This page aims to help users, infected with the nasty .micro file extension virus. Follow the guide below to decrypt .micro files with ease.
Have you suddenly found that even after a disk clean-up and defragment that your computer’s processing speed is noticeably slowing? Do you get screen-freezes at occasional, random times and see unsolicited connections to the internet happening? If so, check your files for any changes in extensions – you may have contracted this trojan-ransomware and should search and destroy .micro File Extension immediately. This infection enters a system, encrypts user files then demands payment of a ransom for the key. It is a variant (version 3.0) of the the TeslaCrypt infection, and it’s necessary detect .micro File Extension quickly to limit damage. Over the holiday period, it seems that the developers were doing some test runs which took place with resulting infections encoding files and leaving them with .xxx or .ttt extensions. The .micro is seen to be their latest malware development. The ransom program is preceded by a trojan (in this case the Miuref.B trojan) that infiltrates and provides a back-door in the system for the software to download, install and run. All unprotected versions of Windows operating systems can be vulnerable to this trojan which can also be delivered on its own to steal information.
The trojan is contracted by a number of means: by spam e-mails with malicious attachments that are executable (.ex) files; the hasty installing of freeware bundles; by clicking on links loaded with malicious code (fake pop-ups or links on dubious ‘sites); visiting ‘sites compromised by hackers who use exploitation kits to target system vulnerability; by a manual hack via an unsecured network or desktop connection; transmitted through a contaminated external device such as a USB Flash. All these routes are avoidable, though if this infection manages to evade your attention and infiltrate, you must remove .micro File Extension without delay. The ransomware element is riding on the back of the trojan, and when established will first communicate with a command and control server (C&C) which is usually a Dark web domain, and then starts encryption. If infection is discovered in time, encryption can be disrupted and the removal/file recovery task is less problematic. If the malware is not discovered until after encryption, then there are ways to try to recover files that will have varying degrees of success (see below). If regular file back-ups have been carried out, then a reformatting of the disk and re-installation of the operating system can be done. To respond to the ransom demand is not recommended; it does not guarantee the key to your files, or the end of the problem.
Risks associated with .micro file extension virus
- Loss of personal files subject to a ransom payment;
- The transference of any data stored or keyed-into your system – to a third party (including e-mails and financial data – account numbers, pin numbers, passwords);
- The possibility of your system being silently hijacked and used in further criminal networking.
What to do iff infected with .micro file extension virus
If you suspect that you’ve acquired the bug, first disconnect/disable all on-line routes – wired and wireless, as well as any network connections. Restart your computer (this will disrupt the malware’s present activity). If you do not have back-ups for personal files, then create one on an external device such as a USB Flash (avoiding any files with unfamiliar extensions, or those changed to .xxx , .ttt , .micro). Then put your system into sleep mode while you get organized (this will halt activity of the ransomware). If you’ve got software to automatically remove the program, try this. The malware may be able to evade or disable some anti-virus software; if this is the case, download another program to help that specifically recognizes this threat – from another computer – and transfer via disk. To uninstall .micro File Extension manually, see below.
After you have gotten rid of .micro File Extension successfully, try to recover any existing copies of files that are encrypted. This can be tried using Microsoft’s Previous Version tool that searches for earlier copies that may remain, and also look for shadow volumes that may be undamaged using the Microsoft Shadow Explorer (it’s available from their ‘site, if it’s not included in your service pack).
How to Decrypt .micro File Extension Files
Method 1: Restore your files encrypted by .micro file extension virus using ShadowExplorer
Usually, .micro file extension virus 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 encrypted by .micro file extension virus ransomware using File Recovery Software
If none of the above method works, you should try to recover encrypted files by using File Recovery Software. Since .micro file extension virus 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:
Preventing .micro file extension from infecting your PC
If you look at the above methods of how this malware enters a system, it’s easy to see that all these ingresses are really avoidable. They can be closed and locked if a user is careful. As it’s sometimes difficult to keep on top of routine procedures, it’s advisable to use good anti-virus protection as a safeguard. Here are some things to remember: always examine freeware files before installation; avoid clicking unfamiliar links (good practice is to bookmark trusted ‘sites and use these to browse); beware of e-mails with attachments; always keep your browser current and search for updates – use its settings to disable plugins and add-ons being attached without a prompt; regularly check for patches and updates for your operating system; secure all network and wireless access – disable RDP (remote desktop protocol) if not in use; make regular file back-ups to external devices or cloud storage.
Operate carefully and stay clean – make these data-thieves find honest work!
