How to eliminate ALPHV (BlackCat) ransomware from the operating system?
RansomwareAlso Known As: ALPHV (BlackCat) virus
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What is ALPHV (BlackCat) ransomware?
ALPHV (BlackCat) is a sophisticated ransomware-type program written in the Rust programming language. This program is used in Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) operations.
Malware of this type encrypts data (locks files) and demands payment for the decryption. Typically, these malicious programs rename encrypted files by appending them with specific extensions. However, since ALPHV (BlackCat) is offered as RaaS - its extensions, ransom note filenames (e.g., "GET IT BACK-[file_extension]-FILES.txt") and their contents - vary due to the different cyber criminals involved.
For example, files could be appended with an extension similar to ".bzeakde" (hence, a file named "1.jpg" would appear as "1.jpg.bzeakde", etc.) and then drop a ransom-demanding message titled "GET IT BACK-bzeakde-FILES.txt".
Screenshot of files encrypted by ALPHV (BlackCat) ransomware:
ALPHV (BlackCat) ransomware overview
At the time of writing, ALPHV (BlackCat) is one of the most sophisticated ransomware programs. According to its developers' claims, it can infect various Windows and Linux operating system versions. This ransomware is highly customizable and heavily human-operated, which is especially important as it is primarily used to target large entities (e.g., companies, corporations, organizations, etc.
ALPHV (BlackCat) malware can employ four different encryption routines, use several cryptographic algorithms, proliferate via local networks (i.e., spread between computers), terminate virtual machines, and so on. It can also end running processes and close files that are open during encryption. The ransomware diminishes victims' recovery options by deleting Windows Shadow Volume Copies and emptying the Recycle Bin.
The ransoms demanded by ALPHV (BlackCat) are exorbitant - ranging from five to six digits in USD (the largest sum was three million). The payments had to be in either Bitcoin or Monero cryptocurrencies (depending on the latter's availability in the region). It is known that threat actors target mainly organizations/companies.
This ransomware also threatened publishing sensitive data stolen from the compromised networks and/or deploying Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks - should victims refuse to meet the ransom demands.
Unfortunately, in most ransomware infections - decryption is impossible without the cyber criminals' involvement. What is more, despite paying - victims often do not receive the promised decryption tools.
To prevent 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 them from a backup, if one was created prior and stored elsewhere.
Therefore, it is strongly advised to keep backups in multiple separate locations (e.g., unplugged storage devices, remote servers, etc.) - to avoid permanent data loss.
Ransomware examples
NRCL, Xqxqx, NAME LOCKER, Ndjmu, and Hello xD are some examples of ransomware-type programs. While they way they operate is practically identical, they have two key differences in-between - the cryptographic algorithms they use (symmetric or asymmetric) and the ransom size.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
Malware (ransomware included) is proliferated using phishing and social engineering. For example, malicious software is spread via email spam campaigns. Spam emails can contain infectious files as attachments or download links. These files can be Microsoft Office and PDF documents, archives, executables, JavaScript, etc. When virulent files are opened - the infection chain is triggered.
Malware is also distributed through untrustworthy download sources, e.g., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (Torrent clients, eMule, etc.), unofficial and freeware sites, and other third-party downloaders.
Illegal software activation tools ("cracks") and fraudulent updates are used as well. "Cracking" tools can infect systems instead of activating licensed products. Fake updaters cause infections by exploiting outdated program weaknesses and/or by installing malicious software.
| Name | ALPHV (BlackCat) virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Encrypted Files Extension | Depends on the variant |
| Ransom Demanding Message | GET IT BACK-[file_extension]-FILES.txt |
| Free Decryptor Available? | No |
| Cyber Criminal Contact | Website on Tor network |
| Detection Names (Windows) | Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.38153014), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan.Win32.Agentb.a), Malwarebytes (Malware.AI.2115381737), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Woreflint.A!cl), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (Linux) | McAfee-GW-Edition (Artemis), Microsoft (Ransom:Linux/BlackCat.A!MTB), TrendMicro (Ransom.Linux.BLACKCAT.YXCDFZ), 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 CleanerTo 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. |
How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?
It is advised against opening suspicious and irrelevant emails. The attachments and links present in these letters - must not be opened/clicked, as they can cause system infections. It is recommended to always use official and verified download channels. Additionally, all programs must be activated and updated using legitimate tools obtained from official sources.
It is paramount to have a dependable anti-virus installed and updated. This software has to be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats. If your computer is already infected with ALPHV (BlackCat), 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 IT BACK-[file_extension]-FILES.txt"):
![ALPHV (BlackCat) decrypt instructions (GET IT BACK-[file_extension]-FILES.txt)](/images/stories/screenshots202112/alphv-blackcat-ransomware-ransom-note.jpg)
Text presented in this message:
>> Introduction
Important files on your system was ENCRYPTED and now they have have "-" extension.
In order to recover your files you need to follow instructions below.
>> Sensitive Data
Sensitive data on your system was downloaded and it will be PUBLISHED if you refuse to cooperate.
Data includes:
- Employees personal data, CVs, DL, SSN.
- Complete network map including credentials for local and remote services.
