Start Ransomware

What is Start Ransomware?

Messages on your screen that mention the starter@cumallover.me email address might mean your system got infected with Start Ransomware. What you ought to know about this malicious application is that it can encrypt various files with a robust encryption algorithm like AES or RSA. At the end of the encryption process, it ought to show the mentioned message that urges to contact the threat's creators to learn how to purchase a decryptor. Meaning, if you see the malware’s ransom note, it is likely your photos, videos, and other personal files have been already encrypted. In such a case, we advise not to panic but to read our full report to get to know this threat better. At the end of this article, you can find our deletion instructions that may help you get rid of Start Ransomware manually.

Where does Start Ransomware come from?

We do not know for sure how Start Ransomware is being spread, but we can tell that a lot of such threats are sent to victims via email. Also, sometimes, they are spread through unreliable pop-up advertisements, file-sharing websites, and sources alike. Thus, one of the things you should do if you want to avoid such malicious applications is to keep away from untrusty websites and be careful with data received via email or messaging apps. Always make sure that you trust the sender and that the data you are getting is expected. In other words, if you get files from unfamiliar senders and it is not something you were hoping to receive, you should be suspicious even if the email seems to be from a well-known company. Hackers often pretend to be representing popular companies. Their messages might be in the same style as the emails from specific legit companies. However, many malicious emails are made to scare victims into doing something quickly, in which case, you can know something is not right from the tone of the message alone.

How does Start Ransomware work?

Start Ransomware should be able to restart with the operating system, which is why it may need to create copies of its launcher and a value name in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run directory. Additionally, the malware should create other files and Registry entries that you can learn about if you check the deletion instructions we added at the end of this page. The next thing that the malicious application ought to do is encrypt your files, such as text documents, photos, and so on. All of them ought to be marked with a unique second extension. Our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com reported that their tested sample appended the following extension: id-3C9E098B.[starter@cumallover.me].start, e.g., wildflowers.jpg.id-3C9E098B.[starter@cumallover.me].start.

Moreover, after Start Ransomware encrypts its targeted files, it should create files containing ransom notes, they might be called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt and Info.hta. Launching them should open a text document and a pop-up window containing particular texts. The document's text should only say: “all your data has been locked us You want to return? Write email starter@cumallover.me or pandao@keemail.me.” As for the pop-up's window, it should contain more information in addition to the same contact details. Obviously, hackers wish to be contacted by users who are willing to pay a ransom to get decryption tools. We ought to stress that doing so could end up hazardously if you get scammed. Consequently, we do not advise paying the ransom if you do not want to take any chances.

How to remove Start Ransomware?

It is vital to know that leaving the malicious application on your system could be dangerous and put files that you might yet create at risk. Therefore, we advise deleting Start Ransomware. If you think you can handle the task, you could try to remove it manually by following the instructions placed at the end of this paragraph. The other option to delete Start Ransomware is to get a legitimate antimalware tool that could detect and eliminate it.

Eliminate Start Ransomware

1. Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Pick Task Manager and select Processes.
3. Locate a process belonging to the threat.
4. Select it and click End Task.
5. Exit Task Manager.
6. Click Windows key+E.
7. Locate these paths:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
8. Locate the malicious application’s launcher.
9. Right-click it and select Delete.
10. Navigate to these locations:
    %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %WINDIR%\System32
    %APPDATA%
11. Find files called Info.hta, right-click them and select Delete.
12. Navigate to these specific Startup directories:
    %WINDIR%\System32
    %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
13. Identify suspicious executable files, for example, file.exe; right-click them and choose Delete.
14. Find documents called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, right-click them too and press Delete.
15. Exit File Explorer.
16. Press Windows key+R.
17. Insert Regedit and click Enter.
18. Locate the given directory: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
19. See if there are any value names dropped by the threat, for example, file.exe, mshta.exe, or Info.hta.
20. Right-click such value names and press Delete.
21. Exit Registry Editor.
22. Empty your Recycle Bin.
23. Restart the computer. Download Removal Tool100% FREE spyware scan and
    tested removal of Start Ransomware*