Avest Ransomware

Avest Ransomware is a dangerous threat, and if you cross paths with it, your files are likely to be corrupted before you know what is going on. According to the information presented by our malware research team, the infection is most likely to slither into unprotected systems using remote access vulnerabilities or via emails. If you know where the launcher of this infection is, you need to delete it as soon as possible. Ideally, you would eliminate it before the files were encrypted, but this infection is stealthy and quick to act, and you are unlikely to discover it on your own. Instead, the infection is likely to reveal itself to you. We discuss this further in the report. Although it may seem as if your files were corrupted by this malware permanently, it appears that a free decryptor exists. To learn more about this as well as the removal of Avest Ransomware, you should continue reading this report.

The name of Avest Ransomware comes from the installer that displays the name of a Belorussian company called “ЗАО Авест.” The victim of this malware is unlikely to discover this name, and they might recognize the infection as “Pack14 Ransomware.” This name derives from an extension that is added to the encrypted files as a convenient marker. The “.ckey({key}).email(data1992@protonmail.com).pack14” extension also includes an email address that is linked to the cybercriminals behind the infection. Once all files are encrypted, a file named “!!!Readme!!!Help!!!.txt” is dropped, and it carries a simple message: “Problems with your data? Contact us: data1992@protonmail.com.” The message also includes a “key” that can be found within the added extension also. Ultimately, the attackers do not give a lot of information, and they rely on the fact that victims would want to learn why their personal files are no longer readable. Of course, interacting with Avest Ransomware creator(s) via email is not a good idea. In fact, if you emailed them, there is a good chance that they would try to scam you.

Most likely, if you emailed the attackers behind Avest Ransomware, you would be asked to pay money for some kind of a decryptor. When files are encrypted, a decryptor is a tool that makes the files readable again, and so it is necessary. Unfortunately, no one can force cybercriminals to give you the decryptor even if you pay the ransom. Needless to say, we do not suggest paying the ransom or fulfilling any other demands that the attackers might present via email. Well, what if you do not have backups that could replace the corrupted files, and the idea of losing your files completely sends you into a panic? Do not panic because a free Avest Ransomware decryptor exists. At the time of research, it had been installed almost 2500 times, and so you are not alone in this mess. Hopefully, you can restore your files using this tool, or you can replace the corrupted files with backups. Note that only a handful of ransomware infections are actually decryptable, and so you are lucky this time. If you do not want to risk losing your files in the future, always have backup copies stored someplace safe.

Whether you choose to use a free decryptor or personal backups, you need to delete Avest Ransomware first. Note that if you decide to remove the corrupted files and replace them with backups, you must not connect to backups, wherever they might be, because you do not want to jeopardize their health too. You have several options when it comes to the removal of Avest Ransomware. You can try to erase this malware from your operating system manually, but you will succeed only if you can find and erase the launcher file. This file could be anywhere, and we cannot know its name on your computer. Another option is to employ anti-malware software. This is the option our research team recommends because it offers several solutions at once. First of all, it can delete malware automatically. Second, it can scan your system and erase any hidden threats. Finally, it can protect your system, and remember that if you do not implement security software, your chances of facing malware will be much higher.

Avest Ransomware Removal

1. Delete recently downloaded suspicious files to erase the launcher.
2. Delete the ransom note file named !!!Readme!!!Help!!!.txt.
3. Empty Recycle Bin and then install a malware scanner you trust.
4. Run a full system scan and eliminate any leftovers that might exist.