Decrypt .asasin virus files – Asasin/Locky ransomware removal

Another iteration of the Locky ransomware takes root, appending the .asasin extension to encrypted files and creating rescue notes named asasin.htm/bmp.

The malicious crew in charge of the Locky ransomware development and distribution has released a brand new variant of their blackmail contrivance amidst one of the biggest hiatuses in online extortion of all time. Indeed, very few fresh ransom Trojans have surfaced during the last fortnight or so, but the emergence of this heavyweight’s new persona is a real wakeup call. As opposed to its precursor dubbed Ykcol, the Locky spinoff in question adds the .asasin extension to one’s encrypted files. It’s still impossible to work out where a specific file is, because the infection scrambles filenames badly. In particular, it replaces them with 36 hexadecimal characters divided into five groups with hyphens in between. An arbitrary data entry will therefore morph into a string like PN5DR285-NN3K-YCNF-2C8964B0-3574ED335A4F.asasin.

The Asasin version of the Locky virus isn’t revolutionary in terms of the proliferation techniques applied. It is still making victims by dint of malspam camouflaged as some high priority information, such as an invoice, fax delivery notification, traffic ticket or something just as eye-catching. A 7z or ZIP archive attached to each one of these deceptive emails contains a toxic VBS file that, when opened, downloads the Asasin ransomware payload onto the targeted host. Interestingly, the culprit won’t continue the attack if it detects that the plagued system has Russian locale. That’s quite a clue regarding the crooks’ roots. Otherwise, as soon as the intrusive binary is executed, the contagion deletes Shadow Copies of all data stored on the machine. Then, the perpetrating program scans hard disk partitions and any devices attached to the computer, including thumb drives and network volumes. The objective of this routine is to locate all files that are of potential importance to the user.

The Asasin ransomware then applies a tried-and-tested combination of AES-128 and RSA-2048 ciphers to render the spotted valuable files inaccessible. A byproduct of the data skewing process is the above-mentioned drastic modifications of filenames. Another signal of this pest’s presence is the onset of ransom notes named asasin.htm and asasin.bmp. The BMP version takes over the desktop to make it ultimately clear to the victim what’s going on and how to fix it. The cybercriminals’ demands are the same as before: they instruct the prey to visit ‘Locky Decryptor page’ via Tor Browser, with the URL being indicated in both editions of the how-to manual. The recovery boils down to submitting 0.2-0.5 BTC to the attackers’ Bitcoin wallet, doing which is supposedly the prerequisite for providing the secret key along with automatic decryptor. This, however, may be bluff. There is high probability that the felons will not carry through with their promises. Under the circumstances, do not fail to try some of the best forensic practices of data recovery first.

Asasin ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Asasin, 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 Asasin 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.

Asasin 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 Asasin 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 .asasin extension 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 Asasin 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 Asasin removal tool