'0000 File Extension' Ransomware Removal Guide

Do you know what '0000 File Extension' Ransomware is?

Researchers confirmed '0000 File Extension' Ransomware is a new variant of CryptoMix Ransomware. Same as the previous versions it keeps running even after it encrypts user’s data. It means the malicious application can continue doing damage to newly created files too and this is why we would recommend erasing it at once. Afterward, locked data could be replaced with copies located on cloud storage, removable media devices, and so on. What we do not advise is paying to the cyber criminals behind '0000 File Extension' Ransomware. There is always a chance they may not help you, but still take your money and if risking your savings does not sound like a good idea, we urge you to delete the malicious application instead. Further, in the text, we will present more information about the malware, and below it, we will add a removal guide for users who wish to eliminate it manually.

The malware might infect the computer after user unknowingly opens its installer. For example, it could be a fake software installer, picture, text document, and so on. Our researchers say users might download it from dangerous web pages or Spam emails. One way or another, once the installer is launched '0000 File Extension' Ransomware should begin encrypting user’s personal files. Once the process is finished, the data should be marked by renaming it and adding a specific extension at the end of the title, e.g., 0BE1D47110464B48545DBE8E680G3G8F.0000. Then the malicious application is supposed to drop a ransom note called _HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT.

The ransom note should start with “Hello! Attention! All Your data was encrypted!” The rest of it only explains the user can receive more information if he contacts the malware’s creators via email. Apparently, users can do so while using one of the listed emails: y0000@protonmail.com, y0000z@yandex.com, y0000@tuta.io, and y0000s@yandex.com. Nevertheless, we have no doubt the cyber criminals would start asking money right after they are contacted. In exchange, they may promise to deliver the necessary decryption tool via email. The problem is you would have to pay the ransom first and then hope they will keep up with their promise and help you recover the encrypted files. Since there are cases when users get tricked, we do not recommend taking any chances.

Those who want to eliminate '0000 File Extension' Ransomware have two options. Probably the easier one is to employ a reputable antimalware tool and let it deal with the malicious application for you. In fact, it might be more beneficial to the computer too if you do not have such a tool yet. It would strengthen the system and could help you fight various future threats if you simply keep it up to date. The second way to get rid of '0000 File Extension' Ransomware is to identify files belonging to the malware and erase them manually one by one. The process could take some time, and it might be a bit complicated, so if you feel you may need any assistance you should not hesitate to use the removal guide located below the text.

Get rid of ‘0000 File Extension' Ransomware

  1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
  2. Go to the Task Manager.
  3. Find a suspicious process associated with the malware.
  4. Select the questionable process and press the End Task button.
  5. Exit Task Manager.
  6. Press Windows Key+E.
  7. Get to the Desktop, Temporary Files, and Downloads folders.
  8. Look for a malicious file that got the system infected.
  9. Right-click the malicious application’s installer and press Delete.
  10. Then go to %ALLUSERSPROFILE% and %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data
  11. Look for executable files called BC0EBCF2F2.exe or similarly.
  12. Right-click them separately and press Delete.
  13. Close the File Explorer.
  14. Press Windows Key+R.
  15. Type Regedit and click OK.
  16. Go to this location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  17. Locate a value name belonging to the malware, right-click it and press Delete.
  18. Navigate tbo these paths:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  19. Find value names called BC0EBCF2F2 or similarly, right-click them and choose Delete.
  20. Exit Registry Editor.
  21. Empty the Recycle bin.
  22. Reboot the system.

In non-techie terms:

'0000 File Extension' Ransomware might ruin a lot of files, and if you leave it unattended, it may lock even more data. Unfortunately, the affected files cannot be restored without a decryption tool and a decryption key available only to the malware’s creators. No doubt, they should offer to purchase these tools for a particular price, but as said before it is not advisable to put up with any demands if you do not wish to risk losing the transferred money in vain. Instead, we would advise erasing the malicious application. It could be done manually while following the provided removal guide above this text or with a reputable antimalware tool. Also, users who have other questions about '0000 File Extension' Ransomware or need more help with its removal could leave a comment at the end of this page or contact us via social media.