Quimera ransomware

Quimera ransomware – a notorious malware form that does not mark the encrypted files

Quimera ransomware is a malicious infection that can infiltrate computer systems through email spam, software cracks, and unprotected RDP configuration

Quimera ransomware is recently discovered malware^[1] that locks files with a unique cipher but does not append an extension to the filenames. First spotted by S!Ri, this ransomware initiates the encryption process by running specific tasks via the Task Manager and targets all types of files and documents that are located on the infected Windows machine. Afterward, Quimera ransomware displays a ransom note named HELP_ME_RECOVER_MY_FILES.txt that urges for a 0.04 Bitcoin payment (around $300) in exchange for the decryption software. The crooks provide hyperlinks where the victims can buy Bitcoin cryptocurrency and also include their [email protected] email address. These people offer users to deliver them any type of file for free decryption and they will prove that the decryption tool works.

Quimera ransomware includes malicious modules into the Windows Task Manager and injects entries into the Windows Registry. This way the malware can enable some features such as automatic boot up every time the computer is turned on. Regarding this task, the cybercriminals will be sure that their ransomware is active all the time when the PC is alive.

Continuously, Quimera virus might try to evade antimalware detection. As a result, some software might not be able to detect this ransomware, unless the victim reboots his/her Windows computer in Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore. If you are also struggling with this, travel to the end of this article and you will find some instructing steps.

Quimera ransomware is a dangerous virus that urges a 0.04 Bitcoin payment in exchange for the decryption key

However, according to VirusTotal information,^[2] 44 AV engines out of the total 69 detect Quimera ransomware as a malicious threat. Some of the detection names include Win32:MalwareX-gen [Trj], Malware@#1ndvs5ku238ur,  Gen:Variant.Ulise.94720 (B), Ransom.Quimera, Gen:NN.ZexaF.33564.EuW@aO93MKgi, Artemis!757FE364CEF1.

Quimera ransomware might also run specific PowerShell commands that allow deleting the Shadow Volume Copies of all encrypted files. By performing this type of process, the cybercriminals seek to harden the decryption process for the victims who might try recovering some of their documents by using alternative software.

Quimera ransomware developers store both encryption and decryption keys on remote servers so that the codes would be reachable for the cybercriminals only. However, this is not a reason to purchase the decryption tool from the crooks. Even though it might be hard to recover data on your own, paying the crooks might end up in getting scammed.

Additionally, Quimera ransomware might not be the only malware that lands on your computer system. This cyber threat might be packed with other dangerous viruses such as trojans that aim to steal personal information, swindle money from the user’s bank account, destroy particular programs, eat up the CPU power, and slow down the entire computer system.

Regarding all the damage that might be brought by the ransomware and its activities, you should remove Quimera ransomware from your Windows computer system with the help of automatical software. Also, if some damage already has occurred on your machine, you can try repairing things with the help of a tool such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner .

After Quimera ransomware removal, you can try restoring some of your files by using third-party data recovery software that has been added to the end of this article. Again, do not get convinced by the ransom note to pay the ransom price as you might easily get scammed by the cybercriminals. Here is how the entire text message looks like:

Atention! all your important files were encrypted!
to get your files back send 0.04 Bitcoins and contact us with proof of payment and your Unique Identifier Key.
We will send you a decryption tool with your personal decryption password.

Where can you buy Bitcoins:

hxxps://www.coinbase.com
hxxps://localbitcoins.com

Contact: [email protected].

You can send us any of your files by mail and we will prove to you that we can safely decrypt everything.

Bitcoin wallet to make the transfer to is: 3PtjNxVwBJdkqw8dtCvEVCnWCsRbtgAaec

With deepest respect for you Corrupt Bards Team.3PtjNxVwBJdkqw8dtCvEVCnWCsRbtgAaec
Unique Identifier Key (must be sent to us together with proof of payment): –

Phishing techniques are used for ransomware distribution

Technology specialists from NoVirus.uk^[3] claim that ransomware infections are commonly spread via phishing emails and their malicious attachments such as pdf documents, executables, word files, etc. The crooks often pretend to be from reputable shipping, banking, or healthcare companies and deliver the infection inserted in a hyperlink in the message or in the attachment that comes clipped to the email.

If you are thinking about how to avoid infectious through these types of sources, we recommend managing your email carefully. You should always check the sender and the message’s content for grammar mistakes. Also, if you were not expecting to receive the email message, you can surely delete it as any official firm would also contact you via mobile phone. Besides, do not open any attachments without scanning them automatically.

Continuously, ransomware viruses can spread through cracked software^[4] that is placed on secondary downloading networks such as The Pirate Bay. These sources come unprotected and can easily carry malware. Also, the virus can be distributed through an unsecured RDP configuration. The hackers find it very easy to connect to the targeted system remotely if the RDP includes weak passwords or is not protected with a password at all.

Quimera ransomware removal methods 

Quimera ransomware should be eliminated as soon as you spot this malware on your Windows computer system. The malware might bring other malicious objects that you can avoid by proceeding with the elimination process. Also, you need to get rid of the virus first before trying any data recovery techniques.

Quimera ransomware removal requires purchasing reliable software that is strong and capable enough to terminate the notorious parasite. Keep in mind that manual elimination is not an option in this case as you might skip some crucial steps or miss some malware-laden components that are necessary to delete.

When you remove Quimera ransomware from your Windows computer system, go to the end of this article and try some data recovery techniques. Also, you can search for possible damage with software such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes. If these tools find anything, try fixing the corrupted areas with another program such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner .

Remove Quimera using Safe Mode with Networking

To deactivate the suspicious activities and processes that have been added by the ransomware virus, you should boot your Windows computer in Safe Mode with Networking.

• Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list

  Windows 10 / Windows 8

  1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
  2. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
  3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.

• Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage Reimage Cleaner or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Quimera removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.

Remove Quimera using System Restore

To diminish malicious settings on your Windows machine and return it back to its previous state, you should activate the System Restore feature.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Quimera from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files got encrypted by Quimera ransomware, you are likely to be looking for possible data recovery techniques. Do not rush to pay the cybercriminals and try using alternative software first.

If your files are encrypted by Quimera, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro might help you with file restoring.

If the ransomware virus managed to lock up all of your files and documents, you can try recovering them with the help of this piece of software.

• Download Data Recovery Pro;
• Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
• Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Quimera ransomware;
• Restore them.

Use Windows Previous Versions feature for data recovery.

Use this method if there are some files that you want to restore. However, note that this technique works best when you have booted your computer via System Restore in the past.

• Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
• Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
• Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

Shadow Explorer software can be helpful with file recovery.

If the ransomware virus did not permanently destroy or delete the Shadow Volume Copies of your files, you can try using this method.

• Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
• Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
• Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
• Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Currently, there is no official decryption tool released.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Quimera and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner , SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes