How to Remove Proticc Ransomware from the Computer System?
About: Proticc Ransomware is a harmful computer program that infiltrates the computer system through third party software and spam email attachments. It encrypts the user’s files with a powerful encryption algorithm such as AES or RAS encryption algorithm... Read More. It displays a ransom note to the user and demands ransom in crypto currency for the decryption key. Less
| Ransomware | How to Remove Proticc Ransomware from the Computer System?
What is Proticc Ransomware?
Proticc Ransomware is a malicious computer program categorized as a Ransomware. It uses powerful file encryption algorithm such as AES or RSA encryption algorithm to encrypt files. The method of infiltration used by such malicious program is through third party software bundling, spam email attachments, malicious links in web pages, torrents and peer-to-peer file transfers.
Users should be careful while installing any software from the third party websites. Many a times, the installation setup contains additional software bundled within. The user ends up installing the additional software if they rush through the installation steps. The users should always check the Custom/Advanced Settings and uncheck any additional software that is not needed.
Spam emails often contain attachments that download the virus payload in the system Malicious links and fake websites are also used as a method of infecting the user’s system with the Proticc Ransomware. Torrents and Fake Update notification messages in the web browser can also be the gateway to malware.
Proticc Ransomware – Threat Behavior
Proticc Ransomware encrypts the user files with a powerful encryption cipher after it successfully infects the system. It uses AES or RAS encryption Algorithm to encrypt the files with the .lol file extension. These files include photos, videos, documents, audio, backup files etc.
The File extensions affected by the Proticc Ransomware include .doc, .txt, .xls, .pdf, .ppt, .gif, .jpg, .png, .html, .xml, .psd, .mp3, .mp4, .avi, .mov, .mpg, .wav, .sav etc.
The Proticc Ransomware makes unwanted entries in the windows registry to stay in the system forlong. It can launch new windows processes to hampers the smooth functioning of the operating system.
The Proticc Ransomware displays a ransom note to the user and demands ransom in crypto currency in return for the decryption key to unlock the files. Proticc Ransomware ransom note threatens the users that their files will be deleted if the ransom is not paid within an hour.
The Proticc Ransomware may be tasked to erase all the shadow volume copies of the windows operating system. If the Proticc Ransomware is successful in deleting the shadow volume copies from the system, it gets harder for the user to restore the system back to the state before it got infected.
The user should keep in mind that the threat actors of Proticc Ransomware or any other malware do not have any moral code or moral responsibility. The user should never pay the ransom for the decryption key as the cyber crooks can’t be trusted to provide the decryption key after getting the ransom.
How Did Your System Get Infected?
The cybercriminals use various strategies for malware distribution which include –
Software Bundling: Software bundling is the process in which a malicious program is distributed with other free software, to get an unnoticed entry into your computer system. When a user installs a free application, the malicious programs gains a front door entry with the free application, the user has downloaded. Thus, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the installation screens while installing these free applications.
Infected Storage Devices: Your system can also get infected by using removable media such as USB hard drives and jump drives without scanning them with an anti-virus.
Spam Emails – Spamming is the most economic and common method used for the distribution of such malware. The targeted users get genuine looking emails which contain .doc, .txt, and other similar attachments. These attachments can be named as anything which can grab the user’s attention and triggers him/her to open the attachment. As soon as the user opens this attachment, the malware infects the user’s computer system.
Malicious Websites or Malevolent Advertisements: The malicious websites are the ones which are created just for promoting the malware infections. Such websites include but are not limited to porn sites, torrent sites and other free downloading platforms. By visiting such websites, the adware infects the user’s computer without permission. Fake advertisements and updates like Flash player and windows updates which ask the user to update to the latest version are a few examples. When the users click on such links, their computer system gets infected. That is why, it is highly recommended to resist clicking on such links. Also avoid clicking on advertisements offering free stuff such as Win an iPhones, cars or free overseas trips etc.
Threat Summary
Name – Proticc Ransomware
Category – Malware, Ransomware
Targeted Operating Systems – Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.0/8.1, Windows 10
Symptoms – Encrypts the user’s system with a powerful AES or RAS encryption algorithm cipher, changes the file extensions of the encrypted files with .lol file extension, displays a ransom note that demands ransom from the user in crypto currency in exchange for the decryption key.
How to Remove Proticc Ransomware from the PC?
The users should never give in to threats made by cyber crooks. The users should find the ways to get rid of malware from their system. It is imperative that the user deletes the Proticc Ransomware from their system immediately using the Proticc Ransomware removal steps mentioned below.
Follow these steps in the given order because the removal of Proticc Ransomware is complex. If you miss out on any step then the Proticc Ransomware can make a comeback to the system.
To restart the system to Safe Mode with Networking, if already switched ON then follow the below steps:
Windows 7/ Vista/ XP
Click on Windows icon present in the lower left corner of the computer screen.
Select and click Restart.
When the screen goes blank, Keep tapping F8 Key until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
With the help of arrow keys on keyboard, Select Safe Mode with Networking option from the list and press the Enter Key. The system will then restart to Safe Mode with Networking.
5 Click on the username and enter the password (if any).
Windows 10 / Windows 8
Press and hold the Shift Key and simultaneously click on the windows icon present in the lower left corner of your computer screen.
