ChaCha Ransomware

What is ChaCha Ransomware?

ChaCha Ransomware plays an audio recording saying your files were encrypted and then shows a black screen with a message from the malware’s creators. As usual for such threats, its ransom note claims the hackers are the only ones who can help a victim restore his data and that users should contact them as soon as possible. It might even say the cybercriminals will give you a fair price or guarantee that you will get the needed decryption tools, but, the truth is, there are no guarantees when dealing with hackers. If you realize that and do not wish to take any chances, we advise removing ChaCha Ransomware. As we explain in the text, you might need to rewrite Windows to restore your system and get rid of the threat. However, if the computer works as usual, you might be able to erase the malicious application with the instructions provided at the end of this article.

Where does ChaCha Ransomware come from?

ChaCha Ransomware might be distributed through various channels. For example, targeted victims could receive it with Spam emails. Often, emails carrying malicious installers claim it is important to open such data as fast as possible. Also, instead of attachments, emails from hackers could have links to websites containing malicious installers. Needless to say, if you do not want to be tricked into infecting your device with ransomware or any other harmful software, you should be careful with emails from unknown senders or messages raising suspicion. It is better to scan data coming from unknown sources with a legitimate antimalware tool first than rush opening it and risk infecting your computer. Moreover, such threats can be distributed with installers available on file-sharing websites, so we highly recommend downloading any material you may need, whether it would be software installers or wallpapers, only from legitimate sites.

How does ChaCha Ransomware work?

For starters, ChaCha Ransomware, should create a couple of files that we mention in the deletion instructions located below this article. Next, it should start encrypting data available on an infected system. Unfortunately, our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com say the malware should not make any exceptions, which means it might encrypt every single file you have on your device. During this process, each file should be locked with a secure encryption algorithm called RSA-2048. Also, each file ought to receive an additional extension called .HiEf4z, for example, picture.jpg.HiEf4z.

Since the malware encrypts everything, including data belonging to your operating system, the computer might become inoperable as soon as the encryption process is over. Our researchers say victims might be able to see the picture ChaCha Ransomware ought to replace their Desktop wallpapers with, before explorer.exe crashes and a black screen appears. It is also possible that right before this happens, users could be able to access folders and browse the Internet, but, later on, they might only see a black screen with a ransom note on it. According to this note, users can contact the malware’s creators, pay them a ransom, and get decryption tools that would restore all enciphered files. The problem is these people cannot be trusted. Despite what they may promise, the hackers might not bother sending decryption tools even if they receive a requested payment. If you fear this could happen and do not want to risk your savings, we encourage you to eliminate the malicious application.

How to erase ChaCha Ransomware?

If ChaCha Ransomware encrypts all data on the computer, the system might become inoperable and, in such a case, you would have only one option which is to rewrite Windows. If the malware for some reason does not encipher the operating system’s data on your computer, you could try to get rid of it manually by following the instructions available below this paragraph. Of course, if the process looks too tricky, you should leave this task to a legitimate antimalware tool instead.

Remove ChaCha Ransomware

1. Click Windows key+E.
2. Locate these paths:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
3. Locate the malicious application’s launcher.
4. Right-click it and select Delete.
5. Navigate to this location: %TEMP%
6. Find a picture called 123456789.bmp, right-click it, and select Delete.
7. Exit File Explorer.
8. Press Windows key+R.
9. Insert Regedit and click Enter.
10. Locate the given directory: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Wallpapers
11. Find a value name called BackgroundHistoryPath0, right-click it, and press Delete.
12. Look for this directory: HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop
13. Find a value name titled Wallpaper, right-click it, and choose Delete.
14. Exit Registry Editor.
15. Empty your Recycle Bin.
16. Restart the computer. Download Removal Tool100% FREE spyware scan and
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Stop these ChaCha Ransomware Processes: