames it. If you notice some weird file appendix that was added behind your back, that’s ransomware. This pest leaves your data unreadable and inaccessible. Your computer won’t be able to read the new file format. Logically, you won’t be able to open your data. Ransomware could easily cause you serious damage. The virus turns all your precious files into unusable gibberish. And that’s not even the worst part. The worst part is just getting started. While encrypting your data, the parasite adds detailed payment instructions. Yes, this whole thing revolves around money. At the end of the day, ransomware is just a cyber fraud. These programs get developed for one reason only – to blackmail gullible PC users. It’s actually a very clever scheme. The ransomware slithers itself onto your PC and initiates encryption. Your files get locked out of the blue and you’re unable to open them. Obviously, many people would give into their despair and panic. That is precisely what cyber criminals are after. Ransomware locks your private files to catch your attention. Once you notice its unauthorized manipulations, this pest starts asking for money. The sum demanded varies between 0.5 Bitcoin (287 USD) and 1.5 Bitcoin (862 USD). Easy illegitimate profit online for hackers, that’s why ransomware exists. However, you should know better than to fall right into their trap. Ignore the Space_rangers@aol.com email address crooks force on you and delete the virus instead.

How did I get infected with?

Chances are, the ransomware was attached to some spam email or a message. Social networks are quite effective when it comes to spreading malware. Thus, you should always be cautious about what you click open. More often than not, the virus gets sent straight into your inbox. It needs a single careless click to be set free and start wreaking havoc. Remember, keeping your machine safe should be your first priority on the Web. This program might have gotten installed via an illegitimate torrent or with the help of a Trojan horse. In addition, you should know that unverified freeware/shareware bundles are usually harmful as well. Stay away from anything suspicious-looking you may stumble across out there. It is much easier to prevent installation than to uninstall some nasty intruder. Last but not least, avoid third-party pop-ups, illegitimate websites and torrents. The Internet is filled with malware so don’t overlook hackers’ creativity.

Why is Space_rangers@aol.com dangerous?

The virus locks your files. It holds your data hostage till the moment you pay a ransom. Does that seem fair to you? Ransomware relies on your anxiety to extort money from you. Therefore, you shouldn’t even consider paying the ransom. Do not support hackers’ malicious business and do not let crooks scam you. While encrypting your data, the virus adds .txt files which contain payment instructions. Crooks also provide you the Space_rangers@aol.com address. Negotiating with cyber criminals should be the very last thing to do in this situation. Even if you don’t give away your bitcoins, you might reveal some private information. Your bank account data, for example. It goes without saying that nobody wants to have their private details stolen by hackers. They will not think twice before they cause you harm, that’s a given. Even though hackers promise you some decryption key, this is yet another lie. All they’re interested in is gaining profit. If you want to prevent further damage, take action ASAP. To learn how you could delete the virus manually, please keep on reading.

Space_rangers@aol.com Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover Space_rangers@aol.com 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 Space_rangers@aol.com 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 Space_rangers@aol.com 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.