What Is PatchWorkApt Ransomware?
PatchworkApt Ransomware is a variant of those types of ransomware that is based on the Chaos family. Once it infiltrates your computer, it encrypts all your files including text, documents, music, videos, images, and many other files. After encryption, it appends a string of random characters to the file names and creates a "look_this.txt" file (a ransom note). An example of how it renames encrypted files: "1.jpg" is changed to "1.jpg.b621", "2.png" is changed to "2.png.xp9y" and so on. The ransom note informs you that your network has been compromised, and all data on your system has been encrypted using the powerful (AES-256) algorithm. The group behind the attack, claiming that their only motive is financial gain, urges you to trust them and initiate contact to negotiate terms for reversing the encryption. To establish trust, they propose to send encrypted files for verification. Contact information is provided via email addresses ([email protected] and [email protected]), which assures you that the group will provide the necessary decryption key software for file restoration upon payment.
Threat Summary Of PatchWorkApt Ransomware
| Name | PatchWorkApt Ransomware |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File-Locking Virus |
| Family | Chaos Ransomware |
| Threat Level | High |
| Encrypted Files Extension | Four Random Characters |
| Ransom Note Name | look_this.txt |
| Decryptor Available | Yes |
| Attacker’s Contact | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Distribution Methods | Spam email attachments, pirated or copied software, torrent websites, malicious ads, phishing sites, etc. |
| Symptoms | A series of random characters get added to all your files like photos, videos, documents, etc. and you can't open them. |
| Damages | This ransomware will encrypt all your data by adding “random characters” to your file names and demand ransom payment for the decryption key. |
How Does PatchWorkApt Ransomware Attack?
PatchWorkApt Ransomware mostly infiltrates your system without your permission or knowledge. It gets inside your computer when you unknowingly download and install applications or files from untrusted sources such as unofficial websites, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, free file hosting sites, unofficial app stores, suspicious email links, etc. Another way for your computer to get infected is by taking advantage of vulnerabilities in the software or operating system. When you neglect to update your software, cybercriminals can exploit known vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and inject malware. Additionally, it can infiltrate your system through the use of pirated software, cracking tools, key generators, and malicious advertisements. Therefore users need to take precautions and adopt cyber security measures to prevent these types of infections.
Tips To Avoid Injection Of PatchWorkApt Ransomware
Although there is no 100% guarantee to protect your computer from getting infected with PatchWorkApt ransomware, there is some guidance we want to show you. First of all, select trusted websites and official app stores while downloading, and avoid suspicious links or downloads from unfamiliar sources. Use caution with advertisements on suspicious websites and be alert to suspicious emails with links or attachments. Increase your protection against potential threats by constantly updating antivirus and anti-malware software. Additionally, maintaining a secure computing environment includes keeping the operating system and all installed software up to date. Regular updates help address vulnerabilities, reduce the risk of security breaches, and ensure a secure digital experience. By using these tips you can avoid downloading any type of malware or ransomware on your system.
PatchWorkApt Ransomware Removal Guide
There are several methods and processes that you can use to remove this ransomware from your system including manual removal process and through software. However, manual removal can be a lengthy and complex process that requires advanced IT skills. So if you want to remove PatchWorkApt Ransomware from your computer, just click on the link below and follow the mentioned instructions.
Best Offer (For Windows)
PatchWorkApt Ransomware can be creepy PC threat that may keep on running in background by hiding its files on computers. For complete and hassle free removal of this malware, we suggest users to try Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you getting rid of this virus.
Kindly Note *Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. Spyhunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and more details about Free Remover
Best Offer (For Macintosh) If you are a Mac user and PatchWorkApt Ransomware has affected it, then you can download free antimalware scanner for Mac here to check if the program works for you.
Details of Antimalware with User’s Guide
Step 1 Remove PatchWorkApt Ransomware using “Safe Mode with Networking”
Step 2 Delete PatchWorkApt Ransomware using “System Restore”
Step 1 Remove PatchWorkApt Ransomware using “Safe Mode with Networking”
Windows XP and Windows 7 users:
First of all Reboot the PC in “Safe Mode”. For this users need to Click on “Start” option and then continuously Tap on F8 during the start process. Then a “Windows Advanced Option” menu will appear on the screen. Now Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the listed options.
