PhobosImposter Ransomware

PhobosImposter Ransomware encrypts all data except executable files. After encrypting targeted files, the malicious application drops ransom notes in every directory that contains affected data. If opened, such documents should show the same text saying that users who want decryption tools will have to pay for them. Moreover, hackers also urge users to contact them faster because the price seems to depend on how quickly the cybercriminals are emailed. Instead of rushing, you should think about what happens if hackers do not keep up with their promises even if you put up with their demands. Whatever you decide to do, we advise not to leave the malware on your system. To erase PhobosImposter Ransomware, you could use the instructions placed below this article or a reliable antimalware tool.

After researching the malicious application, we believe that PhobosImposter Ransomware might be spread through Spam emails, malicious file-sharing sites, unsecured RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) connections, and with the help of exploit kits. It is not an easy task to protect one’s system from a threat that can enter it through various channels. Nonetheless, if you are determined to protect your computer from this threat or malicious applications alike that you might encounter in the future, we have a couple of tips to give.

Firstly, we recommend against interacting with attachments or links received via Spam emails, messages from senders that you do not know, or emails that seem to be intended to scare you into doing something. Secondly, you should watch out for fake game cracks, updates, and software installers that come from unreliable websites. Also, it would be wise to ensure that your RDP connections are secured with strong passwords and other safety features like Two-Factor Authentication and that your computer does not have weaknesses, such as outdated software. In addition, it is advisable to keep a reliable antimalware tool and scan files received from the Internet if you are not entirely sure that they are harmless.

If a user accidentally launches PhobosImposter Ransomware’s installer or it gets dropped on the system, the malware should start encrypting files. Our researchers say that the threat might encrypt all files except executable files. You should be able to tell if a file is encrypted or not just by looking at its full name. As you see, files that get encrypted with this malicious application should receive a second extension called .phobos, for example, garden.jpg.phobos. The next thing that the threat ought to do is drop text documents called Restore-My-Files.txt in every location that contains encrypted files. Consequently, there might be lots of the ransom note’s copies on your system.

Each Restore-My-Files.txt document should contain a message claiming that all files were encrypted, and they can only be decrypted with special decryption tools. Also, as mentioned earlier, PhobosImposter Ransomware’s creators should urge victims to email them faster to learn how much to pay for the decryption tools and how to make a payment. It is possible that hackers could scam you, in which case, all of your transferred money could be lost for nothing. If you do not want to risk it happening, we advise not to put up with any demands and eliminate PhobosImposter Ransomware.

Removing PhobosImposter Ransomware manually should not be particularly challenging, although the task could seem complicated for inexperienced users. Thus, if you want to try to deal with this malicious application manually, we recommend using our deletion instructions located at the end of this paragraph. On the other hand, if you think the process is too difficult or time-consuming, you could install a reliable antimalware tool and let it erase PhobosImposter Ransomware for you. If you have any questions related to the malware or its deletion, do not hesitate to use our comments section available below.

Eliminate PhobosImposter 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 file downloaded before your computer became infected).
9. Right-click it and select Delete.
10. Find files called Restore-My-Files.txt, right-click them, and select Delete.
11. Exit File Explorer.
12. Empty Recycle Bin.
13. Restart the computer.