While the Shift key is still pressed click on the Power button and then click on Restart.
Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.
When the Startup Settings screen appears which is the first screen to appear after restart, select and click on Enable Safe Mode with Networking. The system will then restart to Safe Mode with Networking.
Click on the username and enter the password.
Type “Msconfig” in search box / Run Box, select it and press Enter.
Click on “Services” Tab and click on “Hide all Microsoft services”.
Select Proticc Ransomware from the list of remaining services and disable it by removing the tick mark from the checkbox and click on Apply button.
Windows 7
Click on the next tab – “Startup”.
Find any blank or suspicious entry or the entry with Proticc Ransomware mentioned and remove the check mark.
Click on Apply button and then click on OK.
Windows 10
Click on the next tab – “Startup”.
Take the mouse cursor to ‘Open task Manager‘ link and click on it. This opens the Task Manager window.
Find any blank or suspicious entry or the entry with Proticc Ransomware mentioned and click on it.
Type “Regedit” in search box / Run Box, select it and press Enter.
An authorization dialog box will appear, then you just have to click “Yes”. (The dialog box appearance may vary depending on OS used. For Windows 10 the the dialog box looks like the first screenshot and for windows 7 it appears like the second screenshot)
In the registry editor, take the backup of the current registry settings before making any changes in case you want to revert to old settings later. For this, Click on File option in the menu and select Export. Save the entry at a known location.
From the Menu, Click Edit and Select Find.
Enter Proticc Ransomware and click Ok in the search box.
Restart System using Safe mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7/ Vista/ XP
Click on Windows icon present in the lower left corner of the computer screen.
Select and click Restart.
When the screen goes blank, keep tapping F8 key until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
With the help of arrow keys on keyboard, Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press the Enter Key. The system will then restart to Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
Click on the username and enter the password (if any).
Windows 10 / Windows 8
Press and hold the Shift Key and simultaneously click on the windows icon present in the lower left corner of your computer screen.
While the Shift key is still pressed click on the Power button and then click on Restart.
Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.
When the Startup Settings screen appears which is the first screen to appear after restart, select and click on Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt. The system will then restart to Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
Click on the username and enter the password.
Once the system starts, ensure to use an account with administrative privilege to access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
After the user enters admin credentials, Command prompt window is displayed wherein you are entitled to enter the below commands:
Type the command “sc deleteProticc Ransomware” in the command prompt and press Enter.
Type “exit” to exit the command prompt and restart the system in safe mode with command prompt.
Click on the ‘Start’ button on the taskbar. This will open the Start menu.
Click on the ‘Control Panel’ button in the Start menu. This will open the control panel window.
In the Control Panel window, click on the ‘View by:’ button on the top right. Select the Large Icon option
In the control Panel window click on the ‘Recovery Icon’. This will open a window that will ask ‘Restore the computer to an earlier point in time’.
Click on the ‘Open system restore’ button. This will open the ‘system restore ’window where you need to click on the Next Button.
Select the restore point that is prior the infiltration of Proticc Ransomware. After doing that, click Next.
This will open the ‘Confirm your restore point’ dialog box. Click on Finish button. This will restore your system to a previous restore point before your system was infected by Proticc Ransomware.
Method 2 using Command Prompt
Type cmd in the search box and click on the command prompt to open the Command Prompt window. box and clicking on it.
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.(Ensure that you in the system32 directory of Windows folder in C Drive)
Now type rstrui and press Enter again.
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Proticc Ransomware. After doing that, click Next.
This will open the ‘Confirm your restore point’ dialog box. Click on Finish button. This will restore your system to a previous restore point before your system was infected by Proticc Ransomware.
Method 3 : Directly type 'rstrui' in the search box
Type ‘Rstrui’ in the search box present on the task bar. This will open the System restore dialog box.
Continue to follow steps 4 & 5 of Method 2 to restore the System Files and settings.
Tips to prevent your computer system from getting infected
Keeping the Operating System Updated- In order to remain protected and avoid such infections, it is recommended to keep your Operating System updated by enabling the automatic update on your system. The systems with outdated or older versions of Operating System become an easy target for the attackers.
Resist clicking on spam emails – One of the major techniques used for malware distribution is forwarding spam emails to the user. The system gets infected as soon as the user clicks on the attachment. These mails appear to be genuine, so be aware and resist falling for these tricks.
Keep an eye on third party installations- It is quite important that you take due care while installing any third party applications for they are major source of such infections. Such malware programs come bundled with the free applications thereby requiring the user to remain cautious.
Regular periodical backup- In order to keep your data and files safe, it is recommended to take regular back up of all your data and files either on an external drive or cloud.
Use Anti-Virus Protection- We strongly recommend the use of antivirus protection/internet security in your PC like Avira and Kaspersky so that it remains safe.
Enable the Ad Blocker/Popup Blocker in your browser- Enabling the popup blocker/ ad blocker in your chosen browser will help you to stay protected from annoying adware.
The researchers at Virus Removal Guidelines are dedicated to track down the latest vulnerabilities which may infringe your system security. Our team of expert performs a detailed research about every malware infection before educating our users about the same.
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