How to remove AvosLocker ransomware from the operating system?

What is AvosLocker ransomware?

AvosLocker is a ransomware-type program designed to encrypt data and demand payment for the decryption. In simple terms, this malware renders affected files inaccessible/unusable in order to demand ransoms for the access/use recovery.

During the encryption process, files are appended with the ".avos" extension. For example, a file titled "1.jpg" would appear as "1.jpg.avos", "2.jpg" as "2.jpg.avos", and so on. Updated variant appends ".avos2" extension. After this process is complete, ransom notes - "GET_YOUR_FILES_BACK.txt" - are dropped into compromised folders.

Screenshot of files encrypted by AvosLocker ransomware:

AvosLocker ransomware overview

The ransom-demanding message states that victims' data has been encrypted with the AES-256 cryptographic algorithm. The note alerts that if the encryption process is still ongoing - shutting down the system may corrupt the files.

Victims are informed that they will have to pay for the decryption keys/software. To get more information, the note instructs visiting the linked website; this page is only accessible via the Tor browser.

The text presented on the site states that the victims' warns that if contact is not established within four days - the ransom will increase, and some of the victims' data will be leaked online; ten days later - all of the stolen information will be publicized. Decryption can be tested by uploading one encrypted image file, which does not exceed 1 MB in size.

The ransom indicated on the webpage is 888.89 XMR (Monero cryptocurrency); according to the page, the sum is worth approximately 200,000.00 USD, though at the time of research - it was over 170,000.00 USD (note, conversation rates constantly fluctuate).

Unfortunately, in most ransomware infections, without the cyber criminals' interference - decryption is impossible. Whatever the case, it is strongly advised against communicating with and/or paying criminals. Despite meeting the ransom demands, victims often do not receive the decryption tools. Hence, their data remains encrypted and they experience a financial loss.

To prevent AvosLocker ransomware from further encryptions, it must be removed from the operating system. However, removal will not restore already affected files. The sole solution is recovering the data from a backup, if one was created before the infection and stored in a separate location.

To avoid permanent data loss, it is highly recommended to keep backups in remote servers and/or unplugged storage devices. Additionally, it is best to store backup copies in several different locations.

Ransomware examples

Hhqa, TRUST, Covid, GoodMorning, and Pay Us are some examples of malicious programs within the ransomware classification. They are two crucial differences in-between - the cryptographic algorithms they use (symmetric or asymmetric) and the ransom size. When leveraged against the average user, the sums tend to range from three to four digits in USD. However, ransomware intended for large entities - can demand exorbitant ransoms.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Ransomware and other malware are often distributed via spam campaigns - large-scale operations during which thousands of deceptive/scam emails are sent. Spam emails can have malicious files attached to and/or linked inside them. Virulent files can be archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), PDF and Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript, and so forth. When the files are opened - the infection chain is initiated.

Malware (ransomware included) is also proliferated through untrustworthy download sources, e.g., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (Torrent clients, eMule, Gnutella, etc.), unofficial and free file-hosting websites, and other third-party downloaders.

Illegal activation tools ("cracks") and fraudulent updates used as well. "Cracking" tools can infect systems instead of activating licensed products. Fake updaters cause infections by exploiting weaknesses of outdated programs and/or by installing malicious software.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

Suspicious and irrelevant emails must not be opened, especially any attachments or links found in them. It is recommended to only use official and verified download channels. Additionally, all software products must be activated and updated with tools/functions provided by legitimate developers.

