What is Spectre Ransomware?
Spectre Ransomware is a completely new infection that is not even in the wild yet. At the moment, it is not even known if this ransomware will be unleashed to invade unprotected Windows systems; however, that is always a possibility, and so we rush to inform you about this threat before it has invaded your own operating system. Needless to say, malware always invades those systems that are not protected appropriately and those that are controlled by careless users. Although there are ransomware infections that can be executed by silent worms, in most cases, they are camouflaged and enter systems as Trojan horses. For example, you might be tricked into opening a PDF file that, in reality, is the launcher of the infection. This PDF file might be sent to you in a spam email. Other methods of distribution can be used as well. Unfortunately, ransomware is very prevalent these days, and more and more users suffer silent invasions. If you look at the list of malware we have analyzed just recently, you will see quite a few ransomware infections, including TheDarkEncryptor Ransomware and Executioner Ransomware. While ALL of them must be deleted, this article specifically shows how to remove Spectre Ransomware.
How does Spectre Ransomware work?
As soon as Spectre Ransomware launches, the encryption attack starts. This infection is particularly malicious because it can rename files after encrypting them, which can make it very hard for the victim to check the damage. To help you spot the encrypted files right away – if the renaming is not enough – the “.spectre” extension is attached at the end as well. Anti-Spyware-101.com research team reports that in its current stage, the ransomware can encrypt DOC, PDF, JPG, GIF, TXT, RAR, WMV, and other similar files that represent documents, photos, as well as audio and video files. Of course, that could be adjusted to make Spectre Ransomware more aggressive as more kinds of files could be targeted. When encrypting the files, the infection should use the AES encryption algorithm, but that is yet to be confirmed as well. After the encryption, the infection should send the number of files infected to a remote server, but the purpose behind that is not clear. One of the most important elements, of course, is the ransom note because without it, the creator of the infection could not introduce the victim to the demands. The ransom note file is called “HowToDecryptIMPORTANT!.txt”, and you should find it on the Desktop. Copies of the file should also be placed in all folders with encrypted files.
The TXT file used by Spectre Ransomware informs that your files were encrypted using the AES-256 encryption key and that you must pay a ransom of $200. A link is presented via the note as well (http://a0142503.xsph.ru/login.php), and if it works, it should give you access to the purchase page showing how to get “Spectre Decryptor.” A Bitcoin Address should be presented to make it possible for you to pay the ransom in Bitcoins. At the moment, 200 USD converts to 0.08 Bitcoin, but by the time the infection is unleashed, the conversion rates could be different. When it comes to the payment of the ransom, we do not recommend wasting your money because it is highly unlikely that a decryptor would be provided to you. Of course, the money is yours, and you can do whatever you want with it, just do not say you were not warned if your files remain permanently encrypted after you pay.
How to remove Spectre Ransomware
Can you identify the launcher of Spectre Ransomware? Your answer determines whether or not you can erase this malware manually. If you cannot identify the file, do not go wild erasing random files because that might cause problems as well. Instead, entrust an automated malware remover to find and erase the launcher for you. If you can delete Spectre Ransomware manually, do not forget that your virtual security is in your own hands, and it is important that you protect your operating system to ensure that it is not invaded by malicious infections in the future. If you want to be proactive about this, install a legitimate anti-malware tool right away. When it comes to your personal files, they might be lost for good because legitimate file decryptors are likely to be helpless in this situation. Take a note to start backing up your files to ensure that they are safe even if malware invades.
Removal Guide
- Right-click the launcher file (the name is not known).
- Select Delete.
- Right-click the ransom note file, HowToDecryptIMPORTANT!.txt.
- Select Delete.
- Empty Recycle Bin.
- Install a malware scanner to inspect your operating system for leftovers.
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