This will open a new Windows homescreen and your PC or work-station will be working on “Safe Mode with Networking”.
For Windows 8
First Go to Start Screen. Now type “Advanced” after selecting settings within the searched results Within the “General PC Settings” option, Select “Advanced startup” option. Then click on the “Restart Now” option. This will boot work-station to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Now Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button. Then under “Advanced Option Screen”, You need to press on “Startup Settings”. Now again, click on “Restart” button. This will restart PC or Work-station with “Startup Setting” screen. You need to tap F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.
For Windows 10
First of all click on Windows logo by clicking on the “Power” icon. This will open a new menu. Select “Restart” by constantly keeping “Shift” button pressed on keyboard. Once the new Window open Select on “Troubleshoot” as advanced option. Within the startup settings users need to press on “Restart” by clicking on F5 button of the keyboard.
Step:2 How To Delete PatchWorkApt Ransomware using System Restore
For this you need to log in on the PC which is compromised by PatchWorkApt Ransomware. Now open any browser and download legit anti-malware software. Once installed you need to undergo complete system scan. Thereafter remove the infected and suspicious entries which are detected.
Best Offer (For Windows)
PatchWorkApt Ransomware can be creepy PC threat that may keep on running in background by hiding its files on computers. For complete and hassle free removal of this malware, we suggest users to try Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you getting rid of this virus.
Kindly Note *Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. Spyhunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and more details about Free Remover
Best Offer (For Macintosh) If you are a Mac user and PatchWorkApt Ransomware has affected it, then you can download free antimalware scanner for Mac here to check if the program works for you.
Suppose if you are unable to start PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, you need not worry. Try “System Restore” Process
Continuously tap F8 Key during “Startup” and then “Advanced Option” menu will appear. Now from the given list of option you need to select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and hit on Enter button.
Within new open window of command prompt, type “cd restore” and then click “Enter”
Now type rstrui.exe and then press “ENTER”
In the new opened Window Click on “Next” option.
You can select and choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on Next (This would restore your PC to earlier period before PatchWorkApt Ransomware invasion when it was working fine.)
Press on “Yes” in new opened Window.
As soon as your PC gets restored to its previous time, download the suggested anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove PatchWorkApt Ransomware infected files if still present on the the work-station.
If you want to restore each file separately which is infected by this ransomware, kindly use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This step is most effective whenever “System Restore Function” is enabled on the PC or work-station.
Important Note: Some variants of PatchWorkApt Ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” so in such cases this feature may not work all the time and will work in specific cases only.
Know How To Restore Encrypted Files Individually
If you want to restore an individual file, you need to right click on it and then go to “Properties”. Now Select “Previous Version” tab. then Choose a “Restore Point” and finally click on “Restore” option.
If you want to access the files encrypted by PatchWorkApt Ransomware, alternatively you can try “Shadow Explorer”. To know more details on this application, Click here.
Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are very devastating and hence it is always better to take necessary precautions to avoid any attack on your work-station or PC. We recommend using a powerful anti-malware tool for real time protection. “SpyHunter”, “Enigma group policy objects” are enabled in the registries so that it can block harmful infections such as PatchWorkApt Ransomware.
Also, it is highly important to get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” installed on Windows 10. This would ensure to offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature to block any kind of encryption of the data files. Using this feature all the files stored in their default locations are safe.
How To Recover Files Encrypted by PatchWorkApt Ransomware
You would have understood now that how you can remove the scripts and payloads of personal files that got encrypted due to PatchWorkApt Ransomware in order to protect your personal files which were fortunately not damaged or encrypted till now. If you are unable to retrieve the locked files, using “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” you must try using a Data Recovery Software.
Step 1: Download Data Recovery Software
Step 2: Double click to execute the installer file on your PC
Step 3: Click to Accept to agree the terms and agreement.
Step 4: Once installed, this program will be ready to execute. Now select the file you want to recover
Step 5: Select the drive on which the recovery tool is to be run upon. Then click on Scan option
Step 6: This will show Scan in progress bar
