Do you know what Afrodita Ransomware is?
The world is tough as it is, but threats like Afrodita Ransomware are always ready to make it just a little tougher. This kind of malware is all about extorting money from victims, and in order to achieve the goal, cybercriminals usually go after personal files. In most cases, ransomware encrypts files, which means that data within them is changed. In our case, AES-256 and RSA-2048 keys are used, and the encryptors used cannot be cracked manually. In some cases, ransomware is decryptable using legitimate tools created by malware experts, but a tool like that has not been created for the victims of like Afrodita just yet. Quite possibly, it will never be created. To make matters worse, you cannot recover files by deleting Afrodita Ransomware. Unfortunately, that is what the attackers want because if you cannot restore files yourself, you might be more willing to follow their lead.
According to our malware experts, Afrodita Ransomware spreads using spam emails. The message might be introduced in Croatian, and that is the assumption we make because when we analyzed the infection, it was distributed using a spam email attachment that contained a message in Croatian. The name of this file was “Invoice.xlsm,” which suggests that it was presenting some kind of invoice. Even if a spam email message is believable, you should not pay attention to it if it does not make sense. So, for example, if you receive an invoice, but you have not made any new purchases, the message must be bogus. If the attachment was clicked, it asked to enable macros, and that is how a file named “verynice.jpg” was dropped. This file was saved as “Afrodita.dll,” and it initiated the execution of Afrodita Ransomware. Also, embedded within the file, was another file named “info.jpg” (dropped to %APPDATA%). One more file that was created by the infection was “__README__ENCRYPTED__AFRODITA__.txt.” After dropping these files, the ransomware deleted itself, but the remaining files had to be removed individually.
Afrodita Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
The “info.jpg” file created by Afrodita Ransomware is supposed to replace the Desktop wallpaper after files are encrypted. This might be the first introduction to the threat because victims are unlikely to notice when files get encrypted, given that no new extension is appended to their names. Extensions are usually added as markers by Bitx Ransomware, MarioLocker Ransomware, Zobm Ransomware, and other threats alike. So, once the wallpaper is set, the victim is pointed to the “__README__ENCRYPTED__AFRODITA__.txt” file. Opening this file is safe, but paying attention to the message inside is not. According to it, victims need to email afroditateam@tutanota.com and afroditasupport@mail2tor.com and also visit an unfamiliar site using the Tor Browser. The main goal is to push victims into paying a ransom. So, what would happen if the ransom was paid? Most likely, nothing would happen. Even though the attackers want victims to believe that they can have their files decrypted if they pay a ransom, there are no guarantees or proof that files would be decrypted if all attackers’ demands were met.
If highly valuable personal files were encrypted by Afrodita Ransomware, you might be more willing to pay the ransom, but we warn you that you are unlikely to get anything in return for the payment. Contacting cybercriminals via email is dangerous too. Unfortunately, a free decryptor does not exist at the moment, and you might have no backups. If you have created backups, copies of your personal files exist, and that means that you do not need to worry about restoring the corrupted files. If you have this option, make sure you remove Afrodita Ransomware first. Yes, it should remove itself, but you can never be too sure when it comes to malware. The guide below shows how to erase leftovers, but do not hesitate to employ a trusted anti-malware tool to have your system scanned, cleaned, and also protected automatically.
Delete Afrodita Ransomware
- Delete recently downloaded files.
- Delete every copy of the __README__ENCRYPTED__AFRODITA__.txt file.
- Launch Windows Explorer by tapping Win+E keys on the keyboard.
- Type %APPDATA% into the bar at the top and tap Enter.
- Delete the file named info.jpg.
- Exit Windows Explorer and then Empty Recycle Bin.
- Employ a trusted malware scanner to check for potential leftovers.
In non-techie terms:
Afrodita Ransomware is a threat that you need to eliminate from your operating system, and you need to do it fast. Ideally, you would remove it before encryption occurs, but if the threat manages to slither in without your notice, it is unlikely that you would be able to discover and delete it in time. After encryption, Afrodita Ransomware removes itself, but that is not a given. You can follow the guide above to delete the infection’s leftovers, but we advise implementing legitimate anti-malware software instead. It would automatically eliminate all threats, and it would also help you keep your system protected. Make sure you always keep your system protected; otherwise, new threats could try to slither in. Also, insure your personal files by creating copies and saving them outside the computer with the original files.