AnarchyRansom Ransomware

AnarchyRansom is a dangerous ransomware variant that encrypts files on compromised systems and appends the .ENCRYPTED extension to them. It changes the desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note named READ-ME!.txt. This malware is designed to extort victims into paying a ransom in exchange for a decryption key.

Threat Overview

AnarchyRansom ransomware works by locking access to a wide range of file types, including personal documents, images, videos, and databases. Once the encryption process is complete, the malware replaces the desktop background with a threatening message and creates a ransom note containing payment instructions and decryption promises. Victims are encouraged to send two files for free decryption to “test” the threat actors’ capabilities.

Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware
Encrypted File Extension	.ENCRYPTED
Ransom Note Filename	READ-ME!.txt
Associated Email Addresses	Not specified
Detection Names	Not specified
Symptoms of Infection	– Files encrypted with .ENCRYPTED extension – Desktop wallpaper is changed – READ-ME!.txt ransom note present
Damage	– Permanent loss of access to files – Disruption of business or personal operations
Distribution Methods	– Malicious email attachments – Infected software downloads – Fake updates – Bundled with cracked applications
Danger Level	High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

Detailed Evaluation

How Did I Get Infected?

Infection often occurs through phishing emails containing malicious attachments, malicious software installers, and deceptive websites offering fake updates or cracked applications. Once a user executes the infected file, the ransomware installs silently and begins encrypting files.

What Does It Do?

AnarchyRansom encrypts files and appends the .ENCRYPTED extension. It modifies the desktop wallpaper to alert the victim and drops a ransom note (READ-ME!.txt) with instructions. The message warns against using any third-party tools and offers to decrypt two files for free to build trust. The victim is then expected to pay a ransom, typically in cryptocurrency.

Should You Be Worried About Your System?

Yes. AnarchyRansom can render all your personal and professional files completely inaccessible. The absence of publicly available decryption tools means your only options are restoring from a backup or risking a payment to cybercriminals. Even if a ransom is paid, there’s no guarantee that decryption will be provided. The best course of action is complete removal and future prevention.

Ransom Note Text

The contents of the READ-ME!.txt ransom note are as follows:

Your databases, documents, photos, and other important files have been encrypted.
Do not use any third-party decryption tools; they will corrupt your files.
To restore your data, you must pay the ransom.
You can test our decryption service by sending two files for free decryption.

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

AnarchyRansom ransomware is a severe threat to both personal and organizational data. It uses file encryption to hold victims hostage and demands ransom payment. Avoid paying the ransom and instead remove the malware using reliable tools. If backups exist, they are your best option for recovery. Use SpyHunter to detect and eliminate the threat from your system.