2048 Ransomware

2048 Ransomware is a dangerous threat that appears to employ an RSA-2048 encryption key to encrypt the files found on the infected computer. Unfortunately, although RSA is a well-known cryptosystem, cybercriminals can use unique keys to lock files, and that is why decrypting files is not easy. That is the point of encryption because people usually use it to protect their files. The good news is that this threat comes from the Crysis/Dharma Ransomware family, and since malware experts are already well-familiar with it, they have managed to create Dharma Decryptor and Cryris Decryptor. Unfortunately, not all infections that belong to the same family can be decrypted. Basically, there are no guarantees that your files would be decrypted by these tools, but of course, you might decide to give that a try. If you do, make sure you do not employ fake tools created by cybercriminals or schemers. Of course, whether or not you get your files decrypted, you must remove 2048 Ransomware.

2048 Ransomware has many clones, including SySS Ransomware, ROGER Ransomware, and Dever Ransomware. In most cases, these infections rely on spam emails and also RDP vulnerabilities to invade your operating systems. If no security software is there to protect you, this malware slithers in silently, and you might not get the chance to delete it before it starts encrypting files. You do not need to guess which files were corrupted by 2048 Ransomware because the “.id-{ID code}.[rsa2048@cock.li].2048” extension should be added to their original names. If you try to open these files, you will see that they cannot be read normally. Basically, the threat locks your documents, pictures, and other personal files. Even though they are not removed, you cannot use them, and so they might appear to be as good as gone. Of course, if you can employ free decryptors, you might be able to get back to normal, but if you cannot employ such tools, or if they do not work for you, you have to rely on backups. Do you backup your personal files online or using external drives? If you do, once you remove the infection, you can replace the corrupted files with backup copies.

If replacing files is not an option either, the attackers behind 2048 Ransomware might convince you to contact them and also pay a ransom. They use a window entitled “syspentest@aol.com” (Info.hta) and a file named “FILES ENCRYPTED.txt” to inform you that you should email 2048rsa@tutanota.com and rsa2048@cock.li if you want to recover your files. Although the main message informs that a ransom would have to be paid in Bitcoins in return for a decryptor, the exact sum is not revealed, and it is not clear where you are supposed to send this money to. Obviously, we do not recommend concerning yourself with that because sending messages to cybercriminals is dangerous and paying the ransom is likely to be a waste of money. What if cybercriminals promise to give you a decryptor? Well, they can promise you anything to get your money. Also, note that if they obtain your email address, they could send you malicious messages in the future. That is why we recommend focusing on the removal.

We do not know where the launcher of 2048 Ransomware is on your computer, which is why we cannot help you find it. It goes without saying that if you do not remove the launcher, it does not matter that you remove all other components, which you can do using the guide below. If manual removal is not an option for you, we advise implementing anti-malware software. It will take care of the infection automatically and, at the same time, it will also secure your system to prevent new threats from attacking you and your personal files. If you do not implement security software, you could face another file-encryptor or a different kind of infection, which is why you want to ensure that you do everything to protect yourself. After you delete 2048 Ransomware, we hope that you will be able to recover your files using legitimate decryptors or replace them using backup files. Remember that even if you secure your operating system, it is a good idea to backup personal files to keep them extra safe.

2048 Ransomware Removal

1. Delete all suspicious files that you downloaded recently.
2. Delete all copies of the file named FILES ENCRYPTED.txt
3. Tap Windows and E keys on the keyboard to access Explorer.
4. Enter these paths into the bar at the top to access and Delete the Info.hta file:
   • %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%\
5. Enter these paths into the bar at the top to access and Delete the {unknown name}.exe file:
   • %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\
6. Tap Windows and R keys on the keyboard to access Run.
7. Type regedit into the dialog box and click OK to launch Registry Editor.
8. Move to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
9. Delete three values with random names. Delete the values whose value data boxes present the locations of Info.hta and {unknown name}.exe files.
10. Finally, install a legitimate malware scanner to check your system for ransomware leftovers.