I wrote this article to help you remove Czech Ransomware. This Czech Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
Czech ransomware is a win-locker virus. These infections are developed by cyber criminals who use their technological prowess to swindle people. Czech ransomware locks personal files, stored onto computer hard drives. The malevolent program recognizes different file types. It encrypts the files which are not part of the operating software. If it were to damage system files, the device would be unable to run properly. This goes to show how far the knowledge of the hackers extends.
Upon penetrating a computer, Czech ransomware drops its executable in a system folder. The furtive program prefers the local, user, application data and roaming directories. Pursuant to the installation, the files of the win-locker are also placed within the chosen directory. To facilitate its tasks, Czech ransomware makes changes to certain registries. It does not alter many entries, but the intervention is sufficient for the designated purpose.
There are a couple of ways to get infected with Czech ransomware. Spam emails are the predominant host for the shady program. The win-locker can be transmitted to your device through compromised files. An attachment to the letter will carry the codes of Czech ransomware. The sender will describe the attachment as an important document on an urgent matter. He can write on behalf of a legitimate entity to make the message appear truthful. You need to do your own research to confirm whether or not a given letter is reliable. Look up the contacts from the email.
The other way to contact Czech ransomware is through a drive-by installation. Out of all distribution methods, this is the most facilitated. Entering the containing domain will initiate the download and install of the win-locker on the spot. You need to filter your sources well. To get to know whether a given website is corrupted, do your research. Security analysts publish reports regarding harmful web domains to spread the word. Be advised that a compromised link can redirect you to an infected site. You need to be just as cautious about the people you trust for links.
Czech ransomware targets files which store relevant information for the user. This encompasses text documents, images, databases, archives, audios and videos. The clandestine program renders them inaccessible by rearranging their code schemes. The developers of the virus have disclosed that the encryption algorithm Czech ransomware applies is AES-256. This is a common cryptographic cipher which many other win-lockers utilize. The encryption technology changes the codes of the targeted files by switching the places of the symbols in a certain way. The pattern is complex. It would take modern software years to figure out.
As the name suggests, Czech ransomware focuses its attacks at users from the Czech Republic. The message the insidious program displays is written in Czech. Since this language is only official in its native country, there would be no point in distributing the win-locker in other countries. The rogue program displays a lock screen to inform the victim about the underlying situation. Security experts have dubbed this kind of message a ransom note. The name comes from the purpose behind it. The notification aims to convince the victim that the only way to have his files restored is by paying the owners of the win-locker.
The proprietors of Czech ransomware do not ask for much. On the contrary. Their price is among the lowest, compared to other win-locker developers. The cyber thieves demand 200 Czech korunas to perform the decryption. This converts to approximately $8 USD, according to the current exchange rate. Although this may not be much, it is not right to meet the demands of crooks. If a lot of people collaborate, hackers would be encouraged to develop more software for criminal scams.
The developers of Czech ransomware have spared themselves the trouble of creating a sophisticated account for processing payments. Many win-locker developers create a payment page, hosted on the Tor network. The most common means of payment is bitcoins. This is a cryptocurrency which assures the anonymity of the recipient. The proprietors of Czech ransomware have chosen a simpler payment alternative. They require people to pay with a PaySafe card. This method is secure enough to prevent tracing.
Rather than paying cyber criminals, it is best to uninstall the win-locker by yourself. A professional anti-virus program would be able to perform the removal. After you have uninstalled the win-locker, you can proceed to recover the lost data. There are certain utilities to assist you in the process. Czech ransomware does not delete the shadow volume copies of the infected items which leaves a window open. For full instructions on how to tend to Czech ransomware, please refer to the guide below.
Czech Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, Czech Ransomware deletes all shadow copies, stored in your computer. Luckily, the ransomware is not always able to delete the shadow copies. So your first try should be restoring the original files from shadow copies.
- Download ShadowExplorer from this link: http://www.shadowexplorer.com/downloads.html.
- Install ShadowExplorer
- Open ShadowExplorer and select C: drive on the left panel
- Choose at least a month ago date from the date field
- Navigate to the folder with encrypted files
- Right-click on the encrypted file
- Select “Export” and choose a destination for the original file
Method 2: Restore your encrypted files by using System Restore
- Go to Start –> All programs –> Accessories –> System tools –> System restore
- Click “Next“
- Choose a restore point, at least a month ago
- Click “Next“
- Choose Disk C: (should be selected by default)
- Click “Next“. Wait for a few minutes and the restore should be done.
Method 3: Restore your files using File Recovery Software
If none of the above method works, you should try to recover encrypted files by using File Recovery Software. Since Czech Ransomware first makes a copy of the original file, then encrypts it and deletes the original one, you can successfully restore the original, using a File Recovery Software. Here are a few free File Recovery Software programs: