Prometheus Ransomwar

About this malware

Prometheus Ransomware will effect your system in a very bad way because it will encrypt your data. Ransomware is believed to be a high-level infection, which might lead to very serious consequences. When a contaminated file is opened, the ransomware will immediately launch a file encryption process in the background. Files that are valued by users the most, such as photos and documents, will become targets. You will not be able to open files so easily, they will have to be decrypted using a specialized key, which is in the hands of the people responsible for your file encryption. We ought to mention that people researching malicious software sometimes release free decryptors, if they’re able to crack the ransomware. This may be your sole choice if backup is not available.

In addition to the encrypted files, a ransom note will also be placed somewhere on your operating system. The malware developers/distributors will clarify in the note that files have been encrypted and the sole way of getting them back is to buy a decryption program. Paying cyber crooks is not something we advise, for a couple of reasons. It is not difficult to imagine hackers simply taking your money while not providing a decryptor. Your money would go towards developing more malware. You also have to purchase some kind of backup, so that you don’t end up in this situation again. If copies of files have been made, you don’t have to worry about file loss and can just delete Prometheus Ransomware.

Download Removal Toolto remove Prometheus Ransomware

In the next section, we’ll discuss how the threat got inside your PC, but in short, it was probably distributed via spam emails and false updates. Both methods are frequently used by ransomware developers/distributors.

How is ransomware distributed

We think that you fell for a fake update or opened a file attached to a spam email, and that’s how you got the ransomware. If spam email was how you got the ransomware, you will have to learn how to spot malicious spam email. Always attentively check the email before opening an attachment. It’s also not strange to see cyber criminals pretending to be from notable companies, as a well-known company names would make users lose their guard. The sender could claim to come from Amazon, and that they have attached a receipt for a purchase you won’t remember making. But, it’s easy to confirm this. You just have to check if the email address matches any that belong to the company. We also rec0mmend scanning the file that has been added with a malicious software scanner to ensure that it’s safe.

Another method often used is false updates. Fake alerts for updates pop up on various sites all the time, constantly pestering you to install something. Those fake update offers may also appear in advertisements and banners. Still, for those who knows that no actual updates will ever be suggested this way, such bogus alerts will be obvious. Your device will never be clean if you regularly download things from questionable sources. When your program requires an update, either the application in question will alert you, or it’ll automatically update.

What does ransomware do

We likely do not need to explain that your files have been encrypted. File encrypting might have happened without you knowing, right after the infected file was opened. All encrypted files will be marked with an unusual extension, so you’ll know which files were affected. Files have been locked via a complicated encryption algorithm so do not waste your time trying to open them. Details about how your files could be recovered will be provided in the ransom note. If it is not your first time dealing with ransomware, you’ll see a certain pattern in ransom notes, cyber crooks will intimidate you to believe your sole option is to pay and then threaten to delete your files if you do not give in. Even if the hackers have the only decryption tool for your files, giving into the requests isn’t recommended. Realistically, how likely is it that crooks, who locked your files in the first place, will feel obligated to help you, even after a payment is made. Cyber crooks might also recall that you paid and target you again particularly, thinking you will pay a second time.

Instead of paying, try to remember if your files are being kept somewhere but you have just forgotten. If you are out of choices, back up the encrypted files and safekeep them for the future, a malicious software analyst may release a free decryptor and you may get your files back. Whichever option you choose, it is still necessary to remove Prometheus Ransomware.

We hope you will take this experience as a lesson and start routinely backing up your files. There is always a possibility that you may lose your files, so having backup is critical. There is a variety of backup options available, some more pricey than others but if you have files that you value it’s worth buying one.

Prometheus Ransomware removal

Unless you are an advanced user, manual removal isn’t encouraged. To delete the malware you will have to use malware removal program, unless you want to additionally harm your device. Usually, users need to reboot their devices in Safe Mode so as for malware removal program to work. The malware removal program should be working fine in Safe Mode, so there should be no problems when you uninstall Prometheus Ransomware. However unfortunate it might be, malicious software removal program will not help you restore files as it is not capable of doing that.

Download Removal Toolto remove Prometheus Ransomware

Learn how to remove Prometheus Ransomware from your computer

• Step 1. Remove Prometheus Ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.
• Step 2. Remove Prometheus Ransomware using System Restore
• Step 3. Recover your data

Step 1. Remove Prometheus Ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.
• b) Step 2. Remove Prometheus Ransomware.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Choose Safe Mode with Networking

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

b) Step 2. Remove Prometheus Ransomware.

You will now need to open your browser and download some kind of anti-malware software. Choose a trustworthy one, install it and have it scan your computer for malicious threats. When the ransomware is found, remove it. If, for some reason, you can't access Safe Mode with Networking, go with another option.

Step 2. Remove Prometheus Ransomware using System Restore

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
• b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

1. You will need to type in cd restore in the window that appears. Press Enter.
2. Type in rstrui.exe and again, press Enter.
3. A window will pop-up and you should press Next. Choose a restore point and press Next again.
4. Press Yes.

While this should have taken care of the ransomware, you might want to download anti-malware just to be sure no other threats are lurking.  

Step 3. Recover your data

• a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.
• b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions
• c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

While backup is essential, there is still quite a few users who do not have it. If you are one of them, you can try the below provided methods and you just might be able to recover files.

a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro, preferably from a trustworthy website.
2. Scan your device for recoverable files.
3. Recover them.

b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions

If you had System Restore enabled, you can recover files through Windows Previous Versions.

1. Find a file you want to recover.
2. Right-click on it.
3. Select Properties and then Previous versions.
4. Pick the version of the file you want to recover and press Restore.

c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

If you are lucky, the ransomware did not delete your shadow copies. They are made by your system automatically for when system crashes.

1. Go to the official website (shadowexplorer.com) and acquire the Shadow Explorer application.
2. Set up and open it.
3. Press on the drop down menu and pick the disk you want.
4. If folders are recoverable, they will appear there. Press on the folder and then Export.

* SpyHunter scanner, published on this site, is intended to be used only as a detection tool. More info on SpyHunter. To use the removal functionality, you will need to purchase the full version of SpyHunter. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, click here.