ViT Ransomware is a newly emerged cryptovirus designed to block access to your personal files and hold them hostage for ransom. This dangerous threat is part of a growing wave of ransomware attacks that encrypt important data, rename files with unique extensions, and demand payment in cryptocurrency in exchange for a decryption tool. In the case of ViT, the encrypted files are marked with the .ViT extension, and a ransom note titled #Read-for-recovery.txt is placed on the system to communicate the hackers’ demands.
This malware typically spreads through spam emails with malicious attachments, pirated software, and unsafe websites. Once installed, it encrypts a wide range of file types—photos, documents, archives, videos—and renders them unusable. Experts strongly advise against paying the ransom, as there’s no guarantee the attackers will follow through with their promises.
ViT Ransomware Threat Summary
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Encrypted File Extension | .ViT |
Ransom Note Filename | #Read-for-recovery.txt |
Associated Email Addresses | vitdecrypt@onionmail.org, backupvit@msgsafe.io |
Detection Names | May appear as Trojan.Ransom.ViT, Ransom:Win32/ViT, or similar |
Symptoms of Infection | Inaccessible files, altered file names, ransom note |
Damage | Loss of access to personal and work-related files, potential theft of sensitive data |
Distribution Methods | Spam emails with attachments, pirated software, malicious links |
Danger Level | High – Causes major file loss and potential data leaks |
What Does ViT Ransomware Do?
After sneaking into your system, ViT Ransomware executes the following actions:
- Encrypts your files and appends the .ViT extension to each one.
- Drops a ransom note titled #Read-for-recovery.txt into affected folders.
- Contacts a remote server to report the infection and may download additional malicious payloads.
- Alters Windows Registry entries so it launches every time the system is rebooted.
- Installs malicious files in key system directories, such as:
%AppData%
%Local%
%Temp%
%Windows%
%SystemDrive%
%System%
%system32%
The ViT Ransomware operators may offer to decrypt one or two files (less than 5MB in size) to prove they have the decryption key. However, this tactic is primarily used to trick users into paying the full ransom.
Ransom Note Contents (#Read-for-recovery.txt)
The ransomware note typically contains text similar to the following:
sqlCopyEditAll your important files are encrypted!
To recover your data, you need to purchase a unique decryption key.
To prove we can decrypt your files, you may send 1-2 files (less than 5MB) for free decryption.
Contact us at: vitdecrypt@onionmail.org or backupvit@msgsafe.io
Your ID: [Unique ID]
WARNING:
Do not attempt to decrypt the files with third-party software.
Any modifications to your files may result in permanent data loss.
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
- 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:
- 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.
- Press Windows + R, type
- 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:
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
- Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes
For Windows Users:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
- Right-click on the process and select End Task.
For Mac Users:
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unusual processes.
- Select the process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%
, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
C:\Windows\System32
- Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.
For Mac Users:
- Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Support
and delete suspicious folders. - 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.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
- Right-click and select Delete.
For Mac Users:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
- Navigate to
~/Library/Preferences
and remove malicious.plist
files.
Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui
, and hit Enter. - Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
- 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.
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
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe
). - Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
- Once installed, launch SpyHunter.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click on Start Scan Now.
- SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
Step 4: Remove Detected Threats
- After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
- 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.
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.
Important Note: Removing the ransomware and restoring your files can be extremely difficult without professional tools. Although a removal guide and prevention tips aren’t included here, it’s crucial to act fast, avoid paying the ransom, and seek reliable cybersecurity solutions.
If you are still having trouble, consider contacting virtual technical support.