Remove Oled ransomware from your computer

What is Oled?

Oled ransomware was discovered by S!Ri. Typically, software of this type encrypts files, renames them and creates ransom messages. Oled renames encrypted files by adding the victim's ID and developer's email address, and appending the ".oled" extension to filenames.

For example, it might rename "1.jpg" to a filename such as "1.jpg.[EF7BE7BC].[oled@airmail.cc].oled", and so on. Oled also creates a ransom message within a text file named "readme-warning.txt".

The ransom message ("readme-warning.txt") states that victims must pay for a decryption tool in Bitcoins, however, the cost of this is not mentioned. To get more details (such as cost of decryption tool and how to pay), victims are urged to send an email to oled@airmail.cc.

The message can contain up to two insignificant files. According to Oled's developers, they will decrypt these files and return them. They offer this free decryption as 'proof' that they have a tool that can decrypt files compromised by Oled ransomware. Victims are warned no to try to modify encrypted files or use other decryption tools, since this might cause irreversible data loss.

Typically, only the cyber criminals behind specific ransomware have tools that can recover the encrypted files. Unfortunately, this is also the case with Oled - there are currently no free tools capable of decrypting files affected by this ransomware.

Generally, the only one way to recover files without having to use tools purchased from cyber criminals is to restore them from a backup created previously. Note that files remain encrypted even after removing ransomware from the operating system - removal simply prevents it from causing further encryption.

We strongly recommend that you recover files using a backup (if one has been created). Do not pay cyber criminals for any decryption tools, since they often send nothing. Victims of ransomware, who trust cyber criminals and pay the ransoms, are commonly scammed.

Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:

Other examples of software classified as ransomware include Adair, Jenkins and Afrodita. In most cases, these programs prevent victims from accessing their data by encryption and then provide instructions (via ransom messages) detailing how to pay for decryption tools and/or keys.

Main variables are usually size of ransom and cryptographic algorithm (symmetric or asymmetric) that ransomware uses to lock files.

Unfortunately, most programs of this type encrypt files with strong encryption algorithms - it is impossible to recover files without the specific tools, unless, in rare cases, the ransomware is still in development (contains vulnerabilities). Therefore, maintain data backups on a remote server and/or unplugged storage device.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Typically, cyber criminals distribute malware through spam campaigns, Trojans, untrustworthy software download channels, fake software updaters and unofficial activation tools. They proliferate malware by sending emails that contain web links, which download malicious files or attachments.

In most cases, they attach MS Office documents, executables (.exe), archives such as RAR, PDF documents, JavaScript files, and other files. Their main purpose is trick recipients into opening (executing) a malicious file. Once opened, this installs malicious software.

Malware is also spread through through Trojans. When installed, Trojans often install other malicious software, thereby causing chain infections. Various untrustworthy file and software download sources are used to proliferate malware. Some examples are Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), freeware download or file hosting pages, third party downloaders, etc.

Malicious software is proliferated through them by uploading malicious files disguised as legitimate, regular, harmless, etc. Note that systems become infected with malware only when people open malicious files downloaded through these sources. Fake software updaters can exploit bugs/flaws of outdated software or install malicious programs rather than updates.

Unofficial activation tools supposedly activate licensed (paid) programs free of charge, however, the might install malicious software.

Threat Summary:

Name	Oled virus
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker.
Encrypted Files Extension	.oled
Ransom Demand Message	readme-warning.txt, DECRYPTION.TXT
Cyber Criminal Contact	oled@airmail.cc, black.mirror@qq.com
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), AVG (Win32:Trojan-gen), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.Phobos.E), Kaspersky (Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Cryptor.czp), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms	Cannot open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension (for example, my.docx.locked). A ransom demand message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files.
Distribution methods	Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads.
Damage	All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

Do not download or install software through third party downloaders, installers, unofficial pages or other the sources mentioned above. Use only official web pages and direct download links. Installed software and operating systems must be updated via implemented functions/tools that are designed by official developers.

Attachments or web links received via irrelevant emails sent from unknown, suspicious addresses should not be opened. Do not activate software or operating systems through unofficial activation tools. It is illegal to bypass activation of software in this way and it often leads to installation of high-risk malware.

Regularly scan the computer for threats with reputable anti-spyware or antivirus software and keep it up do date. If your computer is already infected with Oled, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Text presented in Oled ransomware text file ("readme-warning.txt"):

::: Greetings :::

Little FAQ:
.1.
Q: Whats Happen?
A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the "OLED" extension. The file structure was not damaged,
we did everything possible so that this could not happen.

.2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins.

.3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and
liabilities - nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc... not databases!)
and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.

.4.
Q: How to contact with you?
A: You can write us to our mailbox: oled@airmail.cc

.5.
Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?
A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will
be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.

