Skymap Ransomware

The clandestine Skymap Ransomware uses stealth techniques to slither into your operating system, and you are most likely to be tricked into executing it via a misleading spam email message. The threat could also cling to more desirable software introduced to you via a bundled downloader, or it could be downloaded by a malicious Trojan already active on your operating system without your notice. Unfortunately, if this malicious infection succeeds at concealing itself, you might not get a chance to delete it before it starts encrypting your personal files. This process is relatively silent too, and you are likely to discover that files were corrupted only after the deed is done. When files are encrypted, the data within is scrambled, and can be read only with the help of a special decryptor. That is what the attackers behind the threat are offering. So, should you accept their offer and follow their demands? Or should you rush to remove Skymap Ransomware? If you want our advice, continue reading this report.

Skymap Ransomware is similar to INFOWAIT Ransomware, Guvara Ransomware, Kiratos Ransomware, and many other infections alike, and that is not surprising, considering that all of these threats come from the STOP Ransomware family. While the functionality of these threats does not change, there are some unique features. For example, if Skymap Ransomware invades the operating system, the “.skymap” extension is added to the corrupted files. There is no doubt that files with this extension are encrypted, but you can try to open them to see for yourself. The files will be unreadable. Along with the encrypted files, you will find a file named “_readme.txt.” This file is dropped by the malicious ransomware, but it is not dangerous, and you can open it. That being said, the information inside the file is meant to scare you and make you take certain steps. Before you open this file, you have to be prepared to be pressured. Right off the bat, the ransom note assures that files can be “returned.” Then, the note informs that you have to pay for the so-called “decrypt tool,” and that should be a sign that you are being blackmailed.

When we analyzed the malicious Skymap Ransomware, its ransom note requested $490 (or $980 after 72 hours) to be paid for the decryption tool. It even included a link to a video that, allegedly, was meant to demonstrate the tool; however, the video was already removed. In the same ransom note, the creator of Skymap Ransomware included two email addresses (bufalo@firemail.cc and gorentos@bitmessage.ch), as well as a Telegram contact (@datarestore), so that victims would communicate with them. Since the note does not offer information on how the ransom must be paid, those who are interested in paying have no other option but to send a message. This is not a good idea because you cannot know how the attackers would respond. For all you know, they could send more malicious files, and you certainly would want to avoid that. If you are planning on paying the ransom, remember one thing: Cyber attackers cannot be trusted. Do you really think that you would get a decryptor after paying the ransom? We do not think that they would, and that is why we believe it is time to remove the infection.

If you are able to detect malicious files, you might be able to delete Skymap Ransomware manually too. The guide below was created by our research team after analyzing the threat. Afterward, you MUST scan your operating system using a legitimate malware scanner. You want to do that so that you would not overlook any leftovers or other malicious infections. What if manual removal is not ideal for you? In that case, we recommend utilizing anti-malware software. This software can automatically eliminate Skymap Ransomware and other threats and, at the same time, secure the system. Obviously, you want your system protected at all times because you do not want other malicious threats slithering in again. Unfortunately, your files will not be restored regardless of how you delete the infection, but if you have backups stored online or on external drives, you can use them to replace the corrupted files.

Skymap Ransomware Removal

1. Tap Win+R keys on the keyboard to launch Run.
2. Type regedit.exe into the dialog box and click OK to access Registry Editor.
3. Move to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
4. If a [random name] value linked to the %LOCALAPPDATA%\[random]\[random].exe file exists, Delete it.
5. Tap Win+E keys on the keyboard to launch Explorer.
6. Enter %LOCALAPPDATA% (or %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\) into the quick access field.
7. Delete the [random name] folder with the [random name].exe file inside if it belongs to the ransomware.
8. Enter %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks\ into the quick access field.
9. Delete the task named Time Trigger Task.
10. Empty Recycle Bin and then quickly perform a full system scan using a reliable malware scanner.