To ensure device and user safety, it is paramount to have a dependable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and kept up-to-date. This software has to be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats. If your computer is already infected with AvosLocker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Screenshot of the message encouraging victims to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data ("GET_YOUR_FILES_BACK.txt"):

Text presented in this file:

Attention!
Your files have been encrypted using AES-256.
We highly suggest not shutting down your computer in case encryption process is not finished, as your files may get corrupted.
In order to decrypt your files, you must pay for the decryption key & application.
You may do so by visiting us at hxxp://avos2fuj6olp6x36.onion.
This is an onion address that you may access using Tor Browser which you may download at hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/
Details such as pricing, how long before the price increases and such will be available to you once you enter your ID presented to you below in this note in our website.
Hurry up, as the price may increase in the following days. If you fail to respond in a swift manner, we will leak your files in our press release/blog website accessible at hxxp://avos53nnmi4u6amh.onion/

Message from agent: We have exfiltrated confidential documents, passports scans, social security numbers and financial documents. All data will be leaked if you do not cooperate!

Your ID: -

Screenshot of AvosLocker's website (GIF):

Text presented in this webpage:

AvosLocker

 

Your network and hard drives were encrypted using AES-256 military grade encryption.
The only method of restoration for your files is using our decryptor. You may buy it for the quoted price below.

 

You are an enterprise client of ours, thus we will be providing you live-chat support throughout the process.

 

AvosLocker is not involved in any attacks itself and it acts merely as an arbitrator. It's in our interest that both parties are satisfied with our service.
Note from our affiliate
If you fail to respond in 4 days, the cost of decryption will double up and we will leak some of your data. In 10 days, we will leak all the data we have.
Countdown

 

The price will increase to $400,000.00 USD in
1 days 1 hours 18 minutes
Test decryption

 

You may test our decryption process by uploading a single encrypted image file (.PNG, .JPG, .JPEG) less than 1 MB in size.
Payment information
Status: Pay 888.89~ XMR ($200,000.00 USD) to 44VPFyr1W52iiCnv1LJ593jkkZGMbNFPYKV6beMVipx2gTaZeah LKc4ZAj4RrgQSFeBHj4VoJu583aYqJ6KxdRxM1G1Zupg with the payment id:496cb8b4ccb61cbb6e2ea0411ff2d614e0181fc60158eb2eac86652503efcda1

 

1. Buy Monero. We have prepared a list of reputable exchanges & retailers for you at the bottom of this page.
2. Send 888.89 XMR to 44VPFyr1W52iiCnv1LJ593jkkZGMbNFPYKV6beMVipx2gTaZeahLKc4ZAj4Rrg QSFeBHj4VoJu583aYqJ6KxdRxM1G1Zupg with the payment id 496cb8b4ccb61cbb6e2ea0411ff2d614e0181fc60158eb2eac86652503efcda1.
3. Wait as we approve your payment.
4. After we approve your transaction our decryptor application will be available for you to download. You will still be able to contact us for assistance through-out the decryption process.
Warning: Ensure that you are paying to the address given to you above and with the correct payment ID unless you are instructed by our staff to do otherwise. If your computer's infected with other malware, they may change your clipboard contents to another Monero address, causing you to lose your funds.
How to buy Monero?
You may buy Monero (XMR) from OTC brokers or exchanges such as Binance.com, Kraken.com. We recommend OTC brokers.

Ransom note dropped by another AvosLocker ransomware variant which appends ".avos2" extension:

Text presented within:

AvosLocker

Attention!
Your systems have been encrypted, and your confidential documents were downloaded.
In order to restore your data, you must pay for the decryption key & application.
You may do so by visiting us at hxxp://avosjon4pfh3y7ew3jdwz6ofw7lljcxlbk7hcxxmnxlh5kvf2akcqjad.onion.
This is an onion address that you may access using Tor Browser which you may download at hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/
Details such as pricing, how long before the price increases and such will be available to you once you enter your ID presented to you below in this note in our website.
Contact us soon, because those who don't have their data leaked in our press release blog and the price they'll have to pay will go up significantly.
The corporations whom don't pay or fail to respond in a swift manner have their data leaked in our blog, accessible at hxxp://avosqxh72b5ia23dl5fgwcpndkctuzqvh2iefk5imp3pi5gfhel5klad.onion

Your ID: -

Update 11 January 2022 - Cybercriminals have updated AvosLocker ransomware. A new variant of this ransomware (AvosLinux) can encrypt files on Linux systems (running VMware ESXi virtual machines). It appends the ".avoslinux" extension to encrypted files.