.6.
Q: If I donít want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you will not cooperate with our service - for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only
we have the private key. In practice - time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::
DON'T try to change encrypted files by yourself!
If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions - please make a backup for all
encrypted files! Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

Screenshot of files encrypted by Oled (".oled" extension):

Update May 11, 2020 - Cyber criminals have recently released an updated version of Oled ransomware which drops a different ransom note and appends a different ransom note - random string.

Screenshot of the updated Oled ransomware's text file ("readme-warning.txt"):

Text presented within:

Dear user! Your computer is encrypted! We demand a ransom!
Decryption service is paid !!!! PAYMENT FOR BITCOIN !!!
Also from your servers files, documents, databases SQL, PDF were uploaded to our cloud storage
After we agree, you will receive a decryption program, valuable advice in order not to fall into this situation in the future, as well as all your files on our server will be deleted.
Otherwise, they will fall into the open access of the Internet!
Use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions will result in a loose of data.
Please be sure that we will find common languge. We will restore all the data and give you recommedations how to configure the protection of your server.

COMMUNICATION METHOD:
To decrypt your computer, you need to download the TOR browser at hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/
Install it and visit our website for further action hxxp://paymen45oxzpnouz.onion/E38D7F03

Screenshot of the updated Oled ransomware's website in Tor network:

Text presented within:

What happened
Your local network has been hacked

Your documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted

To decrypt your files you need to contact us via chat. We demand a ransom!

You can do it right now. Use chat bellow. But remember that you do not have much time
Contact with support
-

Enter your ID code to start
Your ID
Information
Buy Bitcoins with Bank Account or Bank Transfer
Coinmama, Korbit, Coinfloor, Coinfinity, BitPanda, BTCDirect, Paymium, Bity, CoinCorner, HappyCoins, Coinbase
, * Don't use Coinbase if you're in USA, Bitfinex, Poloniex

Buy Bitcoin with Credit/Debit Card
CEX.io, CoinMama, Huobi, Bittylicious, BitPanda, CoinCafe, Coinhouse, Safello

Buy Bitcoins with Cash or Cash Deposit
LocalBitcoins, BitQuick, Wall of Coins, LibertyX, Bitit, Coin ATM Radar

Screenshot of files encrypted by the updated Oled ransomware (".KJHslgjkjdfg" extension):

Update August 6, 2020 - Cyber criminals have released yet another variant of Oled ransomware, which appends ".[black.mirror@qq.com].oled" extension and drops a different ransom note named "DECRYPTION.TXT".

Screenshot of this variant's ransom note ("DECRYPTION.TXT"):

Text presented within:

Your ID:
-

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail: black.mirror@qq.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.

FREE DECRYPTION AS GUARANTEE
Before paying you can send to us up to 3 files for free decryption.
Please note that files must NOT contain valuable information
and their total size must be less than 5Mb

How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoin is LocalBitcoins site.
You have to register, click Buy bitcoins and select the seller
by payment method and price
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins

Attention!
Do not rename or move encrypted files - this may compromise the integrity of the decryption process
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.

Screenshot of files encrypted by this variant (".[black.mirror@qq.com].oled" extension):

Oled ransomware removal:

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:

Quick menu:

• What is Oled virus?
• STEP 1. Reporting ransomware to authorities.
• STEP 2. Isolating the infected device.
• STEP 3. Identifying the ransomware infection.
• STEP 4. Searching for ransomware decryption tools.
• STEP 5. Restoring files with data recovery tools.
• STEP 6. Creating data backups.

Reporting ransomware to authorities:

If you are a victim of a ransomware attack we recommend reporting this incident to authorities. By providing information to law enforcement agencies you will help track cybercrime and potentially assist in the prosecution of the attackers. Here's a list of authorities where you should report a ransomware attack. For the complete list of local cybersecurity centers and information on why you should report ransomware attacks, read this article.

List of local authorities where ransomware attacks should be reported (choose one depending on your residence address):

•  USA - Internet Crime Complaint Centre IC3
•  United Kingdom - Action Fraud
•  Spain - Policía Nacional
•  France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
•  Germany - Polizei
•  Italy - Polizia di Stato
•  The Netherlands - Politie
•  Poland - Policja
•  Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Isolating the infected device:

Some ransomware-type infections are designed to encrypt files within external storage devices, infect them, and even spread throughout the entire local network. For this reason, it is very important to isolate the infected device (computer) as soon as possible.

Step 1: Disconnect from the internet.

The easiest way to disconnect a computer from the internet is to unplug the Ethernet cable from the motherboard, however, some devices are connected via a wireless network and for some users (especially those who are not particularly tech-savvy), disconnecting cables may seem troublesome. Therefore, you can also disconnect the system manually via Control Panel:

Navigate to the "Control Panel", click the search bar in the upper-right corner of the screen, enter "Network and Sharing Center" and select search result:

Click the "Change adapter settings" option in the upper-left corner of the window:

Right-click on each connection point and select "Disable". Once disabled, the system will no longer be connected to the internet. To re-enable the connection points, simply right-click again and select "Enable".

