What is Aim Ransomware
The Dharma family of cryptoviruses (namely, Aim Ransomware belongs to this family) is quite common in recent years. And, by and large, only the name of the virus changes, contact information with each new version, but the principle of influence remains unchanged. For example, Aim Ransomware encrypts user data in various formats, including photos, videos, archives, multimedia, MS Office documents, and much more. After the changes are made, it becomes impossible to use these files, and a text document appears in each folder with encrypted files. Also, the virus creates a pop-up window containing ransom information. An image of these notes can be found below.
Like similar threats of this type, Aim Ransomware spreads with lightning speed around the world, because messages about encryption come from all over the globe. Also, the virus changes the file extension to .Aim, which makes them completely inoperative, moreover, manually renaming files in order to change the extension is a waste of time. This is what the scammers’ claims look like:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don’t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email cavefat@tuta.io YOUR ID *****
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:ripntfs@protonmail.com
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Cybercriminals do not specify the amount of the ransom required to obtain the decryption key, they only persuade the user to contact them at the specified address in order to announce the price later. According to our data, the amount ranges from $500 to $1,500. In any case, there is no guarantee that you will receive the means to decrypt data, even if you pay the asking price or even more. We strongly recommend that you follow our recommendations to remove Aim Ransomware and decrypt .Aim files.
Well, there are 2 options for solving this problem. The first is to use an automatic removal utility that will remove the threat and all instances related to it. Moreover, it will save you time. Or you can use the Manual Removal Guide, but you should know that it might be very difficult to remove Aim ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.
If for any reason you need to recover deleted or lost files, then check out our article Top 5 Deleted File Recovery Software
Aim Removal Guide
Remember that you need to remove Aim Ransomware first and foremost to prevent further encryption of your files before the state of your data becomes totally useless. And only after that, you can start recovering your files. Removal must be performed according to the following steps:
- Download Aim Removal Tool.
- Remove Aim from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
- Restore .Aim files
- How to protect PC from future infections.
How to remove Aim ransomware automatically:
Norton is a powerful antivirus that protects you against malware, spyware, ransomware and other types of Internet threats. Norton is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. We recommend you to try it.
If you’re Mac user – use this.
Manual Aim Removal Guide
Here are step-by-step instructions to remove Aim from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to Aim. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.
Uninstall Aim from Windows or Mac
Here you may find the list of confirmed related to the ransomware files and registry keys. You should delete them in order to remove virus, however it would be easier to do it with our automatic removal tool. The list:
Aim.dll
_readme.txt
readme.txt
Windows 7/Vista:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Aim by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 8/8.1:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Aim by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 10:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Aim by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows XP:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Aim by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Mac OS:
- Restart the computer;
- Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
- Release Shift button, when Apple logo appears;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Aim by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
How to restore encrypted files
You can try to restore your files with special tools. You may find more detailed info on data recovery software in this article – recovery software. These programs may help you to restore files that were infected and encrypted by ransomware.
Restore data with Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery is able to find and restore different types of encrypted files, including removed emails.
- Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
- Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
- Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
- Manage export location. That’s it!
Restore encrypted files using Recuva
There is an alternative program, that may help you to recover files – Recuva.
- Run the Recuva;
- Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
- Find needed files, Aim them and Press Recover button;
How to prevent ransomware infection?
It is always rewarding to prevent ransomware infection because of the consequences it may bring. There are a lot of difficulties in resolving issues with encoders viruses, that’s why it is very vital to keep a proper and reliable anti-ransomware software on your computer. In case you don’t have any, here you may find some of the best offers in order to protect your PC from disastrous viruses.
Malwarebytes
SpyHunter is a reliable antimalware removal tool application, that is able to protect your PC and prevent the infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly and multi-functional.