What is Acute Ransomware?
Acute is a cryptovirus that genealogically belongs to the Phobos Ransomware family. You need to immediately remove Acute Ransomware and decrypt .acute files, and here’s why. Like other crypto viruses of this family, Acute encrypts user data using the AES algorithm and makes files unreadable and unusable. Moreover, Acute changes the extension of the attacked files to .acute, namely composed extension .[lockhelp@qq.com].acute. Needless to say, for many, the loss of important information is like an apocalypse. A popup blocking window, as well as info.txt, act as notes by intruders that contain information about their requirements. Here’s what it looks like:
All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail lockhelp@qq.com
Write this ID in the title of your message
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail:
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 10Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
http://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
!!! All of your files are encrypted !!!
To decrypt them send e-mail to this address: lockhelp@qq.com.
If there is no response from our mail, you can install the Jabber client and write to us in support of lockhelp@xmpp.jp
In fact, fraudsters do not indicate the exact amount of the ransom, but the cost of the decryption key can reach hundreds of dollars. This is big money. Judging by the text in these notes, Acute is aimed at English-speaking users, however, judging by the latest data, the cryptovirus has already spread all over the world. We recommend that you use our recommendations to remove Acute Ransomware and decrypt your files.
Update: Use following service to identify the version and type of ransomware you were attacked by: ID Ransomware. If you want to decrypt your files, please follow our instruction below or, if you have any difficulties, please contact us: submit@securitystronghold.com. We really can help to decrypt your files.
How to remove Acute from your computer?
You may try to use anti-malware tool to remove Acute ransomware from your computer. Newly advanced ransomware detection technology is able to run an instant ransomware scan, which is perfect to protect your computer in case of a new ransomware attack.
SpyHunter provides an opportunity to remove 1 detected malware for free during trial period. The full version of the program costs $39,99 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.
How to decrypt .Acute files?
Once you’ve removed the virus, you are probably thinking of recovering files from encryption. Let’s take a look at possible ways of decrypting your data.
Recover data with Data Recovery
- Download and install Data Recovery
- Select drives and folders with your files, then click Scan.
- Choose all the files in a folder, then press on Restore button.
- Manage export location.
Restore data with automated decryption tools
Unfortunately, due to the novelty of Acute ransomware, there are no available automatic decryptors for this encryptor yet. Still, there is no need to invest in the malicious scheme by paying a ransom. You are able to recover files manually.
You can try to use one of these methods in order to restore your encrypted data manually.
Restore data with Windows Previous Versions
This feature is working on Windows Vista (not Home version), Windows 7 and later versions. Windows saves copies of files and folders which you can use to restore data on your computer. In order to restore data from Windows Backup, take the following steps:
- Open My Computer and search for the folders you want to restore;
- Right-click on the folder and choose Restore previous versions option;
- The option will show you the list of all the previous copies of the folder;
- Select restore date and the option you need: Open, Copy and Restore.
Restore the system with System Restore
You can always try to use System Restore in order to roll back your system to its condition before infection infiltration. All the Windows versions include this option.
- Type restore in the Search tool;
- Click on the result;
- Choose restore point before the infection infiltration;
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Written by Rami D