.aesir files decryptor – Aesir virus ransomware removal

The Locky ransomware has got a slightly updated look and feel, the new variant appending the .aesir extension and creating -INSTRUCTION.html ransom notes.

A fresh edition of the Locky file-encrypting ransomware lineage has been discovered. While sharing a lot of the characteristics with its predecessor known as Thor, the pest in question is undoubtedly a standalone sub-version accommodating a number of unique properties. The infection concatenates the .aesir extension to encrypted files, so the .thor string is now history as far as new contamination incidents are concerned. Another alteration is that the malady adds a recovery help file named _[random_number]-INSTRUCTION.html. Furthermore, the Aesir virus uses a BMP counterpart of this manual as the desktop background. Unlike the previous build, the C2 server used for this particularly campaign now resolves to “/information.cgi”.

The Aesir persona of Locky still targets widespread formats of data on computers that it infects. Moreover, it’s not only the information on static hard disk that’s subject to this adverse effect. The ransomware also traverses removable and cloud drives in search of personal files. Once the data lookup has been completed, the perpetrating program will utilize a combo of AES-128 and RSA-2048 cryptosystems to deny the accessibility of all potentially important files. So it’s double trouble in terms of the fix. The above-mentioned desktop wallpaper reflects the mishap quite accurately. The Trojan also badly changes the filenames. It replaces them with random 32-character strings and subjoins the .aesir extension to each one. Here’s an example of what a regular item ultimately turns into: C1CEA3A2-1F64-CC97-2D81-7A075074EB01.aesir.

As before, Aesir instructs the victim to install the Tor browser and use it to visit the Locky Decryptor page. This anonymous resource is intended to inform the plagued user about the size of the ransom and the Bitcoin address for this payment. It also provides the automatic decryption tool that becomes downloadable after the buyout transaction is verified on the other end. Most of the black hat affiliates distributing Locky request 0.5 BTC, which is currently about 360 USD. The amount may vary, though.

The circulation of the Aesir ransomware is all about spam. Some of the recent rogue emails state that the recipient’s Amazon.com order has been dispatched. A lot of the messages impersonate the targeted user’s ISP and report a spam mailout from their address. Other subjects include invoices, failed delivery status notifications, job offers and the like. One seemingly innocuous click on the attached JavaScript of VBScript file will deploy the ransomware on the computer. The cybercrooks are getting really good at social engineering. Obviously, to avoid this infection, one should treat suspicious email attachment with caution, no matter how true-to-life the message may appear.

Aesir ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Aesir, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download Aesir remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

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.

Aesir ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the Aesir virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of .aesir files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Aesir 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 Aesir removal tool