Decrypt and remove .micro file virus

If the extensions of files stored on a computer have been appended with .micro value, it means a ransom virus is inside and it must be taken care of ASAP.

Different attributes of data kept on a PC stay invariable unless the admin intentionally changes them or a malicious program stealthily makes the respective modifications. File extensions matter because they constitute the processing routine that allows the operating system to automatically determine which software should be used to open a specific item. Numerous problem reports that began surfacing lately have to do with the “.micro” string being added to random files. As per thorough security analysis of these cases, a tweaking like that occurs because of ransomware. At first sight it may seem that the affected data elements are simply misrepresented and editing the file structure will get the issue fixed, but unfortunately that’s not the case. Every such object turns out to also be encrypted by an infection named TeslaCrypt 3.0.

The crypto infection mentioned above bears advanced disruptive characteristics, including smart distribution of the payload, Tor-protected interaction with the victim, and sophisticated antivirus evasion. What sort of surprises malware researchers is the encryption algorithm used – it’s the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) symmetric-key algorithm, as opposed to the more complex RSA standard leveraged by most ransom trojans on the loose. The symmetry consists in the fact that the same key is generated and used both for encryption and decryption. Earlier editions of TeslaCrypt stored this information on the victim’s computer, which made it possible for special software to retrieve the key and recover the locked files.

With the emergence of TeslaCrypt 3.0, things have gotten out of hand. The ransomware now sends the keys to an external server. Along with the .micro extension, the latest variant may also complement files with .ttt or .xxx string. As soon as the data encryption part has been completed, the trojan displays ransom instructions which, if followed, are supposed to result in full recovery of the encoded information. The corresponding files are in .bmp, .htm and .txt formats. They are called Howto_Restore_FILES. These notes are created on the desktop so that the user can easily access the steps and proceed with the restoration. The ransom amounts to about 500 USD, but it should be paid in cryptocurrency – this way, anonymity of the criminals is fully secured.

Prevention of these attacks is fairly trivial. Most of the time it suffices to abstain from opening suspicious email attachments camouflaged as invoices, payroll details or similar. As far as the fix goes, again, the .micro file ransomware version cannot be decrypted with expert-tailored tools. Paying the scammers isn’t a good option either, therefore special recovery techniques come to the fore.

.micro files ransomware automated removal and data recovery

Owing to an up-to-date database of malware signatures and intelligent behavioral detection, the recommended software can quickly locate the infection, eradicate it and remediate all harmful changes. So go ahead and do the following:

1. Download and install the antimalware tool. Open the solution and have it check your PC for PUPs and other types of malicious software by clicking the Start Computer Scan button

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2. Rest assured the scan report will list all items that may harm your operating system. Select the detected entries and click Fix Threats to get the troubleshooting completed.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid .micro files ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download .micro files ransomware removal tool