I wrote this article to help you remove Globe3 Ransomware. This Globe3 Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
Globe3 is an improved version of the dreaded Globe ransomware, which appeared at the beginning if this year. And yes, it is very dangerous. Now it relies on 1024-bit decryption key instead of the previous 512-bit one. But its main purpose remains the same as all ransomware infections`. It slithers in your system, encrypts all of your files and then extorts you for money in exchange for their release. Everything you have stored on your machine gets locked. Your pictures, your music, your videos, your presentations, etc.
It goes without saying that you probably have some very important information on your PC. Most people do. And this ransomware effectively denies you access to all of it. You cannot open/read/watch/ listen to any of your files. Globe3 has appended to them its pesky “.purge” extension and now your computer cannot recognize them anymore. Seeing this extension means that the file-encrypting process is over and the ransomware can proceed to its next move – dropping its ransom note. This is a message from the crooks providing information on how you can recover your data.
Isn`t it ironic that the hackers who keep your data hostage in the first place are now telling you how to get it back? Of, course it is. And it is all a scam. They claim that the only way of freeing your files is by obtaining a special decryption tool, which, of course, doesn’t come for free. You are supposed to pay a hefty ransom amount for it. Usually, the ransom demanded varies from 0.5 to 1.5 Bitcoins. These may seem like a small amount but you should know that a single Bitcoin equals around $600. According to the hackers, once you pay they will send you the tool which can decrypt your data. Is that a sure deal, though? As we explained, ransomware`s main goal is ripping innocent users off.
The cybercriminals care for nothing but money. So, who is to say that you will receive what you paid for? They may simply take your money and don’t send you anything. Or, they can send you a decrypter which doesn’t work. There are many cases in which this which happens. Also, by paying you are giving these strangers access to your private details AND you are helping them expand their business. And your files remain inaccessible. Does this seem like a good deal to you? And even if you pay, the crooks send you the correct tool and you decrypt your data, you still end up the loser.
The tool only unlocks your files, it doesn’t remove the infection. It is still on your machine and it can re-encrypt your data an hour later. Are you going to go through this all over again? How many times are you willing to pay these hackers and expose your privacy to them? Each time you pay them, they will use the money to create even more malware and infect more users. You are practically becoming their sponsor. Face it, files are replaceable. Your privacy, on the other hand, not so much. Do not pay them even a single cent. Instead, use our removal guide below. It is completely free and it will help you recover your data as well.
Once you clean your machine of this pest, make sure it or any other won`t infect you again. First of all, get a reliable anti-malware software to help you better protect yourself in the future. Keep the program up to date and regularly perform scans on your machine to be sure it is infection-free. Second, think of how Globe3 managed to infect you in the first place. Do you know how infections travel the Web? They hide in freeware bundles, or pretend to be bogus program updates, or use spam emails messages. The tricks are too many to count but none of them is good enough to succeed without one key ingredient – your carelessness.
You have to be more vigilant online. Be careful what emails you open. If they are from an unknown sender or look suspicious, delete the right away. Also, program updates. Sometimes a ransomware may pose as a legitimate program update, but it is not. Carefully read what you give green light to as you may regret it later. And last but not least, stay away from shady pages, third-party pop-ups, illegitimate sources, etc. They all may lead you straight to infections.
Globe3 Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, Globe3 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 Globe3 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:
