What is Apocalypse Ransomware?
Apocalypse encryption virus is one of the representatives of ransomware threats. And thus the malicious program operates in the same manner as other ransomware applications do. Just after it manages to crawl into a system, it detects the files of the most popular formats and encrypts them with a strong code. After this procedure the files become inaccessible and a user gets a notification that blocks the screen. And since this makes all further attempts to use the machine pointless, users are forced to comply to cyber criminals demand, which is transferring money within 71 hours. However, we don’t recommend to pay the ransom, as it only encourages hackers to continue their corruptive activities and doesn’t give the guarantee of files retrieval. Instead we offer this guide explaining how you can remove Apocalypse ransomware and get your files back.
Symptoms of Apocalypse Ransomware infection
It’s difficult not to notice ransomware, since it often has one of the processes responsible for displaying a notification message. This window blocks the screen leaving the user minimum alternatives. Besides, some files will be inaccessible, as in many cases ransomware encrypts them to exasperate the scaring effect.
How Apocalypse Ransomware got installed on your computer
Ransomware viruses are one of the most destructive and the most difficult to get rid of threats, that’s why it’s better to prevent the infection than to fight it. The first and most reliable line of your security is anti-virus and antimalware programs, that you should always keep running and up-to-date. The updates include information on recent threats and in cases with software provides patches against them, so make sure that you have your drivers, applications and system components updated to prevent malware intrusion. Besides, be cautious with your email inbox, as spam messages are often used for ransomware spreading. Remember that it’s important to ignore suspiciously looking messages and to scan email attachments before opening them.
What to do if your PC is infected with Apocalypse Ransomware
As soon as you notice the presence of the ransomware on your system, you should turn your computer off. If it is possible try to create a backup or image of your hard drive info. This may let you to reserve the state of your drives in case a decryption method would be created afterwards.
How to remove Apocalypse Ransomware?
To make sure that the adware won’t reappear, you need to delete Apocalypse Ransomware completely. For this you need to remove the files and registry entries of the ransomware. We should warn you that performing some of the steps may require above-average skills, so if you don’t feel experienced enough, you may apply to automatic removal tool.
Performing an antimalware scan with Norton would automatically search out and delete all elements related to Apocalypse Ransomware. It is not only the easiest way to eliminate Apocalypse Ransomware, but also the safest and the most assuring one.
Steps of Apocalypse Ransomware manual removal
Restart Windows in Safe Mode
For Windows XP:
- Restart the system
- While computer is rebooting press F8 several times
- In the appeared list of options choose Safe Mode
For Windows 7 and Vista:
- Restart the system
- While computer is rebooting press F8 several times
- In the appeared list of options choose Safe Mode
For Windows 8 and 8.1:
- Restart the system
- While computer is rebooting press F8 several times
- In the appeared list of options choose Safe Mode
For Windows 10:
- In the Start menu click on the power button
- Hold Shift and choose Restart
- Choose Troubleshoot
- In the Advanced Options choose Startup Settings
- Click Restart
- Select Enter Safe Mode
Delete files and registry entries added by Apocalypse Ransomware
Now you will be able to reach the needed functions and files. For eliminating the ransomware activity, you need to find all of the following items and delete them.
Remove Apocalypse Ransomware files and folders:
C:\Program Files (x86)\windowsupdate.exe
Remove Apocalypse Ransomware registry entries:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Windows Update Svc C:\Program Files (x86)\windowsupdate.exe
Restore the files encrypted by Apocalypse Ransomware
Use the decrypting tool
Unfortunately, currently a tool able to decrypt the files infected by Apocalypse Ransomware is not released yet. You may try applying to the methods described below, however, they might not work with the latest versions of Apocalypse Ransomware.
Restore the system
- Initiate the search for system restore
- Click on the result
- Choose the date before the infection appearance
- Follow the on-screen instructions
Roll the files back to the previous version
- Right-click the file and choose Properties
- Open the Previous Version tab
- Select the latest version and click Copy
- Click Restore
