AMERILIFE Ransomware

AMERILIFE is a recently identified ransomware strain that encrypts victims’ files, appending a .ameriwasted extension. Victims are then coerced into contacting hackers for the decryption key via provided email addresses.

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Threat Overview

Here’s a summary of the key characteristics of AMERILIFE:

Attribute	Details
Threat type	Ransomware / Crypto‑locker
Encrypted file extension	.ameriwasted (e.g., photo.jpg.ameriwasted)
Ransom note file	[original_filename].ameriwasted_info
Contact emails	89266@PROTONMAIL.CH, 37794@AIRMAIL.CC
Detection names	Avast: Win32:DangerousSig [Trj]; ESET‑NOD32: Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HFDU; Kaspersky: Trojan.Win32.Qshell.wad; Microsoft: Ransom:Win32/WastedLocker.MA!MTB
Symptoms	Files become inaccessible with .ameriwasted; ransom notes created for each file; desktop ransom message displayed
Damage & distribution	Full file encryption; may install additional trojans; spread via infected email attachments (often with macros), fake torrents, malicious ads
Danger level	High—complete file encryption; potential secondary payloads
Removal tool	SpyHunter (Download Here)

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Ransom Note Text

Each file-specific ransom note (e.g., 1.jpg.ameriwasted_info) contains the following:

vbnetCopyEditAMERILIFE

YOUR NETWORK IS ENCRYPTED NOW

USE 89266@PROTONMAIL.CH | 37794@AIRMAIL.CC TO GET THE PRICE FOR YOUR DATA

DO NOT GIVE THIS EMAIL TO 3RD PARTIES

DO NOT RENAME OR MOVE THE FILE

THE FILE IS ENCRYPTED WITH THE FOLLOWING KEY:
-
KEEP IT

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Threat Analysis: Q&A

How did I get infected?

Most likely via phishing emails with infected document attachments (embedded with macros), downloads from compromised torrent sites, or malicious ads. Upon execution, the ransomware encrypts files using robust cryptography and appends the .ameriwasted extension.

What does it do?

It encrypts user files across local and connected storage, renames them with .ameriwasted, and places a ransom note instructing victims to contact the attackers. It may also deploy additional malware like password stealers.

Should you be worried?

Yes. This is full-scale ransomware. Recovery without paying or having a valid backup is unlikely. The ransom payments support criminal operations and don’t guarantee file recovery.

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.

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Conclusion

AMERILIFE is a modern and dangerous ransomware variant that locks users out of their data and demands payment. Its use of unique file extensions and per-file ransom notes adds complexity to detection and recovery. Removing the malware (e.g., with SpyHunter) is necessary—but may not restore files. Backups remain the most reliable protection. Funding attackers also perpetuates the threat cycle.