Php Ransomware

Notes claiming files have been encrypted and asking to email back_me@foxmail.com suggest that a computer got infected with a threat named Php Ransomware. Its title comes from the .php extension that the malicious application appends to each enciphered file. Sadly, affected data becomes unusable without decryption tools, and the reason the malware’s developers want to be contacted is so they could try to convince victims to pay for the decryptor. The suggestion might seem tempting, especially if you have no other way to get your files back, but you should understand that dealing with cybercriminals is always risky as there is a possibility you could get scammed. If you decide it is too dangerous, we recommend erasing Php Ransomware. To get rid of it, you could either use the instructions provided below or a reliable antimalware tool of your preferences. As soon as the malicious application is gone, you could use your backup copies to replace encrypted files.

One of the first questions that pop-up in one’s head after encountering a threat like Php Ransomware is where does it come from? Was there something a user could have done to avoid it? According to our researchers, the malicious application could be spread via malicious Spam emails, software installers, fake updates, unsecured RDP connections, and so on. Thus, to keep away from such threats one may need to not only secure his system (e.g., updated outdated software, change weak passwords, etc.), but also avoid visiting unreliable websites and downloading/opening untrustworthy files. If you receive an email attachment from an unknown sender or obtain a file from a doubtful web page, you should not launch such data without scanning it with a reputable antimalware tool.

Next, it is vital to understand how Php Ransomware works and what happens to its affected files. Firstly, the malicious application should locate files it is going to encipher. Our researchers say it mostly targets personal data, for example, photographs, pictures, videos, archives, and so on. Therefore, data associated with a computer’s operating system or other software installed on it should not be affected. During the encryption process, the threat appends a long extension that besides the earlier mentioned .php part contains a unique user ID number and the hackers’ behind the malware email address. For instance, the sample we encountered locked our data with the .id-B6A8FAN1.[back_me@foxmail.com].php extension. The mentioned ID number should be unique to each victim, so all victim’s extension should be slightly different. After the encryption process, Php Ransomware might display a window with a ransom note and a text document with similar text called RETURN FILES.TXT.

The malware’s ransom notes may ask to contact the threat’s developers via given email address and pay a ransom. It is difficult to say what the price could be like as the hackers might ask for any amount they want. Some cybercriminals set low prices to gather money from more users, while others ask for sums many could not afford to pay and hope to convince at least a few victims. We already mentioned that paying a ransom does not guarantee you will receive the decryptor Php Ransomware’s developers could be promising to provide. The truth is that you could end up empty-handed, and if you do not want to risk losing your savings in vain, we recommend erasing Php Ransomware.

Users who wish to eliminate Php Ransomware manually could try using our provided removal instructions that you should be able to see at the end of this paragraph. Needless to say, if the process looks too complicated and you do not think you can handle it, we advise using a reliable antimalware tool that could delete the malicious application for you. Users who have even more questions about the malware are welcome to leave us comments at the end of this text.

Eliminate Php Ransomware

1. Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Choose Task Manager and select Processes.
3. Find a process belonging to the threat.
4. Mark it and click End Task.
5. Exit Task Manager.
6. Click Win+E.
7. Find these paths:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
8. Find the malicious application’s launcher (suspicious recently downloaded file).
9. Right-click the installer and press Delete.
10. Then right-click files called RETURN FILES.TXT or similarly and select Delete to erase them.
11. Exit File Explorer.
12. Empty your Recycle Bin.
13. Restart the computer.