Remove .Skymap Ransomware Virus (+File Recovery)

Instructions to get rid of .Skymap from your computer

.Skymap Virus in depth

Instructions to get rid of .Skymap from your computer
Files encrypted with .Skymap virus

When the system i completely encrypted, the .Skymap virus leaves a _readme.txt file with instructions for the user:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry my friend, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-WNIGhROCrH
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.


To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
[email protected]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
[email protected]

Our Telegram account:
@datarestore

The Web definitely gives many opportunities to the customers globally. Still, the dangers lurking there are also numerous – because of this, one ought to be very cautious when going online. One of the worst software threats which one can come across while browsing the Net is the infamous Ransomware malware sort. The thing that those malware viruses are known for is their capability of harassing their victims which is the reason for the name Ransomware. Down the page, you will be able to learn more about a newly released Ransomware virus that is known to make use of file encryption, placing it on the user’s document files in an effort to seal them and afterwards demand a money payment for the decryption key. The name of the specific cryptovirus that we’re referring to is .Skymap. If perhaps you have come to this article because the noxious malware piece has locked-up your files, we might have the ability to aid you in dealing with this threat.  

How dangerous is .Skymap Virus?

There are quite a few crucial differences between infections of the Ransomware kind and other kinds of illegal and hazardous programs, which happens to be one good reason why those ransom-demanding malware viruses are normally quite difficult to deal with. Arguably, the most unpleasant aspect of Ransomware is its ability to remain hidden from a large number of regular anti-malware software programs. The reason for the ineffectiveness of the majority of antivirus applications is the fact that malicious viruses like .Skymap are typically not likely to actually result in any damage to the system or the documents on the Computer. In fact, no encryption process is actually harmful on its own, however, this type of viruses use it against the infected consumers.

One more significant fact to bear in mind with regards to Ransomware is that, though there are signs that can help you spot it, they are in many cases quite challenging to identify. Nevertheless, in case you intercept some unusual Computer behavior, make sure you turn the device off and consult with an expert.

Removing .Skymap manually

This sort of data-encrypting viruses like .Rectot, .Ferosas are best dealt with by simply keeping them as far away from your data as possible. To start with, considering that virtually all malware programs of this kind are getting distributed via the Internet, you have to be really considerate with regards to  your internet behavior and activities. For example, it greatly matters what websites you visit and what sources you use when downloading stuff. Generally speaking, it is crucial that you avoid any websites that look suspicious and shady as they could potentially hold a variety of safety and security dangers. Other possible methods used for spreading Ransomware that need to be strictly avoided are any spam messages you may get sent on your social network accounts as well as any emails that appear fishy and potentially hazardous. The last suggestion we are going to give you before moving on to the guide would be to to always make certain that you back-up any valuable files that you might have – this is a great way of dealing with possible Ransomware hazards.

SUMMARY:

Name .Skymap
Type Ransomware
Danger Level High (Ransomware is by far the worst threat you can encounter)
Symptoms High use of CPU and a decrease in the free HDD space that your machine normally has could be indicators of an ongoing encryption.
Distribution Method Pirated programs are a tool of malware distribution that hackers who use Ransomware oftentimes employ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remove .Skymap Ransomware Guide

1: Preparations

Note: Before you go any further, we advise you to bookmark this page or have it open on a separate device such as your smartphone or another PC. Some of the steps might require you to exit your browser on this PC.

2: Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to enter the Task Manager. Go to the Tab labeled Processes (Details for Win 8/10). Carefully look through the list of processes that are currently active on you PC.

If any of them seems shady, consumes too much RAM/CPU or has some strange description or no description at all, right-click on it, select Open File Location and delete everything there.

Also, even if you do not delete the files, be sure to stop the process by right-clicking on it and selecting End Process.

3: IP related to .Skymap

Go to c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. Open the hosts file with notepad.

Find where it says Localhost and take a look below that. 

hosts_opt (1)

If you see any IP addresses there (below Localhost) send them to us here, in the comments since they might be coming from the .Skymap.

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4: Disable Startup programs

Re-open the Start Menu and type msconfig.

Click on the first search result. In the next window, go to the Startup tab. If you are on Win 10,  it will send you to the Startup part of the task manager instead, as in the picture:

If you see any sketchy/shady looking entries in the list with an unknown manufacturer or a manufacturer name that looks suspicious as there could be a link between them and .Skymap , disable those programs and select OK.

5: Registry Editor

Press Windows key + R and in the resulting window type regedit.

Now, press Ctrl + F and type the name of the virus.

Delete everything that gets found. If you are not sure about whether to delete something, do not hesitate to ask us in the comments. Keep in mind that if you delete the wrong thing, you might cause all sorts of issues to your PC.

6: Deleting potentially malicious data – .Skymap

Type each of the following locations in the Windows search box and hit enter to open the locations:

%AppData%

%LocalAppData%

%ProgramData%

%WinDir%

%Temp%

Delete everything you see in Temp linked to .Skymap RansomwareAbout the other folders, sort their contents by date and delete only the most recent entries. As always, if you are not sure about something, write to us in the comment section.

7: .Skymap Decryption

The previous steps were all aimed at removing the .Skymap Ransomware from your PC. However, in order to regain access to your files, you will also need to decrypt them or restore them. For that, we have a separate article with detailed instructions on what you have to do in order to unlock your data. Here is a link to that guide.

Author:
Daniel Sadakov has a degree in Information Technology and specializes in web and mobile cyber security. He harbors a strong detestation for anything and everything malicious and has committed his resources and time to battling all manners of web and mobile threats. He has founded MobileSecurityZone.com, a website dedicated to covering the top tech stories and providing useful tips for the everyday user, in an effort to reach and help more people.

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