AvosLocker ransomware removal:

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Removal and file recovery procedure

If your files are encrypted with a new extension and a ransom note has appeared, you've been hit by ransomware. Don't pay. The procedure below works in order: contain the infection, identify the variant, remove the ransomware itself (so anything you restore doesn't get re-encrypted), and try to recover files using free decryption tools, Windows Volume Shadow Copies, or backups. Run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner to remove the infection - then move on to file recovery.

Common ransomware behaviors

VisibleEncrypts your files and renames them

The ransomware reads each file, encrypts the contents with the attacker's public key, and writes the encrypted bytes back to disk. Most variants also rename the file by appending a new extension - .net, .locked, .crypt, .lockbit, .djvu, etc. Without the matching private key, the encrypted files cannot be opened normally. Recovery depends on a free decryption tool, a recoverable Volume Shadow Copy, or a clean backup.

VisibleDrops a ransom note in every encrypted folder

A text or HTML file (usually named HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, _readme.txt, or similar) is placed in every folder that contains encrypted files. The note explains the situation, lists a payment amount in cryptocurrency, gives a deadline, and provides a contact email or .onion site. Save the note - don't delete it. Its exact wording, the email address, and the bitcoin wallet are how you identify the variant in the next phase.

VisibleReplaces the desktop wallpaper

Many ransomware variants change the Windows wallpaper to a black or red image with the ransom message and instructions. The wallpaper is just a visual scare tactic - it doesn't add any actual capability and reverts to normal once the ransomware is removed. Photograph it before removal in case the contact details are useful for variant identification or for reporting to authorities.

HiddenDeletes Volume Shadow Copies

One of the first things modern ransomware does after launching is run vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to wipe Windows' built-in Volume Shadow Copies - the snapshots that Previous Versions and System Restore rely on. Some ransomware doesn't fully succeed (especially on systems where the user lacks full admin rights), leaving partial shadow copies recoverable. Phase 4 step 11 covers how to check what survived.

HiddenDisables Windows Defender and other security tools

Before encrypting, the ransomware tries to silence anything that could alert you or block it - Windows Defender real-time protection, third-party antivirus services, backup agents (Veeam, Acronis), and sometimes the Windows Event Log service. It often modifies Group Policy or registry keys to keep these off after reboot. Phase 3 step 9 explicitly turns Tamper Protection back on so the next ransomware attempt can't repeat the trick.

HiddenSpreads laterally to other PCs on the network

Network-aware ransomware (LockBit, Conti, BlackCat, Akira families) doesn't stop at the first machine. It scans for SMB shares, mapped drives, and other PCs on the same network, then encrypts whatever it can reach. On Windows domains, a single compromised user with admin rights can lead to all-domain encryption. This is why Phase 1 step 2 disconnects the network as the very first action - it stops the spread immediately.

HiddenSteals data before encrypting (double extortion)

Modern ransomware (LockBit, BlackCat / ALPHV, Akira, Cl0p, Royal) almost always exfiltrates data before encrypting. The attacker then runs a "double extortion" play: pay the ransom for decryption, plus pay again to prevent the stolen data from being leaked on the group's leak site. Paying the first ransom does not get the leaked data back - assume that anything the ransomware could read was uploaded. This is one more reason not to pay: the data is already out.

Tools you'll need

Combo Cleaner Antivirus 7-days free trial

Recommended primary scanner. VB100 certified. Removes the ransomware infection so file recovery doesn't get re-encrypted.

Microsoft Defender Offline Free · built-in

Built into Windows. Scans before Windows fully loads to catch persistence the running scanners miss.

Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT) Free

Microsoft's free on-demand scanner. Always-current signatures - the binary expires every 10 days.

ID Ransomware Free · web

Upload a ransom note and a sample encrypted file - identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

No More Ransom Project Free · web

Joint project of Europol, Dutch Police, and security vendors. Free decryption tools indexed by ransomware family.