Step 2: Unplug all storage devices.

As mentioned above, ransomware might encrypt data and infiltrate all storage devices that are connected to the computer. For this reason, all external storage devices (flash drives, portable hard drives, etc.) should be disconnected immediately, however, we strongly advise you to eject each device before disconnecting to prevent data corruption:

Navigate to "My Computer", right-click on each connected device, and select "Eject":

Step 3: Log-out of cloud storage accounts.

Some ransomware-type might be able to hijack software that handles data stored within "the Cloud". Therefore, the data could be corrupted/encrypted. For this reason, you should log-out of all cloud storage accounts within browsers and other related software. You should also consider temporarily uninstalling the cloud-management software until the infection is completely removed.

Identify the ransomware infection:

To properly handle an infection, one must first identify it. Some ransomware infections use ransom-demand messages as an introduction (see the WALDO ransomware text file below).

This, however, is rare. In most cases, ransomware infections deliver more direct messages simply stating that data is encrypted and that victims must pay some sort of ransom. Note that ransomware-type infections typically generate messages with different file names (for example, "_readme.txt", "READ-ME.txt", "DECRYPTION_INSTRUCTIONS.txt", "DECRYPT_FILES.html", etc.). Therefore, using the name of a ransom message may seem like a good way to identify the infection. The problem is that most of these names are generic and some infections use the same names, even though the delivered messages are different and the infections themselves are unrelated. Therefore, using the message filename alone can be ineffective and even lead to permanent data loss (for example, by attempting to decrypt data using tools designed for different ransomware infections, users are likely to end up permanently damaging files and decryption will no longer be possible even with the correct tool).

Another way to identify a ransomware infection is to check the file extension, which is appended to each encrypted file. Ransomware infections are often named by the extensions they append (see files encrypted by Qewe ransomware below).

This method is only effective, however, when the appended extension is unique - many ransomware infections append a generic extension (for example, ".encrypted", ".enc", ".crypted", ".locked", etc.). In these cases, identifying ransomware by its appended extension becomes impossible.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to identify a ransomware infection is to use the ID Ransomware website. This service supports most existing ransomware infections. Victims simply upload a ransom message and/or one encrypted file (we advise you to upload both if possible).

The ransomware will be identified within seconds and you will be provided with various details, such as the name of the malware family to which the infection belongs, whether it is decryptable, and so on.

Example 1 (Qewe [Stop/Djvu] ransomware):

Example 2 (.iso [Phobos] ransomware):

If your data happens to be encrypted by ransomware that is not supported by ID Ransomware, you can always try searching the internet by using certain keywords (for example, a ransom message title, file extension, provided contact emails, crypto wallet addresses, etc.).

Search for ransomware decryption tools:

Encryption algorithms used by most ransomware-type infections are extremely sophisticated and, if the encryption is performed properly, only the developer is capable of restoring data. This is because decryption requires a specific key, which is generated during the encryption. Restoring data without the key is impossible. In most cases, cybercriminals store keys on a remote server, rather than using the infected machine as a host. Dharma (CrySis), Phobos, and other families of high-end ransomware infections are virtually flawless, and thus restoring data encrypted without the developers' involvement is simply impossible. Despite this, there are dozens of ransomware-type infections that are poorly developed and contain a number of flaws (for example, the use of identical encryption/decryption keys for each victim, keys stored locally, etc.). Therefore, always check for available decryption tools for any ransomware that infiltrates your computer.

Finding the correct decryption tool on the internet can be very frustrating. For this reason, we recommend that you use the No More Ransom Project and this is where identifying the ransomware infection is useful. The No More Ransom Project website contains a "Decryption Tools" section with a search bar. Enter the name of the identified ransomware, and all available decryptors (if there are any) will be listed.

Restore files with data recovery tools:

Depending on the situation (quality of ransomware infection, type of encryption algorithm used, etc.), restoring data with certain third-party tools might be possible. Therefore, we advise you to use the Recuva tool developed by CCleaner. This tool supports over a thousand data types (graphics, video, audio, documents, etc.) and it is very intuitive (little knowledge is necessary to recover data). In addition, the recovery feature is completely free.

Step 1: Perform a scan.

Run the Recuva application and follow the wizard. You will be prompted with several windows allowing you to choose what file types to look for, which locations should be scanned, etc. All you need to do is select the options you're looking for and start the scan. We advise you to enable the "Deep Scan" before starting, otherwise, the application's scanning capabilities will be restricted.

Wait for Recuva to complete the scan. The scanning duration depends on the volume of files (both in quantity and size) that you are scanning (for example, several hundred gigabytes could take over an hour to scan). Therefore, be patient during the scanning process. We also advise against modifying or deleting existing files, since this might interfere with the scan. If you add additional data (for example, downloading files/content) while scanning, this will prolong the process:

Step 2: Recover data.

