Do you know what ExpBoot Ransomware is?
ExpBoot Ransomware might look like a file-encryptor at first sight, but our researchers inform that this infection does NOT encrypt data. In fact, it cannot do much of anything. Is it possible that this threat will evolve in the future? That is a possibility, but it is also possible that it will remain pretty helpless. That being said, it is still malware, and malware must be deleted as soon as possible. Before you learn how to remove ExpBoot Ransomware, we suggest that you read this report to learn all about the threat. After all, if you do not figure out how it spreads and how to protect yourself against it, you could face it again. Even worse, you could face real file-encryptors and other malicious infections. So, if you are interested, please continue reading, and then, if you have questions, post a comment below.
Our research team inspected three different samples of ExpBoot Ransomware, and not a single one of them functioned properly. It appears that the infection was created to target people in China, and some of the information available is very hard to cipher. At this point, it is also unclear how exactly this malware is likely to spread. It could use spam emails with malicious attachments, or could exploit RDP vulnerabilities. It is also possible that questionable websites could be used to expose unsuspecting visitors to the launcher of ExpBoot Ransomware. After execution, this threat should launch a window with a pink background. According to our research team, tapping keys Alt+F4 should work to close this window. The text represented via it is in English, and the warning at the top states this: “Your Files Are All Encrypted!” This would suggest that your files were corrupted and are now unreadable.
ExpBoot Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
According to our research, files are not encrypted by ExpBoot Ransomware. However, an extension is added to their names, and that makes them unreadable. The good news is that if you remove the “.ExpBoot” extension, your files will go back to normal. This would not work if your files were actually encrypted. Nonetheless, the message delivered via the pink window suggests that you have a limited time to decrypt files and that you should click the “Decrypt” button displayed. If you did that, it is possible that you would be asked to pay a ransom, download some tool, or do something else. At the moment, however, this button does not work. The window also displays a link that routed to a strange Chinese website that appears to be dedicated to entertainment. Also, a button opening a Q&A section should be available. The information revealed via these questions and answers should further convince you that files were encrypted and that you can decrypt them by paying a ransom.
Hopefully, ExpBoot Ransomware does not invade your operating system, but if it does, we hope that your files are not affected in a permanent way. If the “.ExpBoot” extension is added to the names, try removing it to see if your files become readable again. That should be the case. Obviously, if the infection evolves, and files get encrypted, do not follow the instructions of cyber criminals anyway because no one can tell if they would give you a decryptor in return for your money. Most likely, they would not do it. To delete ExpBoot Ransomware, you can install an anti-malware program (it will erase the infection and secure the system automatically), or you can remove the launcher manually. This file could be dropped anywhere, and, unfortunately, we cannot guide you to it.
Remove ExpBoot Ransomware
- Delete the .expboot extension to restore the files.
- Delete all recently downloaded suspicious .exe files.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then perform a thorough system scan (use a malware scanner).
In non-techie terms:
ExpBoot Ransomware is a dangerous threat, but not in a sense that it can cause serious damage to your files. At the time of research, it did not encrypt files, and it was possible to recover them by removing the added extension. It is dangerous, however, because it can trick more gullible victims into paying a ransom. Doing that is, of course, unnecessary and wasteful. If you can pinpoint the exact location of the file that launched ExpBoot Ransomware, deleting this threat manually is an option. Nonetheless, we still advise implementing anti-malware software that could clear your system from all threats and, at the same time, also establish full-time protection.