Asulo Ransomware

Asulo ransomware is a newly discovered variant from the Xorist ransomware family. It encrypts user files and demands a ransom payment for decryption. This malware adds the .asulo extension to encrypted files and drops a ransom note named HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt on the victim’s system. Victims are instructed to contact the attackers via email or Telegram and pay $500 to recover their files, with a 50% discount promised for quick communication.

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Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware (Xorist family)
Encrypted File Extension	.asulo
Ransom Note File Name	HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt
Associated Emails	restofiles@hotmail.com
Telegram Contact	@restorefile
Detection Names	Win32:Filecoder-M [Trj], Trojan.Ransom.AIG, Win32/Filecoder.Q, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Xorist.lk, Ransom:Win32/Filecoder.DD!MTB
Symptoms of Infection	Files encrypted with .asulo extension; ransom note appears; wallpaper changes; pop-up ransom message
Damage	Loss of access to files due to encryption
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, pirated software, torrent sites, tech support scams, rogue ads
Danger Level	High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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Understanding the Asulo Ransomware Threat

How Did I Get Infected?

Infections with Asulo ransomware typically occur through:

• Downloading malicious email attachments
• Installing pirated or cracked software
• Visiting compromised or harmful websites
• Clicking on fake advertisements or pop-ups
• Interacting with fraudulent tech support messages

Once executed, the ransomware starts encrypting the system’s files and appends the .asulo extension to each affected file.

What Does It Do?

Asulo ransomware performs the following actions on an infected system:

• Encrypts user files, renaming them with the .asulo extension
• Alters the desktop wallpaper with a warning message
• Creates a ransom note file titled HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt
• Opens a pop-up window demanding payment

Victims are asked to pay $500 for decryption, with a limited-time 50% discount incentive.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes, this is a high-level ransomware threat. It causes serious damage by encrypting critical files and disrupting personal or business operations. Ransom payments do not guarantee data recovery, and victims should avoid contact with the attackers. The best course of action is to remove the malware using a trusted tool and attempt recovery through secure backups.

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Ransom Note Text

The ransomware note found in the file HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt usually includes:

All your files have been encrypted using a strong encryption method and a unique decryption key. To restore your files, you must purchase our decryption tool. The cost is $500, with a 50% discount if you contact us within 72 hours. Contact us via email at restofiles@hotmail.com or on Telegram @restorefile.

Manual Ransomware Removal Process

Important: Manual removal is recommended only for experienced users, as incorrect actions can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of the ransomware. If unsure, consider the SpyHunter Removal Method for a guided, automated solution.

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Immediately disable Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the ransomware from communicating with remote servers.
2. This can prevent additional encryption or further infections.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users

1. Windows 10/11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
   • Under the Boot tab, select Safe boot and check Network.
   • Click Apply, then OK, and restart your PC.
2. Windows 7/8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users

1. Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after the startup chime.
2. Release the key when the Apple logo appears.
3. Your Mac will boot in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes

Windows

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Look for unusual processes consuming high CPU or memory.
3. Right-click on the suspicious process and select End Task.

Mac

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
3. Select the suspicious process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Ransomware Files

Windows

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Windows\System32
2. Identify and delete suspicious files (randomly named or recently modified items).
3. Clear temporary files:
   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
   • Delete all files in the Temp folder.

Mac

1. Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and check for unfamiliar files or folders.
3. Remove unknown .plist files from ~/Library/LaunchAgents.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware Entries from Registry or System Settings

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Identify and delete ransomware-related registry entries.

Mac

1. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Select the Login Items tab and remove any unknown startup programs.
3. Check ~/Library/Preferences for malicious settings.

Step 6: Restore System Using a Backup or Restore Point

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Choose a restore point from before the infection and proceed.

Mac

1. Restart your Mac and enter macOS Utilities by holding Command + R.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup and restore a safe backup.

Step 7: Attempt to Decrypt Files

• Check No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for available decryption tools.
• If unavailable, restore files from backups.

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Automated Ransomware Removal with SpyHunter

If manual removal is too complex or risky, SpyHunter offers a safer, automated method for detecting and removing ransomware.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

• Get SpyHunter from the official Enigma Software website.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe or .dmg for Mac users).
2. Follow the installation prompts.
3. Launch SpyHunter upon completion.

Step 3: Run a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now to detect malware and ransomware.
2. Wait for the scan to complete and review detected threats.

Step 4: Remove Detected Ransomware

1. Click Fix Threats to remove identified ransomware components.
2. SpyHunter will clean your system automatically.

Step 5: SpyHunter’s Custom Malware HelpDesk

1. If ransomware persists, use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk for custom malware fixes.

Step 6: Restore Files

• Use backups stored on external drives or cloud storage.
• If no backup is available, check No More Ransom for decryption tools.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups: Use cloud storage or an external hard drive.
• Install a reliable security tool: SpyHunter offers real-time protection against malware.
• Enable Windows Defender or Mac security features for additional protection.
• Avoid phishing emails and unknown attachments.
• Regularly update Windows, macOS, and installed applications.

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Conclusion

Asulo ransomware is a serious file-encrypting threat that leaves victims locked out of their data while demanding a steep ransom. The safest way to respond is to avoid paying, remove the malware with a trusted tool like SpyHunter, and recover files through backups. Being proactive with cybersecurity hygiene is key to defending against future ransomware attacks.