Do you know what Coronavirus Ransomware is?
If your Windows operating system lacks reliable protection, Coronavirus Ransomware is a dangerous threat that could invade it. There are hundreds and thousands of file-encrypting and ransom-demanding threats in the wild, and most of them have random names that do not mean anything. In the current climate, the word “coronavirus” has a very heavy connotation, but the name of the infection is still meaningless. Perhaps, the COVID-19 pandemic is used to scam people and trick them into executing the infection, after which, it can start encrypting your personal files. Unfortunately, phishing scams are on the rise right now, and the constant need for Coronavirus-related information is helping cybercriminals. If you are not careful about how you handle this information, you too might need to delete Coronavirus Ransomware from your computer.
Unless you have been living under a rock these past few months, you know that COVID-19 does not leave the news cycle and that it is in the top news headlines. The moment you launch your browser and start surfing the web, you are bombarded with ads for overpriced respirators and hand sanitizers, links to news articles from unknown sources, emails about the pandemic and what people need to do, fake offers for bogus cures, etc. It is easy to click the wrong link and open the wrong email when you are looking for information, and that is what might help Coronavirus Ransomware spread. The good news is that just like the actual coronavirus spread, the spread of the ransomware can be controlled too. When it comes to the actual virus, the most important thing is to stay at home. When it comes to Coronavirus Ransomware, the most important thing is to stay away from unfamiliar websites and strange emails or messages on social networking sites.
If you are tricked into letting Coronavirus Ransomware in, this malware immediately encrypts all of your personal files, which can not only destroy memorable photos or videos but also cause work and school-related problems if you are working/learning from home during the pandemic. When files are encrypted by this infection, the “coronaVi2022@protonmail.ch___” extension is added to the original filenames. You do not need to remove this extension. Next to the corrupted files, a new file named “CoronaVirus.txt” should appear. This file informs that you have to obtain a decryptor if you want to restore all files. The decryptor costs 0.008 Bitcoin (around $50) and you are supposed to send it to the cybercriminals’ Bitcoin Wallet (bc1q5e8pwyk9rqtq400agngmq5h23cuz42x0wlqw3q), which at the time of research, was empty. Those who pay are also supposed to send an email to coronaVi2022@protonmail.ch. If you contact the attackers, they will scam you. If you pay the ransom, you will not get a decryptor in return.
Coronavirus Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
The biggest problem with Coronavirus Ransomware is that once your files are encrypted, you cannot recover them. Do not expect the attackers to provide you with a decryptor, and if you are looking into third-party tools, make sure you are cautious. When we researched the threat, free decryptors did not exist. If you are prepared for a situation like this, you might have copies of personal files stored in a secure location, in which case, you are able to replace the corrupted files. Do this after you remove Coronavirus Ransomware. If you want to delete the infection manually, you must locate the launcher file, and unfortunately, it could be pretty much anywhere. If you are unable to get rid of the infection yourself, install a legitimate anti-malware program to help you out. Note that this tool will not only automatically delete existing threats but will also secure your system, and if you want to protect Windows, this is the solution for you.
Delete Coronavirus Ransomware from Windows
- Delete the {unknown name}.exe file that executed the ransomware.
- Delete all copies of the ransom note file named CoronaVirus.txt.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then employ a trusted malware scanner to check if your system is now clean.
In non-techie terms:
Coronavirus Ransomware is a devious infection that might prey upon Windows users seeking information about the COVID-19 pandemic. If scams and tricks are successful at infiltrating the infection onto your operating system, your personal files get encrypted, which means that they are kind of locked. The goal of the attackers behind the threat is to convince you to pay money in return for a decryptor. Do not trust them. Instead, focus on the removal of Coronavirus Ransomware. If you cannot get rid of this threat manually, employ legitimate anti-malware software. It will simultaneously clear and protect your operating system.