Shadow Explorer Free

Browse Windows Volume Shadow Copies as a normal file tree - useful when ransomware partially failed to delete them.

Recuva Free

Deleted-file recovery. Long-shot for ransomware - only helps if the variant deleted unencrypted originals before encrypting copies.

Phase 1~ 5 min

Don't pay & contain

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1

Don't pay the ransom

1 min · read⚠ Do not skip

Paying the ransom does not guarantee you'll get your files back. Major ransomware response studies consistently show that a meaningful percentage of paying victims either receive a non-working decryptor, only partial decryption, or no decryptor at all. Beyond that:

• Paying confirms you as a willing target - re-attack rates within 12 months are high
• Several ransomware groups have been sanctioned (US OFAC, UK OFSI). Paying these groups may be illegal under sanctions law in your country
• The ransom funds the next attack - on you or someone else
• Modern ransomware almost always exfiltrates data first, so paying doesn't get the leaked data back. Assume anything the malware could read was uploaded
• Decryptors, even when they work, often leave files corrupted because the encryption itself was buggy or rushed

The path below tries every legal, free recovery option first. Pay only as an absolute last resort, after consulting a lawyer and your country's cyber crime authority.

2

Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage

2 minNo tool needed

Pull the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi on the affected PC. If multiple computers share the network, do the same on every machine you suspect could be affected, including any servers and NAS units.

Then sign out of cloud storage clients (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud) from their app settings. If you can, pause the sync. Some ransomware uses the running sync client to push encrypted versions over your clean cloud copies.

Why this matters

Modern ransomware spreads laterally across SMB shares, mapped drives, RDP, and reachable network neighbors. Disconnecting stops the spread the moment you do it. Logging out of cloud sync clients prevents the ransomware from encrypting the cloud copies of your files via the sync API.

3

Unplug external drives and USB storage

1 minNo tool needed

Safely eject any external drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and network-attached storage shares - then unplug them. If a drive was connected when the ransomware ran, the files on it may already be encrypted, but unplugging stops further damage.

Critically: don't reconnect any drive (including your most recent backup) to this PC until the ransomware is removed in Phase 3. Reconnecting an external backup to an actively-infected PC is the most common way that backup gets encrypted too.

Phase 2~ 5 min

Identify the variant

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4

Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file

2 min

Copy the ransom note and one small encrypted file (under 1 MB) to a USB stick, or photograph the note with your phone. You'll need both for the variant identification step.

The ransom note is usually one of:

• A .txt file in every encrypted folder (typically HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, or _readme.txt)
• An .html file with the same purpose
• A changed desktop wallpaper - photograph it
• A lock-screen interrupt that runs at startup - rarer

Important

Don't delete the note. Variant identification depends on its exact wording, the contact email, and the bitcoin wallet address. The note is also evidence if you report to authorities.

5

Identify the variant with ID Ransomware

Tool: ID Ransomware3 min

From a clean device (your phone is fine, or another PC that wasn't on the affected network), visit id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com. Upload the ransom note and the sample encrypted file. The site identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

Pro tip

ID Ransomware is run by the Malware Hunter Team. Files you upload are kept private - they're used for analysis, not published. If you're concerned about uploading data anyway, you can paste the contact email and bitcoin wallet from the note - those are often enough for identification.

Phase 3~ 30-45 min

Remove the ransomware

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The ransomware itself must be removed before any file recovery. If it's still active, anything you restore in Phase 4 gets re-encrypted within minutes.

6

Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners

5 min

Safe Mode loads only the minimal Windows drivers, which prevents most ransomware from auto-running while you set up the scanners.

Windows 11: open Settings → System → Recovery, click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press 5 or F5.

Windows 10: click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. From the Choose-an-option screen, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press F5.

Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in step 8) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in step 9). Save both installers to your Desktop, then disconnect Wi-Fi again before scanning.

7

Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Tool: Built into Windows15 min

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads.

