Ameriwasted Ransomware

Warning: Ameriwasted ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment in exchange for a decryption key. If your device is infected, act quickly to avoid permanent data loss.

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Threat Summary

Item	Detail
Threat Type	Ransomware / Crypto-virus
Encrypted File Extension	.ameriwasted
Ransom Note Filename	filename.ameriwasted_info
Cyber Criminal Contact Emails	89266@protonmail.ch, 37794@airmail.cc
Detection Names	Win32:DangerousSig [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HFDU, Ransom:Win32/WastedLocker.MA!MTB, Trojan.Win32.Qshell.wad
Symptoms	Files renamed with .ameriwasted, ransom notes next to each file, files won’t open, system may slow down
Damage & Distribution Methods	Irreversible file encryption, spread via phishing emails, malicious downloads, pirated software
Danger Level	High – due to file loss risk and lack of free decryption options

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How Did I Get Infected With Ameriwasted Ransomware?

Ameriwasted typically spreads through infected email attachments, malicious links, or fake software installers. Phishing emails often carry Office documents or ZIP files that contain malicious scripts. Once the user enables macros or opens the file, the ransomware is silently deployed.

It can also arrive through pirated software, cracks, or keygens downloaded from sketchy sites, or via malvertising — malicious ads that redirect users to drive-by download pages. In some cases, the ransomware may be bundled with fake updates or trojanized installers pretending to be legitimate apps.

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What Ameriwasted Ransomware Does to Your Files

Once inside your system, Ameriwasted scans for files to encrypt — including documents, photos, databases, and more. It renames each file by appending .ameriwasted to the end. For example, invoice.docx becomes invoice.docx.ameriwasted.

Alongside each encrypted file, a ransom note is dropped with a matching filename and the suffix _info. So, you’ll see something like invoice.docx.ameriwasted_info.

The note informs you that your files have been encrypted and urges you to contact the attackers via the listed email addresses. It warns against renaming or moving the encrypted files, claiming this could prevent recovery.

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Should You Be Worried About Ameriwasted?

Absolutely. Ameriwasted is a high-risk ransomware threat with serious consequences:

• Files Are Encrypted With No Free Decryption Tool Available
  There’s currently no known free decryptor for Ameriwasted. Without a backup, your data may be permanently lost.
• Paying the Ransom Doesn’t Guarantee Anything
  Even if you pay, there’s no guarantee the criminals will send you a working decryption key. In many cases, victims are ghosted after payment.
• Secondary Infections Are Common
  Ransomware attacks often come bundled with trojans or backdoors that stay behind after the main threat is removed.
• It Can Spread to Network Shares
  If your computer is connected to shared drives, the ransomware might encrypt files on other machines as well.

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Ransom Note Dropped by Ameriwasted

The ransom note follows a fairly aggressive template. It reads:

YOUR NETWORK IS ENCRYPTED NOW
Use 89266@protonmail.ch or 37794@airmail.cc to get the price for your data.
Do not give this email to third parties.
Do not rename or move the file.
The file is encrypted with the following key — keep it.

Each encrypted file has a corresponding ransom note with the same name and _info suffix. This is intended to scare the victim into reaching out quickly.

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Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

Conclusion

Ameriwasted ransomware is a severe file-locking threat that offers no easy way out. It encrypts your files, renames them with .ameriwasted, and drops ransom notes instructing victims to pay via email.

There is no free decryptor at this time, so your best move is to remove the malware, isolate the infection, and restore from backups if available. Paying the ransom is risky and not recommended.

Protect yourself going forward by improving your cybersecurity hygiene — regular backups, cautious email handling, and solid malware protection are key.