Do you know what Aac Ransomware is?
If your personal photos, archives, and other files cannot be opened, and the “.aac extension” is appended to their names, the malicious Aac Ransomware must have slithered in. This threat – as our research team has found – is the new version of the infamous NMoreira Ransomware that was discovered back in 2016. This infection was primarily targeted at Windows users who spoke Portuguese; however, the new version uses a ransom note written in English, which suggests that the creator of this malware is spreading out. Speaking of spreading, it is not yet known how this malware is distributed, but since most ransomware threats are spread via corrupted spam emails, we have to consider this option too. If you have opened the malicious launcher yourself via a spam email, you might be able to locate it. That is crucial if you want to remove Aac Ransomware manually. Before we start discussing the different options you have when it comes to deleting the threat, we offer some more information about it and its activity.
The chances are you are not familiar with the malicious NMoreira Ransomware at all. Here are the things you need to know. The threat was developed by XRatTeam, and it targeted files located in %USERPROFILE% and %ALLUSERSPROFILE% directories (including all subfolders). When encrypting files, the threat would add the “.maktub”, which is something that made victims mistake it for a different infection named “Maktub Ransomware.” The threat created HKCR\.maktub and HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\.maktub registry entries to change the icons of the corrupted files and to execute commands. The ransom note was represented via a file named “Recupere seus arquivos. Leia-me!.txt”, and the victims were ordered to email contatomaktub@email.tg for more information. While there are some similarities between NMoreira Ransomware and Aac Ransomware, essentially, these threats are pretty unique. One of the main differences is that the original threat would delete itself after execution, and the new variant has to be removed by the victim.
The devious Aac Ransomware also creates a file to represent the ransom demands, but it is called “Learn how to recover your files.txt”. This file can be found in the directories where the corrupted files are. The message is short, and it simply informs that the victim must email a unique code (provided via the ransom note) to contatoaac@vpn.tg. Needless to say, if the victim communicates with the creator of Aac Ransomware, they should be provided with instructions on how to pay a ransom. Although this might be the only option for you if you need to decrypt your personal files, we do not recommend trusting cyber criminals. The creator of this malicious infection is unlikely to lift one finger to help you out. After all, all they want is your money. While the malicious NMoreira Ransomware was decryptable (i.e., a tool capable of deciphering the encryptor was created), the new variant is stronger, and the creator knows it. Our research team found that the executable of the threat has a message that informs about this too.
Unlike its predecessor, Aac Ransomware does not remove itself, which means that you need to take care of this yourself. Just remember that your files will not be restored if you eliminate this infection. In fact, you might be unable to restore files ever. As mentioned at the beginning, being able to identify the launcher is extremely important. If you can do that, you can delete Aac Ransomware manually. If that is not an option for you, the option of using anti-malware software might be ideal for you. Our research tram suggests that every user should employ the protection of reputable anti-malware software because that is one of the most important steps to take to ensure that malicious infections do not invade the operating system again. Also, backing up personal data is important because you could recover files even if they were corrupted.
Remove Aac Ransomware
- Identify the {random name}.exe launcher of the ransomware.
- Right-click this file and select Delete.
- Delete all copies of the ransom note file, Learn how to recover your files.txt.
- Empty Recycle Bin.
- Acquire a trustworthy malware scanner to examine your PC for malicious leftovers.
In non-techie terms:
Aac Ransomware might be just another variant of an old infection, but it is a strong one, and it would be crazy to underestimate it. This infection can slither in, encrypt files, and propose a solution that is unlikely to help you out. The creator of the infection is likely to demand a ransom, but do not be tricked into thinking that this is how you can get your files back. Instead, it is likely that you would simply waste your money. It goes without saying that deleting Aac Ransomware is extremely important. Even if you are capable of removing the launcher of this threat manually, we recommend installing an anti-malware tool to have it eradicated automatically because it can simultaneously ensure well-rounded virtual protection as well.