AIR Ransomware

AIR Ransomware changes Desktop picture with a .jpg file called Tulips, which, sadly, instead of tulips, shows a text saying all your files have been encrypted. Usually, the only way to get such data back is to decrypt it, but for you to be able to do so, you would need special decryption software and a unique decryption key. Also, users can replace files with backup copies from removable media devices and cloud storage. As for shadow copies, this malicious application ensures that they all get erased. The purpose of doing so or creating a threat acting this way is to be able to extort money from users who have no options to restore valuable or precious data. Even if it seems like the only option, keep in mind that there are no reassurances you will get your files back even if you put up with all demands. You can find out more details about this malware, including how to erase AIR Ransomware, by reading the rest of this article and checking our provided instructions.

It seems this malicious application could be distributed through unreliable websites, Spam emails, and sources alike. It means that AIR Ransomware’s installer or launcher could be any file that you obtained from an untrustworthy source around the time you noticed this threat on your computer. To avoid receiving such malware in the future, our specialists recommend against opening files from unknown senders or unreliable websites.

If you want to launch a file even though you know it comes from a questionable source, we advise scanning it with a reliable antimalware tool first. After the scan is done, you should learn if it is safe to open the file in question or not. Also, users should know that malicious files do not necessarily have to look suspicious. Hackers can use names of legitimate system files, programs, and so on. Plus, malicious software installers might resemble harmless data, e.g., pictures, text files, updates, etc. Thus, it is vital never to let your guard down.

Reports say that once AIR Ransomware’s launcher is opened, the malware should move it from the place a victim downloaded it unknowingly to a folder titled %WINDIR%. Its next move should be to identify files that the malicious application is supposed to encrypt. Apparently, all files that are not located in folders, which contain system or program data, should become encrypted. A unique additional extension from a victim’s ID number, email address, and the word “air” in capital letters ought to appear on each locked file

For example, a document called tickets.pdf could become tickets.pdf.7763755801941518338.ex_parvis@aol.com.AIR after getting encrypted. Soon enough, the malicious application should drop a file with a ransom note that could appear on a user’s Desktop or any other directory where a victim would see it immediately. Besides, as said at the beginning of this article, AIR Ransomware changes an infected device’s wallpaper with a specific image that also shows a slightly shorter version of the threat’s ransom note.

Mainly, the malware’s notes claim the threat encrypted all private files and that they can be decrypted as long as a victim contacts the hackers behind this infection via email. What is not mentioned is that the cybercriminals will probably ask for a ransom in exchange for a decryption tool and a decryption key that could together restore the malware’s locked files. The problem is that whatever AIR Ransomware’s developers may say, the truth is that they cannot provide any guarantees.

Normally, users are asked to make a payment first, and then they are left to wait for decryption tools, which may not get delivered if hackers do not feel like providing them anymore or simply become unable to do so. Sometimes it happens because some ransomware applications upload decryption keys onto remote servers that and sometimes they are programmed to delete such keys after a specific amount of days, hours, and so on. Of course, it is for you to decide if you can risk your money and if you wish to do so. If you choose not to, we recommend concentrating on how to remove AIR Ransomware.

Users who are experienced in erasing threats similar to this malware could try deleting AIR Ransomware manually. The instructions located at the end of this paragraph are there to guide you through this process. If you think it is too complicated or you would like to have a program to get rid of the threat for you, we advise installing an antimalware tool. Make sure it comes from reliable creators and that you download its installer from a legit website. Then install the chosen antimalware tool and perform a full system scan. After it, you should see a list of identified threats, and to delete AIR Ransomware along with other detections, you should click the antimalware tool’s provided removal button.

Eliminate AIR 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 this folder: %WINDIR%
8. Find the malicious application’s launcher (an executable file with a random name).
9. Right-click it and select Delete.
10. Change your Desktop wallpaper.
11. Then go to %WINDIR% again.
12. Find a file titled Tulips.jpg, right-click it, and press Delete to erase it.
13. Exit File Explorer.
14. Empty Recycle Bin.
15. Restart the computer.