Do you know what Asn1 Ransomware is?
Unlike other threats that lock data on the infected computers, Asn1 Ransomware does not mark its affected files by any additional extension. This is why you may not notice anything suspicious about your files until the ransom note pops up. As usual, the cyber criminals who developed the malware promise to restore encrypted files for a particular price. However, even if the sum is something you could afford to pay, you may want to reconsider paying the ransom. It is possible that the files might be not decryptable at the moment, but for more information continue reading the text. Also, we would like to mention that if you want to eliminate Asn1 Ransomware, there is a removal guide below you could use to erase the threat.
Let us start by explaining to you how this malicious application could infect the computer. Our researchers believe it might be done while using malicious email attachments, e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PDF, and other documents. Often cyber criminals use fictitious company names, email addresses, and other false facts just to convince the user to open the infected file. Therefore, if the email looks event just a slightly suspicious it is necessary to check the facts and find out from where exactly it came from. Doing so might take a couple of minutes, but at least it would allow you to be sure that there will not be any unexpected surprises.
The moment the malicious attachment is opened, Asn1 Ransomware should infect the system and begin enciphering your data, e.g. text documents, photographs, pictures, and other private files. There are similar malicious applications that target only specific directories on user’s PC; sadly, this threat might lock all data on the system except the files necessary for the computer to function as the operating system or browsers. Just as we mentioned, in the beginning, the infection should not append any extensions to the locked files, so you may not notice any difference until you try to open encrypted files.
Asn1 Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Right after the malware encrypts its targeted data, it should show users a message from its creators on the screen. In fact, you could find the same message in the file called !!!!!readme!!!!!.html. Asn1 Ransomware should drop a couple of copies of this HTML file in a few different directories. The message does not explain much as its purpose is to redirect the user to a website with further decryption instructions. The following guidelines tell you how much is the ransom and where to transfer the money. Once the payment is made the site should allow you to download the decryption tool after around 120 seconds, but our researchers looked into this site and it appears to be the decryption device could be unattainable.
Under such circumstances, we would advise you not take any chances, because the money you pay could be lost in vain. Thus, for those who do not want to risk their savings we advise them to have a look at the removal guide available below and learn how to get rid of the malware manually. Also, it is important to note that Asn1 Ransomware’s dropped files should have random titles, so deleting the threat manually might be not an easy task for our less experienced readers. Nevertheless, there is another way to remove the malware if you are willing to install a security tool. After you install it on the infected computer, launch it and press the particular button to start the scanning process. Afterward, the antimalware tool should allow you to erase its detected threats with only one mouse click.
Eliminate Asn1 Ransomware
- Tap Windows Key+R at the same time, insert regedit and press Enter.
- Find this specific directory: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- Search for a randomly titled Value Name (e.g. 1356762c.exe).
- Right-click the Value Name and click Delete.
- Open the Explorer (press Windows Key+E).
- Insert %APPDATA% and click Enter.
- Search for a randomly named malicious file; it should have an identical title to the previously mentioned Value Name, for example, 2289697a.exe).
- Right-click the malicious file and click Delete.
- Close the Registry Editor and File Explorer.
- Empty the Recycle Bin.
In non-techie terms:
Asn1 Ransomware is a malicious threat created to extort money from users who accidentally allow it to settle on the system. It takes your personal data as a hostage by encrypting it with a strong encryption algorithm. As a result, you cannot open such files unless you have a decryption tool. Obviously, the device is also created by the malicious application's developers, and to get it, users are asked to pay a ransom. Sadly, as we said earlier with this threat, it is quite unlikely that you will be able to get the decryption tool. Therefore, we would advise you to erase the malware instead either with the instructions located above or with a security tool you trust.