What is CtrlAlt Ransomware?
CtrlAlt Ransomware is a malicious tool used for money extortion. It locks files located on the infected device with a secure encryption algorithm and displays a ransom note suggesting the user can get his files back only after paying a ransom. Needless to say, we would not recommend trusting the cybercriminals behind the malware. There is a possibility they may not bother sending the decryption tools you would pay for or they could start asking for more money. Therefore, if you do not want to pay for something you may never receive we recommend erasing CtrlAlt Ransomware. If you have already decided you want to delete it, you should have a look at the removal instructions available at the end of the article. On the other hand, if you need more details before deciding what to do, you could read our report first.
Where does CtrlAlt Ransomware come from?
CtrlAlt Ransomware might be spread with Spam emails. It means the computer could get infected after launching some questionable file received with Spam. Our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com say users should always ignore files if they come from people and companies they do not know. What’s more, you should also be careful when receiving data you did not expect to get. In such a case, it would be wise to inspect the sender’s address to verify if it is not fictitious. Plus, scan the suspicious data with a legitimate antimalware tool that could tell you whether there are malicious components in it.
How does CtrlAlt Ransomware work?
The malware should start with encrypting user’s data. You can easily recognize all affected files form .altdelete@cock.li.district extension that is supposed to be added at the end of all files’ titles, for example, sky.jpg.altdelete@cock.li.district. The research shows the malicious application is after the user’s personal files, which means data belonging to the operating system, other software, and so on should remain unlocked. After the malware is done with encrypting user’s data, it should replace user’s Desktop picture with an image containing particular text. It should start with: “You only have 96 hours to submit the payment Danger: our contacts change every 3 days.”
The same text might be visible on text documents named READ_IT.district; they might be dropped to all folders containing locked data. We call such messages ransom notes. As you see besides asking for writing CtrlAlt Ransomware’s developers via email, the warning also says: “Attention: if you do not have money then you do not need to write to us!” This sentence suggests the user would have to pay for decrypting his files and if you are not willing to do so there is no point in writing to the hackers. We do not know what the sum would be, but we do not recommend paying it in any case as there is a chance you could get scammed.
How to eliminate CtrlAlt Ransomware?
Provided, you do not want to fund the hackers who developed CtrlAlt Ransomware and ruined your files as a result, we would advise deleting the threat. To erase it manually you should use the instructions we added at the end of this paragraph, although if they look too challenging, you could use a legitimate antimalware tool instead. Keep in mind, once the malicious application is gone it should be safe to switch encrypted files with backup copies you could store on removable media devices or cloud storage.
Remove CtrlAlt Ransomware
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Pick Task Manager and go to Processes.
- Search for a process associated with the threat.
- Select it and click End Task.
- Leave Task Manager.
- Click Windows key+E.
- Navigate to these paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%\Downloads
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop - Find the malicious application’s launcher.
- Right-click it and choose Delete.
- Look for files called READ_IT.district.
- Right-click them and select Delete.
- Close File Explorer.
- Empty your Recycle Bin.
- Restart the computer.
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