Protected Ransomware

Protected Ransomware claims to be Cryptowall 3.0 on the ransom note that it leaves after it encrypts user data. Nonetheless, our researchers doubt it because this malware seems to be working in a different manner. It asks users to pay approximately 225 dollars in exchange for a decryption key. In addition, you have to transfer the money within seven days. If you do not intend to put up with these demands, you should delete the ransomware from your PC. Just scroll below the text and you will find the removal instructions that should help you with this task. However, if you are facing such threat for the first time, it would be a good idea to read a full article. This way you might learn how to defend your system from such malware henceforth.

The malware is called Protected Ransomware because it adds .protected extension to each encrypted file. The infection does not affect system files, but it should encrypt pictures, photos, videos, music files, text documents, and other personal data on your computer. Also, it places a .html file in every location that contains locked data. If you launch this file, you will be redirected to the ransomware’s web page. Mainly, it contains instructions that explain to users how to buy Bitcoins and transfer them to a particular wallet address. The asked sum is 0.5 BTC, which is almost 225 dollars at the moment. Unlike other similar malware, Protected Ransomware does not offer to unlock a couple of files as proof that it can be done.

The instructions also state that “The fee has to be paid within 7 days. If you fail to pay the fee in time, the decyption key will be destroyed and you will loose your files forever!” Compared to other similar threats this malware gives quite a lot of time to make the transaction. However, users should be aware that paying the ransom might be a bad idea. In such cases, there are usually reports from users who made the payment but did not obtain the means to unlock their files. In other words, there are no assurances and you will not be able to get your money back if you do not get the decryption key.

Our researchers that tested this malware say that it could be spread with infected email attachments. For example, it could be a fake PDF, Microsoft Word or any other document. If your computer is not guarded with fully updated antimalware software, it is enough for you to open the infected file and Protected Ransomware could settle in your system. The best way to handle such email attachments is to scan them with an antimalware tool or to avoid them entirely.

As you see, Protected Ransomware is a harmful program that can encrypt your files and make then unusable. The fact that this infection managed to settle in your system shows that your PC is vulnerable to malware. If you want to avoid malicious software, you should ensure your computers safety. It is important to avoid suspicious web pages, applications, email attachments, and so on. Also, you should get a reliable security tool that would warn you about threats that could enter your system.

As we said earlier, paying the ransom is a risky thing to do, so you should consider this option with care. Users who want to get rid of the ransomware should take a look at the instructions below. It looks like the only way to remove the malware is to install a security tool. At least for now because researchers are still looking for a way to erase it manually. Our recommended antimalware tool should locate the files that are related to this infection and allow you to delete them automatically. If you have other suspicious or malicious software on your system, the security tool should detect it too. We hope that the article was useful to you and if you have more questions, feel free to leave us a comment here or write us via social media.

Remove Protected Ransomware

1. Use your browser to open this link: http://www.pcthreat.com/download-sph
2. Follow the installation instructions and launch the tool.
3. Perform a system scan and wait till this process is over.
4. Click Fix Threats button that should appear after the scan.