Ransom:MSIL/FileCryptor.A!MTB

Ransom:MSIL/FileCryptor.A!MTB is a detection by Microsoft Defender Antivirus for a hazardous computer threat that is technically dubbed as Ransomware, File-Coder, or Crypto-virus. Ransom:MSIL/FileCryptor.A!MTB can take away the control of computer users to their files because the virus will apply a complex method to lock it. Obviously, makers of Ransom:MSIL/FileCryptor.A!MTB now dominates the affected data and user have no access to it. For this reason, some victims were forced to pay the ransom money that attacker’s are demanding before they can hand overt the required recovery tool to the victims.

How does it infect the computer?

Ransom:MSIL/FileCryptor.A!MTB spreads in the same manner as common computer viruses. It takes advantages of the inter-connected computers globally for the widespread deployment campaign. Among the favorite of attackers is the utilization of phishing emails where they will attach the virus and influence the recipients to open the file through attractive subject and message.

Other than email, Ransom:MSIL/FileCryptor.A!MTB also spreads via the social engineering attack where the virus or malicious link is sent to the contact list of a hacked accounts. Trojan downloader, RDP exploitation, cracked applications, and web injectors or infected websites also helps in the massive distribution of Ransom:MSIL/FileCryptor.A!MTB.

How does this malware operate?

Once Ransom:MSIL/FileCryptor.A!MTB is executed on the computer, it drops several files on System folder. If boot sequence is required by the virus, it adds a Windows registry entry that initializes the virus code on every start-up of the operating system.

When Ransom:MSIL/FileCryptor.A!MTB is active, it establishes a connection to remote server and obtain necessary commands and public key and proceeds with file encryption procedures. The intention is to block user’s access to the files so that attacker’s can force the victims to pay for the recovery software.

Illustration for Ransom:MSIL/FileCryptor.A!MTB

How to remove Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor?

To totally remove Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor from the computer and get rid of relevant viruses and trojans, please execute the procedures as stated on this page. Make sure that you have completely scanned the system with the suggested malware removal tools and virus scanners.

Quick Fix - Scan the PC with Combo Cleaner for Windows

Combo Cleaner is a trusted PC security and optimization tool equipped with a powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can get rid of hazardous viruses like Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor through this procedure.

1. Download the application from the following page:

2. Save the file to your preferred location.

3. Double-click the downloaded file CCSetup.exe and install with the default settings.

CC for Windows Installation

4. At the end of the setup process, click Finish to run Combo Cleaner.

5. The tool will update the signature file, please wait for this process to complete.

6. To begin checking for threats like Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.

CC for Windows Start Scan

7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete the Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor virus, including all malicious objects from the computer.

Free features of Combo Cleaner for Windows include Disk Cleaner, Big Files finder, Duplicate files finder, and Uninstaller. To use antivirus, privacy scanner, and to delete identified threats, users have to upgrade to a premium version.

Please continue with the succeeding removal procedures if you are comfortable manually getting rid of the virus and malicious items linked to it.

Step 1 : Start Windows in Safe Mode With Networking

The method of running Windows in Safe Mode before running a virus scan is effective in getting rid of Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor. This process can prevent most viruses and malware from loading, making it easier to detect and remove them.

1. On the Windows Search bar, please type msconfig.

Screenshot of MSConfig Command

2. Select and open System Configutation on the list of found results.

3. Once you are in the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.

Screenshot of SafeBoot

4. Under the Boot Options area, please check Safe Boot and select Network. This will allow Windows to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

5. Lastly, click on Apply and OK to save the changes.

6. Please restart Windows.

Do not forget to restore the normal boot process of Windows after running the virus scan. Simply repeat the method above, and this time, uncheck the Safe Boot option to run Windows normally.

Step 2 : Run a virus scanner

To remove Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor, we suggest that you scan the infected computer with this powerful virus removal tool. It can detect and get rid of Trojans, viruses, malware, and adware from the infected computer. To fully protect the computer against Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor or similar attacks, you can activate Sophos to have real-time scanning and complete defense against all forms of threats.

1. Download Sophos Virus Removal Tool from the link below. Save the file on your computer where you can easily access it.

2. Once the download completes, browse the location of the file. Double-click to run the program and begin the install process.

3. On the first window of installation wizard, click Next to continue. Then, it will display the program’s License Agreement. You need to Accept the terms in order to proceed. If Windows prompts for User Account Control, please click Yes to proceed.

Screenshot of Sophos EULA Page

4. On succeeding windows, click Next or Continue to carry on with the installation. After completing the installation process, Launch Sophos Virus Removal Tool.

5. An internet connection is required when running this scanner in order to download important updates. Make sure that everything is up-to-date to effectively remove viruses like Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor.

6. Click the Start Scanning button to  carry out the Scan. This will check the system for the presence of malicious objects, malware, and viruses. The tool reveals items that were found linked to Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor and other suspicious entities. Be sure to remove all identified threats.

Screenshot of Sophos Virus Scan

After executing the above instructions, Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor should have been completely removed from the computer. If there are still signs of infection or the computer is displaying unusual behaviors, please continue with the remaining procedures.

Another alternative for Windows 10/11 users is to scan the computer with Microsoft Defender Offline. This will run a virus scan in the recovery environment.

Step 3 : Double Check with Windows Security Apps

Microsoft Windows has a built-in security application that you can use to double-check if your computer is still infected with Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor. For Windows 10/11 users, please run Windows Security.

Windows 10 / 11 Instructions:

Windows Security is a free tool that was built to help you remove Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor, viruses, and other malicious items from Windows 10/11 systems. Follow these procedures to scan your computer with the tool:

1. Tap or click the Search charm, search for Windows Security, and then open the application.

Image of Windows Security Search

2. On the Home tab, click Virus and threat protection from the sidebar.

3. On the main window, click on Scan Options. Then, click on Full Scan button.

Image of Scan Options

4. Lastly, click on the Scan now button to start scanning for the presence of Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor. The process may take a while to complete.

5. After the scan, Delete/Quarantine identified threats, whether they were relevant to Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor or not. You may now restart Windows to complete the virus removal process.

For older versions of Windows, you can scan the computer for free with the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT 64-Bit). It is a stand-alone virus scanner tool that targets prevalent malware groups.

How to protect the computer from Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor?

The initial defense that comes to mind for any computer user is to install an anti-virus or anti-malware program. This move is sensible and probably the most practical way to protect the computer against a Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor attack. Hence, keep in mind that having security software does not guarantee full protection. The majority of the prevention still lies in being cautious of users, and therefore, we are providing the following information as guidelines to protect the computer from virus infection.

Avoid Malicious Websites

There are enormous numbers of websites that were made for the primary purpose of spreading Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor. Normally, these sites are involved in integrating malicious pop-up and browser hijacker, that will eventually cause further virus infections. Avoid such websites.

Ignore and Delete Phishing Emails

The mass-mailing of computer viruses gives the attackers the luxury of spreading their malicious code in just one send-off. This will arrive in the inbox as an email that appears to be from a legitimate organization. So, if you receive an unexpected email with a link or an attached file, better delete it immediately.

Do Not Click a Suspicious Link

Links from social media, forums, and blog sites are sometimes being utilized by attackers to drive web users to a malicious page that contains malicious code. Therefore, do not just click on any link, especially if it looks suspicious. Accidental access to the destination site may lead to a Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor infection.

Be Careful When Downloading Files

Cracked software, serial key generators, and several freeware are seen as another method that spreads the Ransom:Win32/FileCryptor virus. Avoid acquiring these types of applications, and if there is a need to download freeware or shareware, be sure to obtain it from the official website or trusted providers.

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