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What is Protected Ransomware?
Protected is a new type of ransomware that has been designed to be more difficult to remove. This ransomware is programmed to encrypt your files and then display a ransom note, demanding payment to decrypt your files. Protected is a serious threat to your computer and should be removed as soon as possible.
How does Protected differ from other types of ransomware?
Protected is different from other types of ransomware in that it uses some methods to try to prevent you from removing it. For example, this ransomware will install itself onto your computer without your permission and then encrypt your files. It will also change your wallpaper and create new registry entries to make it harder to remove. In addition, Protected will attempt to block you from accessing certain websites that may provide help in removing it.
How does it spread?
Attackers usually spread the ransomware through email attachments or by downloading infected files from the internet. They can also spread it through peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing networks.
History
Protected was first discovered in June 2017 by security researchers. A group of Russian hackers known as “Evil Corp” created it. This group is also responsible for creating the Dridex banking Trojan.
Protected Ransomware is believed to be a successor to Locky Ransomware, which was first seen in February 2016.
How do I know if I’m infected?
If you find that your files have been encrypted and you are unable to open them, then it’s likely that you are infected with ransomware. In addition, if you see a ransom note on your desktop or in your documents folder, then this is another indication that you are infected.
What extension does Protected Ransomware use?
Protected Ransomware uses the “.protected” extension for encrypted files.
Protection
To protect yourself from ransomware, you should always practice safe computing habits. This includes not opening email attachments from unknown senders, not downloading files from untrustworthy websites, and avoiding P2P file sharing networks. You should also have a reputable anti-malware program installed on your computer and keep it up-to-date.
How much is the ransom?
The ransom demanded by Protected Ransomware is usually 2 Bitcoin, which is currently equivalent to approximately $4,000.
Should I pay the ransom?
Paying the ransom does not guarantee that you will get your files back. There have been reported cases of victims who have paid the ransom but still have not received their decryption keys. In addition, by paying the ransom, you will be encouraging the attackers to continue their malicious activities. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not pay the ransom.
What should I do if I’m infected?
If you believe that you are infected with Protected Ransomware, then you should take immediate action to remove it from your computer. This can be difficult to do as the ransomware is designed to prevent removal, but there are some steps that you can take. First, you should use a reputable anti-malware program to scan your computer and remove the ransomware. Secondly, you can try using a ransomware decryption tool. However, these tools are not always successful in decrypting your files. Finally, you can attempt to restore your files from a backup.
Public decryption tool
At the time of writing, there is no public decryption tool available for Protected Ransomware.
Even if you find a tool that claims to decrypt your files, you should be cautious, as these tools may contain malware.
Contact a data recovery service
These services specialize in recovering data from ransomware-encrypted computers.
SalvageData Recovery Services is one example of a data recovery service that may be able to help you.
SalvageData has been in business since 2003 and has recovered data from over 50,000 computers.
How much does it cost?
The price of data recovery services can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the amount of data that needs to be recovered.
The cost can range from $500 to $5000.
How much time does it take?
The time it takes to recover your data will also depend on the severity of the infection and the amount of data that needs to be recovered.
In some cases, it may only take a few days to recover your data. However, in other cases, it could take weeks or even months.
Contact us for more information. We will be happy to discuss your specific case and provide you with a free quote.