skynet45@tutanota.com Ransomware Removal Guide

If an extension with skynet45@cock.li email address marked most of your files, you probably encountered a threat we call skynet45@tutanota.com Ransomware. The infection enciphers user’s data so it would become unreadable and then offers to purchase a decryption tool to restore it. It is unknown how much such a tool could cost, but we do not recommend dealing with the malicious application’s developers in any case. The deal might look simple, you pay the ransom, and the hackers deliver the promised decryption tool, but more scenarios could happen. For example, skynet45@tutanota.com Ransomware’s developers may not keep up to their end of the deal or may try asking for more money. Therefore, we would advise not to take any chances and erase the malware. If you think it is the safest choice too, we encourage you to use the removal instructions located at the end of this report.

Further, in the text, we will provide more details about skynet45@tutanota.com Ransomware. At first, we would like to start from its possible distribution channels. As you see, it is unknown where exactly the malicious application comes from. However, from our experience with similar infections, we can say the malware is most likely to be spread through unreliable file-sharing web pages, pop-up advertisements, Spam emails, and so on. It means, it might enter the computer with harmful installers, email attachments, or other data downloaded/received via the Internet. The best way to protect your system from such threats is to stay away from unreliable content. Also, it would be highly recommendable to pick a reliable antimalware tool and keep it up to date so it could guard the computer against infections that may try to slip in.

skynet45@tutanota.com Ransomware marks the files it encrypts with a unique extension made from an ID number generated for each victim separately, an email address (skynet45@cock.li), and .combo extension. If you add up all these parts, you get a long and complex extension, for example, .id-A3940581.[skynet45@cock.li].combo. Nonetheless, it might not be the first thing that notifies you about the malicious application’s presence. Right after encrypting victim’s files it should display a window with a warning message or a ransom note. The text urges to contact the hackers via the provided email addresses and pay the ransom. It is said the user should get the needed decryption tools shortly after making the payment and the malware’s creators can even prove they have such tools. Truth to be told it does not matter if the skynet45@tutanota.com Ransomware’s developers have them or not. The most important thing to know is whether they will hold on to their end of the deal and unfortunately it is one thing you cannot be sure of.

No matter how much the hackers might ask to pay, we would advise against it if you do not want to risk your money. In such a case, we recommend removing skynet45@tutanota.com Ransomware at once. The threat can be eliminated manually by following the instructions located below. Of course, some users may find them too challenging to follow, in which case, it would be best to download a reliable security tool instead. With it, you could erase the malware with automatic features. Plus, the chosen tool could help you strengthen the system.

Get rid of skynet45@tutanota.com Ransomware

1. Tap Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Pick Task Manager.
3. Select the Processes tab.
4. Look for a process associated with the malware.
5. Select the process and click End Task.
6. Leave Task Manager.
7. Tap Win+E.
8. Go to these locations:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
9. Find the malicious file opened before the system got infected, right-click it and select Delete.
10. Navigate to these paths separately:
    %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. Search for files named Info.hta, right-click them and select Delete.
12. Go to these directories:
    %HOMEDRIVE%
    %PUBLIC%\Desktop
    %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
13. Find documents named FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, right-click them and select Delete.
14. Navigate to these paths:
    %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
15. Identify malicious executable files, e.g., file.exe; right-click them and choose Delete.
16. Close File Explorer.
17. Tap Win+R.
18. Type Regedit and click Enter.
19. Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
20. Identify the malware’s created value name, e.g., file.exe, right-click this value name and press Delete.
21. Locate this directory: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
22. Find the malicious application’s created key, e.g., mshta.exe, right-click it and select Delete.
23. Close Registry Editor.
24. Empty Recycle Bin.
25. Restart the computer.