Apocalypse Ransomware Removal Guide

Apocalypse Ransomware is a malicious infection that locks users screen and blocks such programs as Task Manager or Explorer. As a result, users see a white screen with a ransom note from the malware’s developers. The note says that all your data was encrypted, but with a locked screen you cannot even check whether that is true. The only solution is to restart your computer in Safe Mode. Users who do not know how to do that could follow the instructions below the text. They will also show you how to delete the ransomware once you restart in the Safe Mode. However, we have to warn you that by doing so you will only remove the malware, and your files will remain encrypted. Still that does not mean that you must pay the ransom. Thus, keep reading the article and we will tell you more about Apocalypse Ransomware.

Apocalypse Ransomware could travel with malicious files that are spread via Spam email. Perhaps, you received a suspicious email attachment and launched it right before your screen was locked? Attached files might seem intriguing, and if you cannot resist opening them, you should always take extra precautions. For example, download an antimalware tool and check the suspicious file with it or search for any information about it that you can find on the Internet.

The malware leaves most of the program files unencrypted like the ones that are in the Windows folder, although it blocks a few programs that could allow you to unlock your screen. It is easy to notice which files are unaffected and which ones were encrypted since they have an additional .encrypted extension. Apocalypse Ransomware should also place its malicious file on your computer (C:\Program Files\ C:\Program Files (x86)). It is titled as windowsupdate.exe, so inexperienced users might mistake it with a legitimate system file. It is also responsible for locking users screen since the malware’s created autorun entry directs to C:\Program Files (x86)\windowsupdate.exe. Consequently, every time user turns on the computer, the malicious file will be launched, and it locks the screen.

Besides threats and demands, the ransom note does not provide a lot of information. Users are simply instructed to contact the malware‘s developers via given email address. It could be that the requested ransom might differ to each user. There were cases with other similar infections when users were asked to pay a particular amount of Bitcoins that depended on the importance of the encrypted data. However, even if the price is small, it is not advisable to pay the ransom. You have to ask yourself what happens if you do not get the decryptor because the infection's creators could trick you.

On the other hand, if you made some copies of your data before Apocalypse Ransomware appeared, you do not have anything to worry about. Use the instructions above to unlock your screen and erase Apocalypse Ransomware manually. Also, you can restart in a Safe Mode with Networking and download a reliable antimalware tool that will remove the malicious program. This way you will get a tool that could guard your system against malware too. If you want to ask us more questions about the ransomware, you could write a comment here or reach us via social media.

Restart computer in Safe Mode with Networking

Windows 8\Windows 10

1. Press Win+I and click the Power button.
2. Press and hold the Shift key.
3. Click Restart.
4. Pick Troubleshoot and select Advanced Options.
5. Choose Startup Settings and press Restart.
6. Press F5 and reboot the PC.

Windows XP\Windows Vista\Windows 7

1. Open Start, press Shutdown options, and click Restart.
2. Press and hold F8 when your system is restarting.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking, press Enter and log on.

Erase Apocalypse Ransomware from system

1. Press Win+E to open the Explorer.
2. Go to C:\Program Files (x86) or C:\Program Files.
3. Find a malicious file titled as windowsupdate.exe.
4. Right-click it and select Delete.
5. Close the Explorer and empty Recycle bin.