Epsilon Red
Epsilon Red is a file-locking Ransomware virus that is used to blackmail users by encrypting their files and asking for payment for the private key. The hackers behind Epsilon Red will only send the private key for the encryption if the victim pays a ransom.
The Epsilon Red Ransomware ransom note
If you have gotten your files locked by Epsilon Red and are now being blackmailed for your access to them, you must know that paying the hackers is not a very advisable option. The criminals behind this virus are solely focused on extorting money from you and they’d do everything in their power to make you pay as much as possible. They may lie to you, threaten you, give you short payment deadlines, and more. However, once they receive the ransom money, their mission would be complete and there would be nothing that can make them keep their promise of freeing your files. Of course, there are cases where Ransomware hackers do indeed allow their victims to restore the locked data after the payment gets made. However, there are also numerous instances of users who have made the ransom payment and haven’t received anything that can release their files in exchange for their money. Therefore, if you don’t want to risk your money this way, it’s preferable if you first try to take care of this situation yourself, without contacting the hackers or sending them any of your money.
The Epsilon Red virus
The Epsilon Red virus is a form of malware that is used for money extortion through blackmailing. The Epsilon Red virus uses an advanced file-locking algorithm that can only be removed using a secret private key that is only available to the hackers
The option we can offer you here is to remove the virus and they try some of our alternative file-recovery suggestions. The recovery steps may not work for all Ransomware infections and may not get all of your files recovered but at least they are free and won’t require you to put your money on the line. If you are interested, you can find the removal guide down below and use its instructions to deal with the Ransomware.
The EpsilonRed file encryption
The EpsilonRed file encryption is the advanced process used by the Ransomware virus to make your important data files inaccessible. The EpsilonRed file encryption makes all affected data unreadable if the secret decryption key isn’t present on the infected computer.
The EpsilonRed file
A data backup is probably the best way to counteract any Ransomware that targets your files. If you have a backup, all that you will need to do is eliminate the virus (which is usually perfectly manageable) and then connect the backup device to your computer. It is VERY IMPORTANT to remember that you MUST NOT connect your backup device to your computer if the Ransomware is still in the machine. Otherwise, the backed up data on the external device is likely to get encrypted as well. Only connect backups to your system once you are sure the virus is gone.
SUMMARY:
| Name | Epsilon Red |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Danger Level | High (Ransomware is by far the worst threat you can encounter) |
| Symptoms | The symptoms could be a PC slow-down, random errors, or a decrease in the HDD free space, but those symptoms usually go unnoticed by most users. |
| Distribution Method | Ransomware can be distributed via spam letters, pirate sites, malvertisements, and Trojan backdoors. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Not Available |
| Detection Tool |
Remove Epsilon Red Ransomware
Some of the steps will likely require you to exit the page. Bookmark it for later reference.
Reboot in Safe Mode (use this guide if you don’t know how to do it).
WARNING! READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!
Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC at the same time and go to the Processes Tab. Try to determine which processes are dangerous.
Right click on each of them and select Open File Location. Then scan the files with our free online virus scanner:
After you open their folder, end the processes that are infected, then delete their folders.
Note: If you are sure something is part of the infection – delete it, even if the scanner doesn’t flag it. No anti-virus program can detect all infections.
Hold the Start Key and R – copy + paste the following and click OK:
notepad %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/hosts
A new file will open. If you are hacked, there will be a bunch of other IPs connected to you at the bottom. Look at the image below:
If there are suspicious IPs below “Localhost” – write to us in the comments.
Type msconfig in the search field and hit enter. A window will pop-up:
Go in Startup —> Uncheck entries that have “Unknown” as Manufacturer.
- Please note that ransomware may even include a fake Manufacturer name to its process. Make sure you check out every process here is legitimate.
Type Regedit in the windows search field and press Enter. Once inside, press CTRL and F together and type the virus’s Name.
Search for the ransomware in your registries and delete the entries. Be extremely careful – you can damage your system if you delete entries not related to the ransomware.
Type each of the following in the Windows Search Field:
- %AppData%
- %LocalAppData%
- %ProgramData%
- %WinDir%
- %Temp%
Delete everything in Temp. The rest just check out for anything recently added. Remember to leave us a comment if you run into any trouble!
How to Decrypt Epsilon Red files
We have a comprehensive (and daily updated) guide on how to decrypt your files. Check it out here.
If the guide doesn’t help, download the anti-virus program we recommended or try our free online virus scanner. Also, you can always ask us in the comments for help!
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