ODIN ransomware virus. How to delete? (Removal tutorial)
Everything you should know about ODIN ransomware
ODIN virus is the second and latest version of the Locky ransomware. The virus mostly targets U.S. users; however, there’s no doubt that ransomware is going to grow and spread all over the world. The main characteristics of ODIN malware are similar to other ransomware infections. It mostly spreads via malicious email campaigns, encrypts files using strong algorithms and tries to swindle the money from the victims. The only difference is that virus appends .odin file extension to corrupted files and changes entire file name. After successful encryption, it changes the background of the infected computer with a ransom message. Hackers try to scare you, but you should not give. Instead of considering paying the ransom, you have to initiate ODIN removal. Reimage might be a handy tool for eliminating this dangerous virus.
ODIN ransomware uses RSA-2048 and AES-CBC 256 techniques to encrypt files and appends .odin file extension. Besides, it changes file names entirely by creating a new name from random letters and numbers. The virus makes user’s data useless. However, hackers leave an opportunity to get back access to corrupted data. After hijack malware leaves ransom notes on the desktop: _HOWDO_text.html, _HOWDO_text.bmp, and _[2_digit_number]_HOWDO_text.html, where victims can find an explanation about file encryption and decryption. There’s no surprise that victims have to purchase a decryption key for restoring lost data. Even though paying the ransom might seem like the only possible option, you should know that hackers are not worth trusting. After receiving your payment, hackers can simply disappear. Of course, there’s a possibility that they provide you a decryption key or some software for restoring the files. The problem is that you might get additional malware with restored data. We do not recommend paying the ransom. You have to remove ODIN from your PC first and only then think about other ways to retrieve locked files. For example, you can easily restore your file from backups.
Tips for protecting computer from ransomware attack
ODIN hijack usually happens when victims open an infected email attachment. Once victims open the file, the malicious script is executed, and it starts scanning the computer. As you already know, the result of the scan is encrypted files. If you want to avoid this unpleasant activity, you should be careful with your emails. Do not open spam emails, questionable attachments and pay attention to the sender. Is he or she familiar to you? If you receive an email from a particular institution, make sure that the sender actually works there. Double checking the information is just one of many tips to protect your computer. Malware can enter your PC via exploit kits as well, so you should stay away from file-sharing services and use only reliable sources for software downloads and installation. Also, we recommend strengthening your computer’s security by installing a professional anti-malware program. However, you cannot expect that security programs protect your PC 100%. Your actions online should be measured too.
Guidelines for ODIN removal
ODIN malware is a dangerous type of computer infections, so you should take its removal seriously. Do not consider removing the virus manually! Only experienced virus researchers might be capable of eliminating the virus without any help. Ordinary computer users have to employ professional anti-malware tools in order to remove ODIN. If your computer is protected with a security program, you have to update it before starting virus elimination. If you don’t use any anti-malware program, we recommend one of these programs Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes. Sometimes ransomware blocks antivirus programs and prevents from updating them or scanning the system. If you encounter this problem, please follow our instructions bellow. There we will explain how to access or install malware removal tools.
After ODIN removal you can think about recovering encrypted files. If you have backup copies, you can restore files from them. Actually, all computer users should back up their files regularly in case of ransomware attack or other computer problem. However, if you don’t have backups, at the end of the article you will find ways how to decrypt your data.
To remove ODIN virus, follow these steps:
Eliminate ODIN using Safe Mode with Networking
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Step 1: Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Go to Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- As soon as your computer starts, start pressing F8 key repeatedly before the Windows logo shows up.
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Choose Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Click on the Power button at the Windows login screen, and then press and hold Shift key on your keyboard. Then click Restart.
- Then select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
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Once your computer starts, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking from the list of options in Startup Settings.
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Step 2: Remove ODIN
Sign in to your account and launch any Internet browser. Download a legitimate anti-malware software, for instance, Reimage. Make sure you update it to the latest version and then run a full system scan with it to detect and eliminate all malicious components of the ransomware to remove ODIN completely.
If your ransomware does not allow you to access Safe Mode with Networking, please follow the instructions provided below.
Eliminate ODIN using System Restore
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Step 1: Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Go to Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- As soon as your computer starts, start pressing F8 key repeatedly before the Windows logo shows up.
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Choose Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Click on the Power button at the Windows login screen, and then press and hold Shift key on your keyboard. Then click Restart.
- Then select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
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Once your computer starts, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of options in Startup Settings.
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Step 2: Perform a system restore to recover files and settings
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When the Command Prompt window appears, type in cd restore and press Enter.
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Then type rstrui.exe and hit Enter..
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In a new window that shows up, click the Next button and choose a restore point that was created before the infiltration of ODIN and then click on the Next button again.
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To start system restore, click Yes.
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When the Command Prompt window appears, type in cd restore and press Enter.
Bonus: Restore your files
Using the tutorial provided above you should be able to eliminate ODIN from the infected device. novirus.uk team has also prepared an in-depth data recovery guide which you will also find above.There are a couple of methods you can apply to recover data encrypted by ODIN:
Recover you files with Data Recovery Pro
Data Recovery Pro might be useful for recovering files encrypted by ODIN virus. This program was created for locating missing files and folder on the computer after system wreckage. However, you can try using this tool for restore your corrupted files.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Install Data Recovery on your computer following the steps indicated in the software’s Setup;
- Run the program to scan your device for the data encrypted by ODIN ransomware;
- Recover the data.
Restore your files with System Recovery
This method allows accessing the previous version of the operating system before ransomware attack. Then, you will be able to copy necessary files. Follow these steps:
- Right-click on the encrypted document you want to recover;
- Click “Properties” and navigate to “Previous versions” tab;
- In the “Folder versions” section look for the available file copies. Choose the desired version and press “Restore”.
It is strongly recommended to take precautions and secure your computer from malware attacks. To protect your PC from ODIN and other dangerous viruses, you should install and keep a powerful malware removal tool, for instance, Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes.
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