Once the process is complete, select the folders/files you wish to restore and simply click "Recover". Note that some free space on your storage drive is necessary to restore data:

Create data backups:

Proper file management and creating backups is essential for data security. Therefore, always be very careful and think ahead.

Partition management: We recommend that you store your data in multiple partitions and avoid storing important files within the partition that contains the entire operating system. If you fall into a situation whereby you cannot boot the system and are forced to format the disk on which the operating system is installed (in most cases, this is where malware infections hide), you will lose all data stored within that drive. This is the advantage of having multiple partitions: if you have the entire storage device assigned to a single partition, you will be forced to delete everything, however, creating multiple partitions and allocating the data properly allows you to prevent such problems. You can easily format a single partition without affecting the others - therefore, one will be cleaned and the others will remain untouched, and your data will be saved. Managing partitions is quite simple and you can find all the necessary information on Microsoft's documentation web page.

Data backups: One of the most reliable backup methods is to use an external storage device and keep it unplugged. Copy your data to an external hard drive, flash (thumb) drive, SSD, HDD, or any other storage device, unplug it and store it in a dry place away from the sun and extreme temperatures. This method is, however, quite inefficient, since data backups and updates need to be made regularly. You can also use a cloud service or remote server. Here, an internet connection is required and there is always the chance of a security breach, although it's a really rare occasion.

We recommend using Microsoft OneDrive for backing up your files. OneDrive lets you store your personal files and data in the cloud, sync files across computers and mobile devices, allowing you to access and edit your files from all of your Windows devices. OneDrive lets you save, share and preview files, access download history, move, delete, and rename files, as well as create new folders, and much more.

You can back up your most important folders and files on your PC (your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders). Some of OneDrive’s more notable features include file versioning, which keeps older versions of files for up to 30 days. OneDrive features a recycling bin in which all of your deleted files are stored for a limited time. Deleted files are not counted as part of the user’s allocation.

The service is built using HTML5 technologies and allows you to upload files up to 300 MB via drag and drop into the web browser or up to 10 GB via the OneDrive desktop application. With OneDrive, you can download entire folders as a single ZIP file with up to 10,000 files, although it can’t exceed 15 GB per single download.

OneDrive comes with 5 GB of free storage out of the box, with an additional 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available for a subscription-based fee. You can get one of these storage plans by either purchasing additional storage separately or with Office 365 subscription.

Creating a data backup:

The backup process is the same for all file types and folders. Here’s how you can back up your files using Microsoft OneDrive

Step 1: Choose the files/folders you want to backup.

Click the OneDrive cloud icon to open the OneDrive menu. While in this menu, you can customize your file backup settings.

Click Help & Settings and then select Settings from the drop-down menu.

Go to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.

In this menu, you can choose to backup the Desktop and all of the files on it, and Documents and Pictures folders, again, with all of the files in them. Click Start backup.

Now, when you add a file or folder in the Desktop and Documents and Pictures folders, they will be automatically backed up on OneDrive.

To add folders and files, not in the locations shown above, you have to add them manually.

Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the folder/file you want to backup. Select the item, right-click it, and click Copy.

Then, navigate to OneDrive, right-click anywhere in the window and click Paste. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop a file into OneDrive. OneDrive will automatically create a backup of the folder/file.

All of the files added to the OneDrive folder are backed up in the cloud automatically. The green circle with the checkmark in it indicates that the file is available both locally and on OneDrive and that the file version is the same on both. The blue cloud icon indicates that the file has not been synced and is available only on OneDrive. The sync icon indicates that the file is currently syncing.

To access files only located on OneDrive online, go to the Help & Settings drop-down menu and select View online.

Step 2: Restore corrupted files.

OneDrive makes sure that the files stay in sync, so the version of the file on the computer is the same version on the cloud. However, if ransomware has encrypted your files, you can take advantage of OneDrive’s Version history feature that will allow you to restore the file versions prior to encryption.

Microsoft 365 has a ransomware detection feature that notifies you when your OneDrive files have been attacked and guide you through the process of restoring your files. It must be noted, however, that if you don’t have a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, you only get one detection and file recovery for free.

If your OneDrive files get deleted, corrupted, or infected by malware, you can restore your entire OneDrive to a previous state. Here’s how you can restore your entire OneDrive:

1. If you're signed in with a personal account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Options and select Restore your OneDrive.

If you're signed in with a work or school account,  click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Restore your OneDrive.

2. On the Restore your OneDrive page, select a date from the drop-down list. Note that if you're restoring your files after automatic ransomware detection, a restore date will be selected for you.

3. After configuring all of the file restoration options, click Restore to undo all the activities you selected.

The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups.

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