Why this comes first

Some ransomware variants drop bootkit components or kernel hooks that hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can load itself.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

8

Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

Tool: Combo Cleaner20-40 min

Run the installer you downloaded in step 6 and start a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete, review what it detected, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner quarantines the ransomware executable and the registry / scheduled-task entries that re-launch it on reboot.

9

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender

Tool: MSERT15 min

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe) as a second-opinion full scan. The binary expires every 10 days so the copy you downloaded has the latest signatures.

Once it finishes, open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Many ransomware variants disable Defender during the attack - this is where you switch it back on so the next attempt can't repeat the trick.

Why a second scan

Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the most underused verification step in malware removal - and free.

Phase 4~ 30-60 min · results vary

Try to recover files

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Try the steps in order. The first decryptor that works ends the recovery process - no need to do all four.

10

Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor

Tool: nomoreransom.org★ Cleanest path if listed5 min

Visit nomoreransom.org and search the Decryption Tools list for the variant name returned by ID Ransomware. The project is run by Europol, the Dutch Police, and security vendors - everything listed is legitimate and free.

If a decryptor exists, download it onto a clean PC, copy it across, and follow its instructions exactly. Decryptors usually want you to point them at a sample encrypted file plus its known unencrypted version (sometimes any image you previously had a backup of works).

Free decryptors exist for parts of the STOP/Djvu, GandCrab, REvil, Avaddon, Conti and Hive families, among others. Most modern variants don't have public decryptors - if yours isn't listed, that's expected; move to the next step.

11

Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies

Tool: Shadow Explorer / vssadmin15 min

Windows automatically creates Volume Shadow Copies of files when System Restore points are made or scheduled backups run. Most ransomware tries to wipe these (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), but the deletion sometimes fails partially - especially if the running user doesn't have full admin rights. When it does fail, snapshots survive that contain pre-encryption versions of your files.

First, check what's there. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

vssadmin list shadows

If you see entries listed, shadow copies survived. To restore from them:

• Built-in: right-click any folder → Properties → Previous Versions tab. Pick a snapshot dated before the infection and restore.
• Better tool for browsing: install Shadow Explorer (free). It shows all snapshots as a normal file tree and lets you copy out only the files you want.

Why check this even when there's a decryptor

Shadow Copies recover the original files exactly, with no risk of decryption errors. If they survived, this is faster and cleaner than running a decryptor on the encrypted set.

12

Restore from cloud or external backup

Tool: your backup software30 min

If you have a backup that pre-dates the infection, this is the cleanest recovery available. Important precautions:

• Don't reconnect a backup drive until Phase 3 is complete. If the ransomware is still active, plugging in the backup encrypts it too.
• For cloud backups (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud), use the Version History feature to roll individual files back to pre-encryption versions.
• OneDrive specifically has a "Restore your OneDrive" feature: if it detected mass file changes, you can roll back the entire account up to 30 days. Sign in at OneDrive on the web, click the Settings gear, and choose Restore your OneDrive. Microsoft 365 subscribers also get ransomware detection alerts; non-subscribers get one free recovery.
• Verify the restored files open correctly before you delete the encrypted set. Test a few documents, photos, and any database / project files.

13

Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery

Tool: Recuva30 min

Recuva is a long shot, not a primary recovery tool. Most modern ransomware encrypts files in place - it reads the original, encrypts the data, and writes the encrypted bytes back to the same disk location. In that case, the original isn't deleted, just rewritten - and Recuva has nothing to find.

But for older or simpler variants that deleted originals before creating encrypted copies (rather than encrypting in place), Recuva can sometimes pull the originals from unallocated disk space. Worth trying as a last resort, especially before you use the disk much further.

If you try it:

• Stop using the disk as much as possible - every disk write reduces recovery odds
• Run Recuva from a USB stick, not from the affected disk
• Use Deep Scan mode (slower but the only mode worth running for this scenario)

Don't skip the steps above expecting Recuva to bail you out. It works in maybe 5-20% of cases, depending on the variant and how soon you try.

