How to remove Anomaly Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is Anomaly Ransomware

Anomaly Ransomware emerges as a pervasive threat in the digital landscape, encrypting users’ files and demanding a ransom for their decryption. Borne from the Chaos ransomware family, this malware modifies filenames by appending a distinct extension composed of four random characters, such as .gswo or .xlzj, concealing the true nature of the files. Utilizing a complex encryption algorithm, Anomaly Ransomware renders user files inaccessible without the proper decryption key, which remains solely in the possession of the cybercriminals. Upon infecting a system, it dramatically alters the desktop wallpaper and places a ransom note in a text file named read_it.txt. This file informs victims that their data is now encrypted, emphasizing the acquisition of the decryption key as the only means of data recovery, with the demand set at 0.05 BTC. While paying the ransom might seem like a solution, there is no guarantee that the attackers will fulfill their promise of delivering the decryption key, as history shows many victims are left out in the cold even after payment.

Decoding the encrypted files imposed by Anomaly ransomware is fraught with challenges due to the sophisticated nature of the encryption used. Unfortunately, as of now, there are no universally available free decryption tools that can reverse the encryption process instituted by this malware. Victims are advised against succumbing to the ransom demands, as it not only funds cybercriminal activities but also does not assure recovery of the incorrigible data. Data restoration can ideally be executed by recovering files from secure, previously created backups—a practice crucial for individuals and organizations alike. Those without viable backups might attempt recovery utilizing third-party data recovery tools like Stellar Data Recovery, though success is not assured, especially with the robust encryption algorithms ransomware employs. Continuous caution in digital operations, ensuring robust cybersecurity practices, and maintaining an updated antivirus, could prevent such attacks, minimizing potential shutdowns brought by this damaging ransomware.

How Anomaly Ransomware infects computers

Anomaly Ransomware primarily infiltrates computers through deceptive techniques, often exploiting human error. It frequently uses phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or links, masquerading as legitimate communications to trick users into opening them. Once the user interacts with these infected files, the ransomware is executed, initiating the encryption process. Additionally, Anomaly can be distributed via compromised websites, where it leverages drive-by downloads to infect unsuspecting visitors. Social engineering plays a significant role in its proliferation, enticing users to download malware by disguising it as software updates or legitimate applications from untrustworthy sources. To minimize the risk of infection, vigilance is crucial, along with maintaining updated security software and avoiding suspicious downloads.

1. Download Anomaly Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Anomaly Ransomware

Anomaly Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


Anomaly Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of encrypted files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Anomaly Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Anomaly Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Anomaly Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro