Decoder Ransomware Removal Guide

The Decoder ransomware is a computer infection that encrypts files in order to ask your for a release fee. Ransomware is a type of malware that encodes files using a certain encryption algorithm. Encrypted files are modified by adding the extension .decoder, which goes after the existing extension. After encryption, the victim is informed about changes made on the computer and asked to pay a certain amount of money. A typical ransomware infection would display a full screen warning or a program window containing a ransom message. The latest practice shows that simple .txt files are becoming more and more popular. The Decoder ransomware creates a ransom note file in every directory in which encrypted files are present. File names vary, but they are usually very similar. In the present case, you would find a file named "Instructions". Our advice is to ignore the content of the warning and remove the Decoder ransomare from the computer.

Removing the infection is a must; otherwise, the system may function as a backdoor for other computer infections. Ransomware is spread in several ways, including deceptive pop-up ads, fake updates, bundled downloads, fake email attachments, to mention just a few. The longer you keep the Decoder ransomware on your computer, the more you risk your privacy.

As regards the ransom note, it is a typical ransomware note aimed at obtaining money from inexperienced computer users. Notepad ransom messages could be distinguished into  notes that specify the ransom fee and those that do not provide the sum, which is usually said to depend on how long the victim delays contacting attackers. The Decoder ransomware falls to the latter category. The only specific detail in the ransom note concerning the ransom money is that the release fee must be paid in Bitcoin. Bitcon has now become cyber criminals' currency because of the way the money transaction system operates. Payment is made anonymously to non-identifiable digital wallets, which enables cyber attackers remain unidentified. We strongly advise you against making a payment because the chance of regaining access to your encrypted data is very low, close to zero.

In order to sound more believable, the authors of Decoder ransomware offer the victim a decryption of one file that does not contain any valuable information. This strategy is very often used by ransomware creators. Usually, a victim is offered to have up to 3 files decrypted, and the total size of the files must not exceed the limit. For having files decrypted, the victim is asked to reach the attackers at decoder@keemail.me or decoder@expressmail.dk. It is likely that the victim would be asked to provide the ID number given at the top of the ransom warning.

Even though the release fee is not specified in the ransom message, the sum  could be up to 500 USD. You might be asked to pay a much smaller sum of money, but you should think carefully whether it is worth risking your money.

In order to prevent similar incidents in the future, you should start making copies of your files from the very first moment after you have removed the ransomware infection. There are numerous ransomware threats aimed at locking your data and getting your money, but your backups can help you prevent significant data losses. Without any doubt, it is crucial to keep the operating system protected. An unprotected operating system is a perfect target for cyber attackers specializing in different types of malware. An unprotected computer can be compromised by a Trojan horse, browser hijacker, adware program, or any other malicious piece of software aimed at getting from you as much as possible.

Below you will find our removal guidelines that should help you check directories that typically contain malicious files. After removing files of the Decorder ransomware, scan the system to make sure that the system is malware-free and no other security-related actions are necessary.

How to remove the Decoder ransomware

1. Look for recently downloaded files on the desktop and move them to the Recycle bin.
2. Check the Downloads folder for questionable files and delete them if any detected.
3. Check the Temp directory for malicious files.
4. Empty the Recycle bin to get rid of malicious files for good.