How to remove PhoneNumber Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is PhoneNumber Ransomware

PhoneNumber Ransomware is another cryptovirus that encrypts user files of various formats. Cryptovirus activity was seen in September 2019. Also, it is worth noting that PhoneNumber Ransomware is widespread in all corners of the world, although initially it is aimed at users who speak English. Below you will find detailed instructions to remove PhoneNumber Ransomware and decrypt your files.

Particularly noteworthy is the approach by which the cryptovirus selects an extension that replaces the main file extension, as well as the name of a text document that acts as a note with the terms of the ransom. So, the extension template looks like this: ./the official phone number of the company that was attacked/, that is, if the organization number is 555-697-0574, then the file extension will be .555697-0574 and so on. The template for the name of the scam note depends on the name of this organization and there is a template: ! __README_ !.txt. For example, the files of the Nova company were encrypted, then the name would be !_Nova_Readme_!.txt. Here is the content of a note by cybercriminals:

Hello, ***!
Check this message in details and contact someone from IT department.
All your files are encrypted with the strongest millitary algorithms (4096 bit RSA and 256 bit AES).
Do not modify or rename encrypted files – this may cause decryption failure.
If you want to restore your files you will need to make the payment.
You can send us an encrypted file (about 300KB) and we will decrypt it for free, so you have no doubts in possibility to restore the files any time.
Files should not contain sensitive information (databases, backups, large documents, etc).
The rest of the data will be available to you after the full payment.
Contact us only if you are authorized to make a deal from the whole affected network.
Don’t contact us if you are not a such person.
Use english when contacting us.
Email: abcde@protonmail.com
If you don’t get an answer within one day download BitMessage software.
Homelink: https://bitmessage.org
Identity: BM-2cVWAFSDMW6TG6GafBWKXK4o2T4sn1ctEx

The note contains a description of how to contact the attackers to further pay for the ransom in bitcoins. As a rule, the repurchase amount can reach several hundred or even thousands of dollars. Of course, we strongly advise you not to pay, as no one can give a 100% guarantee that your files will be truly decrypted. Use our recommendations and guides listed below to remove PhoneNumber Ransomware and decrypt your 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 PhoneNumber ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.

PhoneNumber Ransomware Removal Guide

Remember that you need to remove PhoneNumber Ransomware first and foremost to prevent further encryption of your files before the state of your data becomes totally fubar. And only after that, you can start recovering your files. Removal must be performed according to the following steps:

1. Download PhoneNumber Removal Tool.
2. Remove PhoneNumber from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
3. Restore .PhoneNumber files
4. How to protect PC from future infections.

How to remove PhoneNumber ransomware automatically:

Download Removal Tool

Thor Home may help you to get rid of this virus and clean up your system. In case you need a proper and reliable antivirus, we recommend you to try it.

Alternative solution – Malwarebytes
This program will find malicious files, hijackers, adware, potentially unwanted programs and will neutralize it. Also, Norton will help you clean your system properly.
If you’re Mac user – use this.

Manual PhoneNumber Removal Guide

Here are step-by-step instructions to remove PhoneNumber from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to PhoneNumber. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.

Uninstall PhoneNumber 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:

PhoneNumber.dll
_readme.txt
readme.txt

Windows 7/Vista:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to PhoneNumber by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows 8/8.1:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to PhoneNumber by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows 10:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to PhoneNumber by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows XP:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to PhoneNumber by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Mac OS:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
3. Release Shift button, when Apple logo appears;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to PhoneNumber by using Removal Tool;
5. 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.

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
2. Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
3. Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
4. Manage export location. That’s it!

Download Stellar Data Recovery

 

Restore encrypted files using Recuva

There is an alternative program, that may help you to recover files – Recuva.

1. Run the Recuva;
2. Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
3. Find needed files, mark 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

Download Removal Tool

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.