What is Thunder ransomware?
Thunder ransomware – is a dangerous virus, that is able to encrypt all the important files like documents, photos, videos. Cyber criminals offer to send 100$ to their bitcoin wallet buy in exchange for decryption. The scheme is very typical and common for ransomware viruses. First Thunder infiltrates your system, then starts encrypting procedure with AES encryption algorithm. This ransomware adds .[thunderhelp@airmail.cc].thunder file extension to the name of all the encrypted data. For example, graphics.doc file turns into graphics.doc.[thunderhelp@airmail.cc].thunder file. In this article you can learn how to remove Thunder ransomware and decrypt .[thunderhelp@airmail.cc].thunder files.
Once data on your computer is encrypted, Thunder will create !=How_recovery_files=!.txt file. You can find demands and instruction on how to pay the ransom for decryption key in this file. This is what Thunder ransom note contains:
‘Hello, dear friend!
1. [ ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED! ] Your files are NOT damaged! Your files are modified only. This modification is reversible. The only 1 way to decrypt your files is to receive the decryption program.
2. [ HOW TO RECOVERY FILES? ] To receive the decryption program write on our e-mail: thunderhelp@airmail.cc
And in subject write your ID: ID-[redacted 6 hex] We send you full instruction how to decrypt all your files.
3. [ FREE DECRYPTION! ] Free decryption as guarantee. We guarantee the receipt of the decryption program after payment. To believe, you can give us up to 3 files that we decrypt for free. Files should not be important to you! (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)’
Thunder is a typical ransomware, its main purpose is to force you to pay these cyber criminals. They want you to pay ransom cost. Once you’ve done payment, they are supposed to send you decryption key. But you should know that cyber criminals are not going to give you a decryption key. Mostly they are just ignoring their victims. That’s why there is no need to contact them, it wouldn’t help. Still, Thunder ransomware does very complicated encryption, but it does not damage, move or delete your files, which means you have chance to restore your personal data.
How to remove Thunder ransomware from your computer and restore files?
You may try to use anti-malware tool to remove Thunder 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 .[thunderhelp@airmail.cc].thunder files encrypted by Thunder?
Once you’ve removed virus, you are probably thinking of recovering files from encryption. Let’s take a look at possible ways of decrypting your data.
Decrypt .[thunderhelp@airmail.cc].thunder files with automated decryption tools
Unfortunately, due to novelty of Thunder ransomware, there are no available automatic decryptors for this virus yet. Still, there is no need to invest in malicious scheme by paying ransom. You are able to recover files manually.
Decrypt .[thunderhelp@airmail.cc].thunder files manually
You can try to use one of these methods in order to restore your encrypted data manually.
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.
The download is an evaluation version for recovering files. To unlock all features and tools, purchase is required ($49.99-299). By clicking the button you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.
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 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.
How to protect PC from Thunder?
It’s pretty difficult task to get rid of any ransomware, including Thunder. But you can easily prevent any infection of your PC. HitmanPro.Alert’s CryptoGuard can help you with this problem. It’s one of the best anti-ransomware applications. No matter how sneaky it is, HitmanPro.Alert’s CryptoGuard will stop Thunder infiltration to your system. After detection, this program removes all the related to the ransomware data and prevents your file from being encrypted.