Anubi ransomware, also known as Anubis, is a malicious file-locking virus that encrypts victims’ data and demands a ransom for decryption. This ransomware is nearly identical to Louis, Innok, and BlackPanther variants, with the primary distinction being the addition of the “.Anubi” extension to encrypted files. Victims also find a ransom note titled “Anubi_Help.txt”, along with changes to their desktop wallpaper and a pre-login ransom message.
This malware primarily spreads through phishing emails, malicious downloads, software cracks, and exploit kits. Once a device is infected, Anubi encrypts all files and instructs victims to contact the attackers via anubis@mailum.com or anubis20@firemail.de for file recovery. However, paying the ransom is not recommended, as cybercriminals may not provide the necessary decryption tools.
Anubi Ransomware Overview
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker |
Encrypted File Extension | .Anubi |
Ransom Note Filename | Anubi_Help.txt |
Associated Email Addresses | anubis@mailum.com, anubis20@firemail.de |
Detection Names | Avast (Win32:TrojanX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Zusy.582289), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.OOO), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/CylanceLoader.IJ!MTB) |
Symptoms of Infection | Files are renamed with the “.Anubi” extension, files become inaccessible, desktop wallpaper is changed, ransom note appears on the desktop and pre-login screen. |
Damage | Encrypted files become inaccessible, potential data loss, financial extortion, risk of additional malware infections. |
Distribution Methods | Malicious email attachments (macros), torrent websites, tech support scams, pirated software, exploit kits, infected ads. |
Danger Level | High |
Anubi Ransom Note Message (Anubi_Help.txt)
The ransom note delivered by Anubi provides the following message:
If you want your files back, contact us at the email addresses shown below:
Anubis@mailum.com
Anubis20@firemail.de
# In subject line please write your personal ID: -
Check Your Spam Folder: After sending your emails, please check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you do not miss our response.
No Response After 24 Hours: If you do not receive a reply from us within 24 hours,
please create a new, valid email address (e.g., from Gmail, Outlook, etc.), and send your message again using the new email address.
Some notes:\n1- Although illegal and bad, this is business. You are our client after infection, and we will treat you respectfully like a client.\n2- Do not play with encrypted files. Take a backup if you want to waste some time playing with them.\n3- If you take a random middleman from the internet, he may take your money, not pay us, and disappear or lie to you.\n4- Police can't help you. We are experienced hackers and don't leave footprints behind. Even if we did, police won't risk their million-dollar zero-day exploits for catching us. Instead, they will ensure you never pay us and suffer data loss.\n5- If some of your files don't have our extension but do not open, they are encrypted like the others and will decrypt normally. They just have not been renamed to our extension.\n6- Some people on YouTube claim to decrypt our encrypted files (they even make fake videos). All they do is message us, claim to be the real client (you), get free test files from us, and show them as proof to you. If you message us, we will tell you what the file was. They take your money but do not pay us and will not decrypt the rest of your files. They make you wait days with different excuses until you give up, or they stop responding. In simple words, when they claim a lie (decrypting our files), they are already playing you and will scam you. The only safe thing you can do with no risk is to message us yourself, and we will answer.
How Anubi Ransomware Spreads
Cybercriminals employ multiple attack vectors to distribute ransomware like Anubi:
- Phishing Emails: Malicious attachments or links in emails that trick users into downloading the malware.
- Malicious Ads (Malvertising): Fake online ads leading to drive-by infections.
- Pirated Software & Cracks: Illegitimate downloads often contain hidden ransomware.
- Exploit Kits: Attackers use security vulnerabilities in outdated software to install malware.
- Infected Websites: Compromised sites that inject malicious scripts onto users’ devices.
Users should always be cautious when opening email attachments, downloading software, or browsing suspicious websites.
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
- Immediately disable Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the ransomware from communicating with remote servers.
- This can prevent additional encryption or further infections.
Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode
For Windows Users
- 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.
- Press Windows + R, type
- Windows 7/8:
- Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
For Mac Users
- Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after the startup chime.
- Release the key when the Apple logo appears.
- Your Mac will boot in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes
Windows
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Look for unusual processes consuming high CPU or memory.
- Right-click on the suspicious process and select End Task.
Mac
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
- Select the suspicious process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Ransomware Files
Windows
- Open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
C:\Windows\System32
- Identify and delete suspicious files (randomly named or recently modified items).
- Clear temporary files:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%
, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Press Windows + R, type
Mac
- Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Support
and check for unfamiliar files or folders. - Remove unknown
.plist
files from~/Library/LaunchAgents
.
Step 5: Remove Ransomware Entries from Registry or System Settings
Windows
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Identify and delete ransomware-related registry entries.
Mac
- Open System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Select the Login Items tab and remove any unknown startup programs.
- Check
~/Library/Preferences
for malicious settings.
Step 6: Restore System Using a Backup or Restore Point
Windows
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui
, and press Enter. - Choose a restore point from before the infection and proceed.
Mac
- Restart your Mac and enter macOS Utilities by holding Command + R.
- 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.
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
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe
or.dmg
for Mac users). - Follow the installation prompts.
- Launch SpyHunter upon completion.
Step 3: Run a Full System Scan
- Click Start Scan Now to detect malware and ransomware.
- Wait for the scan to complete and review detected threats.
Step 4: Remove Detected Ransomware
- Click Fix Threats to remove identified ransomware components.
- SpyHunter will clean your system automatically.
Step 5: SpyHunter’s Custom Malware HelpDesk
- 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.
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.
If you are still having trouble, consider contacting virtual technical support.