Do you know what GoldenAxe Ransomware is?
GoldenAxe Ransomware can cause lots of problems as the malware is capable of encrypting various file types. It locks them with two robust encryption algorithms, so the only way to restore files is to replace them with backup copies. The hackers claim they have decryption tools that can unlock all encrypted data, but even if they do, there are no guarantees the malware’s developers will bother delivering them. Therefore, we do not think it is smart to trust them. If you think so too, we recommend removing GoldenAxe Ransomware. Our computer security specialists have prepared the removal guide available below this report, so if you need any guidance, do not hesitate to check it out. However, if you cannot decide what to do yet, we encourage you to read our article first.
To know how to avoid malicious applications like GoldenAxe Ransomware, one must learn about their distribution. Our computer security specialists say they might be spread with Spam emails and unreliable software installers or other data downloaded from the Internet. Also, some threats alike can enter the system by exploiting its vulnerabilities, such as unsecured RDP connections. Thus, to guard your device against malware, you have to not only keep away from potentially dangerous content but also try to strengthen your system as much as possible. For starters, we recommend employing a reputable antimalware tool. It can warn you about various threats, and you can use it daily to check suspicious email attachments or installers downloaded from the Internet. You could also strengthen the system by updating old tools and changing weak passwords.
GoldenAxe Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
What happens if GoldenAxe Ransomware infects the computer? At first, it might try to block the Task Manager to prevent the user from killing the malware’s process. Then, the malicious application is supposed to begin the encryption process, during which it encrypts the victim’s files with AES and RSA encryption algorithms. According to our researchers, the threat can encrypt a lot of different file types. Nonetheless, the files the infection targets the most are various documents, photos, videos, and so on. Therefore, executable files and data belonging to the operating system should not get affected. It is easy to identify encrypted data since the malicious application marks it with a unique extension from five characters. After this, GoldenAxe Ransomware should try to delete shadow copies to make sure the victim will not be able to use them to restore encrypted files.
Lastly, the malware ought to drop a couple of ransom notes and launch a script that pays an audio message saying: “All your files are encrypted. Read the Help file for solution.” The message in the notes guarantees the user will get decryption tools once he pays the ransom. The hackers suggest sending one file for free decryption to prove they have the needed tools too. The problem is that even if they have them, who can guarantee you will receive them? After all, once you make the payment, you will not be able to take your money back. If you do not want to risk losing your savings, we recommend not to put up with the hackers’ demands. To erase GoldenAxe Ransomware manually, you should complete the steps available in the removal guide placed below this paragraph. Instead, we could suggest installing a reputable antimalware tool. It should detect the malicious application during the system scan and to eliminate it, you would only need to click the given deletion button.
Erase GoldenAxe Ransomware
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Choose Task Manager and check the Processes tab.
- Locate a process belonging to the malware.
- Choose the malicious process and click End Task.
- Exit Task Manager.
- 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.
- Look for the malware’s ransom notes, right-click them and choose Delete.
- Exit File Explorer.
- Empty your Recycle Bin.
- Restart the computer.
In non-techie terms:
GoldenAxe Ransomware is another malicious application designed for money extortion. Our researchers think it could be spread through various unreliable files distributed via Spam emails or questionable file-sharing web pages. Once the user opens the threat’s launcher, it should settle in and begin encrypting the victim’s files. Later on, it ought to show a ransom note claiming the only way to get the data back is to pay a ransom, and that the hackers can guarantee you will get it if you make the payment. Nevertheless, the encrypted files can be replaced with backup copies too. Also, in some cases, cybersecurity experts manage to create free decryption tools for specific ransomware applications. In any case, if you do not like the idea you would have to pay to those who ruined your data, we advise erasing the malware with the removal guide placed above or a reputable antimalware tool of your preferences.