Remove GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware and decrypt .FIX files

GlobeImposter 2.0 virus is a new variant of well known HappyDayzz ransomware. GlobeImposter 2.0 proliferates as its distributors apply a wide variety of infection vectors to drop its copies. They use extended botnets, spamming, software vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, too many users do not ensure the safety of the incoming mail. The ransomware leverages targeted attacks so that the infecting email may look familiar. It may indicate personal details and originate from a trusted sender. It is critical to check attachments; otherwise, the likeness of malware invasion increases dramatically.

GlobeImposter 2.0

GlobeImposter 2.0 executes an encryption-for-ransom payload. The sequence is rather generic. Having installed on a compromised device, the ransomware collects certain data on its host. The information flows to a remote server which signals in response whether the Trojan to proceed with its encryption payload. Most of the successful installations entail the malicious encryption.

Prior to scrambling, the application scans a computer system. The scan discards system and other file types essential for system functioning. This ensures the ransomware is able to communicate with its victims directly from the affected operating system. Once the scan completes, the ransomware deploys its deadly encryption campaign. A military-grade cipher cycles the files with a sophisticated algorithm using a public key. The data becomes encrypted for good. To undo the encryption, you need a private key. This key is a stand-alone sequence that does not match the public key.

The files hit by the GlobeImposter 2.0 get an extra extension .FIX, hence the victims may call the infection FIX Ransomware. This ransomware holds the decrypted files hostage. It communicates its demands to the users via ransom note available in several formats in any folder on the PC affected and called: how_to_back_files.html. The message instructs the users to transfer a certain amount in bitcoins to the hacker’s wallet. Needless to say, this is not a recommended recovery option. Appropriated ways to get rid of GlobeImposter 2.0 and its encrypting impacts are available below.

Automatic removal of GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware

The benefits of using the automatic security suite to get rid of this infection are obvious: it scans the entire system and detects all potential fragments of the virus, so you are a few mouse clicks away from a complete fix.

  1. Download and install recommended malware security suite
  2. Select Start Computer Scan feature and wait until the utility comes up with the scan report. Proceed by clicking on the Fix Threats button, which will trigger a thorough removal process to address all the malware issues compromising your computer and your privacy.

Restore files locked by GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware

GlobeImposter 2.0 represents a unique category of malicious software whose attack surface reaches beyond the operating system and its components, which is why removing the virus itself is a part of the fix only. As it has been mentioned, it encrypts one’s personal information, so the next phase of the overall remediation presupposes reinstating the files that will otherwise remain inaccessible.

  • Launch data recovery software

    Similarly to the rest of its fellow-infections, GlobeImposter 2.0 most likely follows an operational algorithm where it erases the original versions of the victim’s files and actually encrypts their copies. This peculiarity might make your day, because forensics-focused applications like Data Recovery Pro are capable of restoring the information that has been removed. As the virus further evolves, its modus operandi may be altered – in the meanwhile, go ahead and try this.

  • Take advantage of Volume Shadow Copy Service

    This technique is based on using the native backup functionality that’s shipped with Windows operating system. Also referred to as Volume Snapshot Service (VSS), this feature makes regular backups of the user’s files and keeps their most recent versions as long as System Restore is on. GlobeImposter 2.0 virus hasn’t been found to affect these copies therefore the restoration vector in question is strongly recommended. The two sub-sections below highlight the automatic and manual workflow.

  • a) Use Shadow Explorer

    Shadow Explorer is an applet that provides an easy way of retrieving previous versions of files and folders. Its pro’s include an intuitive interface where the computer’s entire file hierarchy is displayed within one window. Just pick the hard disk volume, select the object or directory to be restored, right-click on it and choose Export. Follow the app’s prompts to get the job done.Shadow Explorer

  • b) Use file properties

    Essentially, what the above-mentioned Shadow Explorer tool does is it automates the process that can otherwise be performed manually via the Properties dialog for individual files. This particular approach is more cumbrous but just as effective as its software-based counterpart, so you can proceed by right-clicking on a specific file, which has been encrypted by GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware, and selecting Properties in the context menu. The tab named Previous Versions is the next thing to click – it displays available versions of the file by date of the snapshot creation. Pick the latest copy and complete the retrieval by following the prompts.Previous Versions

  • Data backups work wonders

    Ransomware like GlobeImposter 2.0 isn’t nearly as almighty and destructive in case you run regular file backups to the cloud or external data media. The virus itself can be completely removed in a matter of minutes, and the distorted information can then be just as easily recovered from the backup. Luckily, this is a growing trend, so ransom Trojans are hopefully going to become less subversive in the near future.

Verify thoroughness of the removal

Having carried out the instructions above, add a finishing touch to the security procedure by running an additional computer scan to check for residual malware activity

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