- Financial information including clients data, bills, budges, annual reports, bank statements.
- Complete datagrams/schemas/drawing for manufacturing in solidworks format
- And more...
>> CAUTION
DO NOT MODIFY FILES YOURSELF.
DO NOT USE THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE TO RESTORE YOUR DATA.
YOU MAY DAMAGE YOUR FILES, IT WILL RESULT IN PERMANENT DATA LOSS.
YOUR DATA IS STRONGLY ENCRYPTED, YOU CAN NOT DECRYPT IT WITHOUT CIPHER KEY.
>> Recovery procedure
Follow these simple steps to get in touch and recover your data:
1) Download and install Tor Browser from: hxxps://torproject.org/
2) Navigate to:
[removed_tor_URL]
Screenshot of a desktop wallpaper used by a variant of ALPHV (BlackCat) ransomware:
Text presented within:
Important files on your system was ENCRYPTED.
Sensitive data on your system was DOWNLOADED.
To recover your files and prevent publishing of sensitive information follow instructions in "${NOTE_FILE_NAME}" file.
Update 14 June, 2022 - cybercriminals are now attacking Microsoft Exchange servers using exploits targeting unpatched vulnerabilities to distribute the BlackCat ransomware. They are deploying BlackCat via PsExec. Between exploiting unpatched Exchange servers and infecting computers with BlackCat, threat actors steal credentials and exfiltrate other information.
Update 12 July, 2022 - it is known that cybercriminals behind ALPHV (BlackCat) ransomware are now allowing their victims to check whether their data has been stolen and published on a leak page. They are providing websites where victims can use the provided search function to find leaked data. Cybercriminals use this method to pressure victims who have not paid a ransom to pay it.
Update 12 July, 2022 - The data exfiltration tool used in BlackCat ransomware attacks is called Exmatter. Recently, this exfiltration tool has been updated. The updated version only targets BMP, DOC, DOCX, DWG, IPT, JPEG, JPG, MSG, PDF, PNG, PST, RDP, RTF, SQL, TXT, XLS, and ZIP files. It can add FTP as an exfiltration option and build a report listing all processed files.
Also, the Exmatter tool can corrupt processed files and delete itself (if executed in non-valid environments). This tool is also more stealthy and better at evading detection. Additionally, BlackCat is now capable of deploying another malware called Eeamfo, which targets credentials stored in Veeam backups.
Update 1 June, 2023 - Security researches have spotted a new variant of BlackCat ransomware, named Sphynx. This new variant prioritises speed, stealth and evasion. You can read more about it here.
Update 4 July, 2023 - Threat actors are employing malvertising to distribute ALPHV ransomware by creating cloned webpages that imitate legitimate organizations. This distribution method targets popular applications such as WinSCP, AnyDesk, and other programs.
The infection process begins when users search for "WinSCP Download" or other legitimate apps on the Bing search engine. A malicious advertisement for the app appears above the organic search results. Clicking on this ad redirects users to a suspicious website that hosts a cloned download webpage for the app.
Once users click the "Download" or similar button on the cloned webpage, a malicious file, often an ISO file, is downloaded. This file contains the ALPHV ransomware or other types of malware.
ALPHV (BlackCat) ransomware 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.
Don't pay the ransom
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.
Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage
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.
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.
Unplug external drives and USB storage
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.
Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file
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
.txtfile in every encrypted folder (typicallyHOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt,README.txt, or_readme.txt) - An
.htmlfile with the same purpose - A changed desktop wallpaper - photograph it
- A lock-screen interrupt that runs at startup - rarer
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.
Identify the variant with ID Ransomware
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.
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.
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.
Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners
Safe Mode loads only the minimal Windows drivers, which prevents most ransomware from auto-running while you set up the scanners.
Windows 11: open , click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click , 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 , 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.
Run Microsoft Defender Offline
Reboot to normal Windows. Open . 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.
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.
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Download Combo CleanerRun a full Combo Cleaner scan
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.
Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender
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 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.
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.
Try the steps in order. The first decryptor that works ends the recovery process - no need to do all four.
Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor
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.
Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies
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.
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.
Restore from cloud or external backup
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.
Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery
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.
Report the attack to authorities
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.
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.
Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward
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
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.
Patch the entry point and monitor for 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 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 often executed (opened) by victims themselves since they are usually disguised as or bundled with ordinary content. This malware is spread via deceptive and stealthy (drive-by) downloads, online scams, unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam mail, illegal program activation ("cracking") tools, fake updates, and so on.
How to open encrypted files?
Continued file usage requires decryption. In other words, unless the encrypted files are decrypted - they can neither be opened nor otherwise used.
Where should I look for free decryption tools for ALPHV (BlackCat) ransomware?
If you have experienced a ransomware infection, you should check 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 has to be emphasized that usually, without the cyber criminals' interference - decryption is impossible. Therefore, third-parties offering paid decryption are likely to be scams or act as middlemen between victims and criminals.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove ALPHV (BlackCat) ransomware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate active ransomware infections. Note that while using an anti-virus is the first step in ransomware recovery - security programs are incapable of decrypting files.
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Tomas Meskauskas
Expert security researcher, professional malware analyst
I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats.
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