Ransomware in depth
One of the best ways to keep your data safe and inaccessible to other people is by encrypting it. The file-encryption procedure locks up the files that it’s applied to via a complex code that can only be decrypted through a unique decryption key that only you would have. This file-security method is a very commonly used one especially by people who run big businesses or work in the administration of important organizations.
There, however, is a problem with the file-encryption method and that problem is there are people out there who have found a way to use it for malicious purposes such as extorting money from regular users by applying the data-encryption procedure. There is a whole family of malware viruses called Ransomware cryptoviruses, like .Guvara, .Etols, Veracrypt@foxmail.com that are based on this exact file-encrypting process. A typical cryptovirus would use encryption to make the files of its victims inaccessible since, once the encryption is over, the only person who would have the decryption key would be the hacker who has created the virus. Needless to say, the whole purpose of this nefarious scheme is to allow the criminal to blackmail their victims – anybody who has gotten their files locked-up by a Ransomware cryptovirus would get asked to conduct a money payment to the hacker behind the malware. If the money is not paid following the strict instructions of the cyber criminal, the decryption key for the files would never be sent to the users who have gotten their data locked up. In most cases, the information about how the ransom is supposed to be paid is provided to the users after their files have gotten sealed by the Ransomware – a banner or a pop-up is displayed on the computer screen in which everything that the victim needs to know about the ransom transaction is explained.
Can I remove .Browec File Virus myself ?
.Browec is the main reason we have written this post as it is a really problematic and dangerous representative of the Ransomware cryptovirus family. It is a new virus and, sadly, there aren’t may ways of overcoming the negative effects that its infection may have on your machine.
In general, there is a limited number of options to choose from after a cryptovirus such as .Browec has placed its advanced encryption code on your files. Of course, you can always go for the payment but this won’t really guarantee that the locked files on your computer would get released. There’s nothing stopping the hackers from disappearing with the money that you send them without giving you the key to your data. And, needless to say, there can be no refunds even if your data remains inaccessible after the payment.
Another thing you can try as an alternative is to try to remove the .Browec cryptovirus and then seek alternative data-restoration methods. Instructions on how to eliminate .Browec as well as some potential file-recovery solutions that may help some of you can be found in our guide down below.
.Browec SUMMARY:
| Name | .Browec |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Danger Level | High (.Browec Ransomware encrypts all types of files) |
| Symptoms | .Browec Ransomware is hard to detect and aside from increased use of RAM and CPU, there would barely be any other visible red flags. |
| Distribution Method | Most of the time, Trojans get distributed through spam e-mails and social network messages, malicious ads, shady and pirated downloads, questionable torrents and other similar methods. |
Remove .Browec File Virus Ransomware
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 .Browec
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.
If you see any IP addresses there (below Localhost) send them to us here, in the comments since they might be coming from the .Browec.
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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 .Browec , 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 – .Browec
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 .Browec Ransomware. About 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: .Browec Decryption
The previous steps were all aimed at removing the .Browec 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.