Phase 5~ 20 min + ongoing

Report & prevent re-infection

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14

Report the attack to authorities

10-20 min

Even if your files aren't recovered, your report helps authorities track variants, attribute groups, and warn future victims. In some jurisdictions (especially the US and UK) early reporting can sometimes help recall a wired ransom payment via banking partners.

United States: ic3.gov (FBI) + stopransomware.gov (CISA)

United Kingdom: reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud) + NCSC

Canada: antifraudcentre.ca

Australia: ReportCyber

Spain: Policía Nacional (Oficina Virtual de Denuncias)

France: cybermalveillance.gouv.fr

Germany: BKA

Italy: Polizia Postale

Netherlands: Politie

Poland: CERT Polska

Portugal: CNCS

EU (other): your national CERT

Save the report number - banks, insurers, and credit bureaus will ask for it. If you operate a business, you may also have legal disclosure obligations (GDPR in the EU, state breach laws in the US) that run on a 72-hour clock.

15

Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward

30 min initial

The single best defense against ransomware is a tested backup. Use the 3-2-1 rule:

• 3 copies of your data
• 2 different storage media (e.g., internal drive + external drive)
• 1 offline / air-gapped copy (an external drive that isn't always connected)

Recommended cadence:

• Daily: cloud sync (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive) - convenient, but vulnerable if the ransomware reaches the sync folder. The Version History feature is what saves you
• Weekly: external drive that you connect briefly, then disconnect - the air-gap is what protects against ransomware
• Monthly: a second external drive stored off-site (different physical location) - protects against fire, theft, flood

Important

Test the backup at least once. Open a few files from it, check sizes match, restore one to a different folder. An untested backup isn't a backup - it's a hope.

16

Patch the entry point and monitor for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

Most reinfections happen via the same vector that worked the first time. Until you've patched the entry point, watch for:

• Unusual disk activity, unexpected file modifications, or unfamiliar processes in Task Manager
• Unexpected reboots or new accounts you didn't create
• Defender or your antivirus turning itself off again

Common entry vectors and what to do about each:

• Phishing email with a malicious attachment - review email filters and train yourself / staff to recognise the patterns - see pcrisk's Phishing/Scam reference
• Exposed RDP with weak passwords - disable Remote Desktop from Settings → System → Remote Desktop if you don't need it. If you do, put it behind a VPN and require a long password plus MFA
• Unpatched VPN appliances or public-facing apps - check the vendor's advisories page and apply the latest firmware
• Cracked / pirated software - was the most common vector for STOP/Djvu in particular. Don't run software from torrent sites

Run a Combo Cleaner scan weekly for the first month. Update Windows, browsers, and applications aggressively.

Important: Removing a ransomware infection requires a full system scan, not a manual file delete. If you're not confident with the manual procedure, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that combination removes the vast majority of consumer ransomware variants. Then move to Phase 4 for file recovery, or to Phase 5 if your files are unrecoverable and you need to start fresh from a clean Windows install.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?

Ransomware executables are commonly executed (opened) by victims themselves, as they are usually disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media. This malware is spread using phishing and social engineering methods. For example, ransomware-type programs are distributed via online scams, drive-by downloads, unofficial and freeware download sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, illegal activation tools ("cracks"), fake updates, and so on.

How to open ".avos"/".avos2" files?

Ransomware-encrypted files cannot be opened without decryption.

Where should I look for free decryption tools for AvosLocker ransomware?

If you have experienced a ransomware attack, we recommend checking out the No More Ransom project website (more information above).

I can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?

We do not offer decryption services. It is noteworthy that typically, without the cyber criminals' interference - decryption is impossible. Therefore, third-parties offering paid decryption - are likely to be scams or act as middlemen between criminals and victims.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove AvosLocker ransomware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected ransomware infections. However, while using anti-virus software is the first step in ransomware recovery - security programs cannot decrypt encrypted files.