Do you know what Outsider Ransomware is?
Outsider Ransomware enters computers without their users’ permissions and encrypts personal data located on the infected devices. As a result, the victim should notice the .protected extension added at the end of his files’ titles as well as ransom notes scattered through the folders containing damaged files. Inside of these notes, users should find a message from the malicious applications’ developers. According to them, they can provide decryption means in exchange for receiving a payment. It is not a particularly small sum as hackers ask to be paid 900 US dollars, although the amount should be transferred in Bitcoins. Despite the cybercriminals promises, there are no guarantees they will hold on to their word, which is why we advise not to risk your savings and erase Outsider Ransomware. It will not restore encrypted files, but with it gone it should be safe to use the computer again and restore files from backup. For more information and deletion instructions, we recommend reading the rest of the article as well as reviewing the removal guide available below it.
In most cases, threats like Outsider Ransomware are distributed with Spam and other unreliable data downloaded from the Internet. For instance, it could be an update or installer obtain on untrustworthy file-sharing web pages. Meaning, the malware’s launcher might be any suspicious file the victim downloaded and launched recently. Naturally, to avoid such malicious applications next time, it is best to learn from the experience and try to be more careful when obtaining files received via Spam or other questionable sources. Computer security specialists not to open doubtful data before at least scanning it with a reputable antimalware tool that could determine whether it is malicious or not.
Outsider Ransomware does not create any folders or file upon its launch. Which means the malware starts running the moment the victim launches the attachment or other file carrying it. Since the malicious application’s primary task is to encrypt the user’s files, it should start the encryption process right away. During it, all of the targeted user’s files should become unreadable as well as marked with the .protected extension. Unfortunately, the affected files become protected from even the user himself as he cannot open them without specific decryption tools. Nonetheless, the ransom notes the malware may place all over the folders containing encrypted files should claim the user can get the needed means to restore his files if he contacts the hackers behind Outsider Ransomware and pays a ransom of 900 US dollars.
Outsider Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
As explained earlier, there is a risk the cybercriminals could scam you, which is why we advise not to pay the ransom. If you think it would be too risky too, we encourage you to eliminate Outsider Ransomware by following the removal guide available at the end of this paragraph or with the help of your chosen antimalware tool. The second option is perfect if you want not only to get rid of this particular malicious application but also check for other potential threats as well as protect the system from malware you could yet encounter.
Erase Outsider Ransomware
- Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously.
- Pick Task Manager.
- Take a look at the Processes tab.
- Locate a process associated with this malicious program.
- Select this process and tap the End Task button.
- Click Windows Key+E.
- Navigate to the suggested paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%Desktop
%USERPROFILE%Downloads - Find a file launched when the system got infected, right-click the malicious file and select Delete.
- Locate the malware’s ransom notes (HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt); right-click them and press Delete.
- Leave File Explorer.
- Empty Recycle bin.
- Restart the computer.
In non-techie terms:
Outsider Ransomware is a threat that encrypts user’s files and displays a ransom note afterward. In other words, the malicious application was created for money extortion and in order to convince the user to pay it might lock data most precious to the victim, for example, photos, videos, various documents, etc. By encrypting it with a robust encryption algorithm, the malware ensures the user will be unable to use affected files. Also, it should drop plenty of ransom notes carrying demands and instructions from the threats creators. These warnings may promise the user will get his data back as soon as he pays the asked price, but in reality, there are no guarantees. The hackers ask to transfer the money first which makes it possible for them to change their mind about sending you needed decryption tools or even attempting to extort more money. This is why we recommend against paying the ransom. Instead, we advise deleting the malicious application just to be safe and then restore encrypted files by replacing them with backup copies you could have, for example, on removable media devices.