Asus Ransomware Removal Guide

Asus Ransomware can be identified with the help of the “.id-{ID}.[DataBack@qbmail.biz].asus” extension appended to the files that this malware corrupts. The extension is a mere marker, but some victims might attempt to remove it from their files. Unfortunately, that is a futile action because an encrypted file cannot be restored back to its usual form just by changing its name. A decryptor is needed for that, and you cannot download it online. In some cases, ransomware researchers are able to crack the code and release a free decryptor, but that is not the case with this infection. If you decide to look for a tool of that nature, make sure that you are careful so as not to install something more malicious. Unfortunately, the attackers behind the infection can suggest obtaining their own decryptor, and if victims see no other solution, they might decide to accept the one offered by cybercriminals. If you want to learn why trusting them would be a bad idea, as well as how to delete Asus Ransomware, you should continue reading.

It is unlikely that you know this, but Asus Ransomware has many clones. Some of the more recent of them include Wiki Ransomware, Uta Ransomware, Save Ransomware, MGS Ransomware, and Wal Ransomware. They were created using the same code, and most researchers identify them by the names of the original infection known as Crysis Ransomware or Dharma Ransomware. When this malware is created, the attackers have to spread it, and it looks like remote access vulnerabilities and spam emails are likely to be used for the task. When it comes to vulnerabilities, exploiting them is not that hard because security backdoors are already opened. When it comes to emails, the recipients have to be tricked into opening the infection’s launcher. Most likely, it would be presented as a file attachment, and when the recipient clicked it, they would be asked to enable macros. If you are ever asked to do that, remember that this is how malware can slither in. It is best if you delete suspicious emails sent by unknown senders without any hesitation.

Most victims of Asus Ransomware realize that they need to remove this malware from their systems only after a file named “Info.hta” is opened. This file launches a window that that declares this: “All your files have been encrypted! All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail DataBack@qbmail.biz.” The message informs that if the victim cannot contact the attackers using the first email, BTCdecoding@foxmail.com can be used instead. Should you send the attackers a message? You should close the window and delete the file that is set to launch it on Windows Startup instead. Sure, the creator of Asus Ransomware might be the only one who can give you a decryptor, but how can you be sure that you would get it? After all, you have faced CYBERCRIMINALS, and if you think you can trust them, you are mistaken. At the end of the day, the only thing that the attackers want from you is money, and if you contact them, they will instruct you to pay a ransom. Of course, you are free to do whatever seems fit, but we do not advise paying the ransom or even sending an email, to begin with.

In conclusion, if personal files were encrypted by Asus Ransomware, you might have no way of recovering them, and, in that case, the attackers behind the infection can try to convince you to pay a ransom in return for a decryptor tool. Even though this option might sound ideal, cybercriminals are not known to be trustworthy, and if you pay the ransom, you are most likely to be left empty-handed. Hopefully, you do not need to take the risk in the first place because you have copies of your personal files stored in backup. Whether you use external drives or cloud platforms, if you can replace the corrupted files, there is nothing that should stop you from removing Asus Ransomware as soon as possible. While it might be more difficult to do it manually, it takes no effort on your part if you decide to employ an anti-malware program. We suggest going with the latter option because the right program will also ensure reliable Windows protection.

How to delete Asus Ransomware

1. Delete recently downloaded files you do not recognize or trust.
2. Delete the ransom note file called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt. It should exist on Desktop.
3. Simultaneously tap Win+E keys to access Windows Explorer.
4. Use the quick access field (bar at the top) to access the following folders and then Delete the Info.htafile:
   • %APPDATA%
   • %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
   • %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
   • %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
   • %WINDIR%\System32\
5. Access the following folders to find and Delete a malicious {unknown name}.exefile:
   • %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
   • %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
   • %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
   • %WINDIR%\System32\
6. Simultaneously tap Win+R keys to access Run and enter regedit into the box to access Registry Editor.
7. In the pane on the left, move to HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
8. Delete all keys associated with Info.hta and {unknown name}.exe files.
9. Empty Recycle Bin.
10. Employ a malware scanner you can trust to scan your operating system for hidden/missed infections.