Do you know what AskHelp@protonmail.com Ransomware is?
AskHelp@protonmail.com Ransomware is a threat that displays a warning asking to email the cybercriminals behind this malware in order to negotiate the decryption of files enciphered by the infection. It is important to mention, our computer security specialists have not come across a version that would be capable of encrypting any data, yet we cannot say if there will be no updated variants later on. In any case, as you continue reading this report, we will explain how to recognize enciphered data. What’s more, further in the text, users will find out how AskHelp@protonmail.com Ransomware could be distributed, how to erase it manually, and why it might be hazardous to put up with the cybercriminals demands. Needless to say, users who have more questions can post them at the end of the article.
To start with, AskHelp@protonmail.com Ransomware might be spread via malicious software installers, fake updates, infected email attachments, or other untrustworthy content received while surfing the Internet. Thus, it is vital to be extra precautions while searching the Internet if the user does not want to catch harmful infections alike. Before opening any file downloaded from unknown or unreliable sources, it would be best to scan it with a reputable antimalware tool. If you have not chosen such a tool yet, we highly recommend considering this option.
To settle in, AskHelp@protonmail.com Ransomware may create randomly named .bmp, .vbs, and .bat files in the %APPDATA% directory. Plus, it might drop log files on the user’s Desktop after attempting to encrypt his personal files. The research shows the malware might be still new and yet unfinished as while testing it our computer security specialists noticed the threat could not encipher any data found on the infected computer. However, a closer look at its code revealed the malicious program was designed to rename the files it encrypts. For example, a text document called my_story.docx could turn into [AskHelp@protonmail.com].9XyxOPqL-AcHRxMgA.ANN. The part from numbers and letters should be random, but the .ANN ending and the email address should be the same for all AskHelp@protonmail.com Ransomware’s victims.
AskHelp@protonmail.com Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
After encrypting user’s files or failing to do so the malicious program is supposed to display a random note called #README_ANN#.rtf or similarly. It does not say anything about paying the ransom, but we have no doubt the email from the malware’s creators should mention it if the user decides to send them a message. Needless to explain, there are no reassurances when dealing with cybercriminals and there is always a chance the user could end up being tricked. Knowing it is possible you could lose your money in vain, we would advise against paying the ransom or contacting AskHelp@protonmail.com Ransomware’s creators. We believe it might be safer to get rid of the threat no matter if it enciphered your data or not. To help our readers with this task, we are pacing a detailed removal guide below this article. In case the task appears to be more difficult than expected we recommend leaving it to a reputable antimalware tool of your choice.
Eliminate AskHelp@protonmail.com Ransomware
- Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously.
- Pick Task Manager.
- Take a look at the Processes tab.
- Locate a process belonging to this malicious program.
- Select this process and press the End Task button.
- Click Windows Key+E.
- Navigate to the suggested paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%Desktop
%USERPROFILE%Downloads - Find a file that was executed when the system got infected, right-click the malicious file and select Delete.
- Look for files named #README_ANN#.rtf or similarly, right-click such documents and press Delete.
- Locate this path: %APPDATA%
- Search for .bmp, .vbs, and .bat files with random names, right-click them separately and choose Delete.
- Erase possible log files from your Desktop directory.
- Leave File Explorer.
- Empty Recycle bin.
- Restart the computer.
In non-techie terms:
AskHelp@protonmail.com Ransomware is a file-encrypting malware, which means it could encipher files store don the infected device. The note left behind by the malicious program's creators may suggest one can get all of his data back if he only emails these hackers. Our computer security specialists would like to warn users their reply could ask to pay a ransom. Also, you should understand there are no guarantees you will be able to decrypt your files even if the infection’s developers say otherwise. Once you transfer the money, you cannot take it back and despite what the hackers may promise they might not keep up to their promises in the end. This is why our computer security specialists advise ignoring the ransom note and deleting the malware. If you think erasing it would be for the best as well we encourage you to follow the removal guide available a bit above this text or install a reputable antimalware tool if your preferences.