Phantom is a ransomware program that is also known as PhantomChina ransomware. It operates by encrypting the data on your computer and then demands a ransom amount for the decryption tool. It is often challenging to recover your data without proper decryption software since such programs use high-grade cryptography algorithms for the encryption. Additionally, the program also renames your files by adding the “.phantom” extension to it. For example, it would retitle a file from “test.jpg” to “test.jpg.phantopm” after encryption.
After successful infiltration, the program creates a ransom note titled “!How_To_Decrypt_My_File_如何解密我的文件.hta” in each of the folder containing encrypted files. The message is available both in Chinese and English. It informs you that all your important files have been encrypted. To recover them, it asks you to write an email on the provided email address. It does not reveal the ransom amount but mentions that it would be in bitcoins and depends upon how fast you contact the cybercriminals.
As a guarantee, cybercriminals promise you to decrypt 1 file for free. However, it should neither exceed 2 MB of data size nor contain essential documents. That said, we strongly advise you not to pay these cybercriminals any money. They often scam people and do not provide any decryption software. Eventually, you might have to face financial loss adding to the data loss.
Besides, it is vital to Uninstall the Phantom ransomware to stop further encryptions. We recommend using a robust antimalware application for the purpose. It can detect and remove any malicious program instantly. Moreover, it is capable of defending your device from similar threats in the future as well.
This guide was written to help you remove the infection itself from your computer, and if a 100% proven method to recover the encrypted files is found we will update this guide.
We cannot help you recover your files and we can only recommend that you use ShadowExplorer or free file recovery software to restore your documents.
- 1. How did the Phantom ransomware get on my computer?
- 2. What is Phantom ransomware?
- 3. Is my computer infected with Phantom ransomware?
- 4. Is it possible to decrypt files encrypted by Phantom ransomware?
- 5. How to remove the Phantom ransomware (Virus Removal Guide)
- 6. How to prevent your computer from becoming infected by Phantom ransomware
1. How did the Phantom ransomware get on my computer?
The Phantom ransomware is distributed via spam email containing infected attachments or by exploiting vulnerabilities in the operating system and installed software.
Cyber-criminals spam out an email, with forged header information, tricking you into believing that it is from a shipping company like DHL or FedEx. The email tells you that they tried to deliver a package to you, but failed for some reason. Sometimes the emails claim to be notifications of a shipment you have made. Either way, you can’t resist being curious as to what the email is referring to – and open the attached file (or click on a link embedded inside the email). And with that, your computer is infected with the Phantom ransomware.
This ransomware was also observed attacking victims by hacking open Remote Desktop Services (RDP) ports. The attackers scan for the systems running RDP (TCP port 3389) and then attempt to brute force the password for the systems.
2. What is Phantom ransomware?
- Ransomware family: Unknown
- Extensions: .phantom
- Ransom note: !How_To_Decrypt_My_File_如何解密我的文件.hta
- Ransom: Undisclosed
- Contact: pianist6@protonmail.com
This Phantom ransomware variant restricts access to data by encrypting files with the .phantom extension. It then attempts to extort money from victims by asking for “ransom”, in form of Bitcoin cryptocurrency, in exchange for access to data.
This ransomware targets all versions of Windows including Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. Phantom ransomware searches for files with certain file extensions to encrypt. The files it encrypts include important productivity documents and files such as .doc, .docx, .xls, .pdf, among others. When these files are detected, this infection will change the extension to .phantom, so they are no longer able to be opened.
The Phantom ransomware changes the name of each encrypted file to the following format: .phantom.
Files targeted are those commonly found on most PCs today; a list of file extensions for targeted files include:
.sql, .mp4, .7z, .rar, .m4a, .wma, .avi, .wmv, .csv, .d3dbsp, .zip, .sie, .sum, .ibank, .t13, .t12, .qdf, .gdb, .tax, .pkpass, .bc6, .bc7, .bkp, .qic, .bkf, .sidn, .sidd, .mddata, .itl, .itdb, .icxs, .hvpl, .hplg, .hkdb, .mdbackup, .syncdb, .gho, .cas, .svg, .map, .wmo, .itm, .sb, .fos, .mov, .vdf, .ztmp, .sis, .sid, .ncf, .menu, .layout, .dmp, .blob, .esm, .vcf, .vtf, .dazip, .fpk, .mlx, .kf, .iwd, .vpk, .tor, .psk, .rim, .w3x, .fsh, .ntl, .arch00, .lvl, .snx, .cfr, .ff, .vpp_pc, .lrf, .m2, .mcmeta, .vfs0, .mpqge, .kdb, .db0, .dba, .rofl, .hkx, .bar, .upk, .das, .iwi, .litemod, .asset, .forge, .ltx, .bsa, .apk, .re4, .sav, .lbf, .slm, .bik, .epk, .rgss3a, .pak, .big, wallet, .wotreplay, .xxx, .desc, .py, .m3u, .flv, .js, .css, .rb, .png, .jpeg, .txt, .p7c, .p7b, .p12, .pfx, .pem, .crt, .cer, .der, .x3f, .srw, .pef, .ptx, .r3d, .rw2, .rwl, .raw, .raf, .orf, .nrw, .mrwref, .mef, .erf, .kdc, .dcr, .cr2, .crw, .bay, .sr2, .srf, .arw, .3fr, .dng, .jpe, .jpg, .cdr, .indd, .ai, .eps, .pdf, .pdd, .psd, .dbf, .mdf, .wb2, .rtf, .wpd, .dxg, .xf, .dwg, .pst, .accdb, .mdb, .pptm, .pptx, .ppt, .xlk, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xls, .wps, .docm, .docx, .doc, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt
Once your files are encrypted with the .phantom extension, this ransomware will create the !How_To_Decrypt_My_File_如何解密我的文件.hta ransom note in each folder that a file has been encrypted and on the Windows desktop.
When the infection has finished scanning your computer it will also delete all of the Shadow Volume Copies that are on the affected computer. It does this so that you cannot use the shadow volume copies to restore your encrypted files.
3. Is my computer infected with Phantom Ransomware?
When Phantom ransomware infects your computer it will scan all the drive letters for targeted file types, encrypt them, and then append the .phantom extension to them. Once these files are encrypted, they will no longer able to be opened by your normal programs. When this ransomware has finished encrypting the victim’s files, it will create a !How_To_Decrypt_My_File_如何解密我的文件.hta text file which includes instructions on how to recover the files.
Below is the message that you will see in the !How_To_Decrypt_My_File_如何解密我的文件.hta file:
English text:
If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail: pianist6@protonmail.com Write this Your ID in the body of your message You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption test as guarantee !
Integrity is our principle! Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 2Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
Attention !
Do not rename encrypted files ! Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss ! Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam !
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Chinese text:
发送您的 ID 到 pianist6@protonmail.com 价格取决于您给我们写信的速度 , 付款后 , 我们将向您发送解密工具 , 并协助您解密所有文件 !
我们支持解密测试 !
诚信是我们的原则 ! 在付款之前 , 您可以向我们发送测试文件 , 证明我们有能力恢复您的数据 (完好无损) ! 注意 !
请勿 (编辑 删除 重命名 更改后缀名) 文件 , 否则不可恢复 ! 我们没有第三方合作 , 除了我们无人能解 ! 不要试图使用第三方软件 (恢复 解密) 您的数据 , 这可能会导致数据永久损坏 !
4. Is it possible to decrypt files encrypted with the Phantom ransomware?
The security companies and government officials often release decryptors for ransomware. You can take help of these decryptors to decrypt your encrypted files by Phantom ransomware.
However, it is not necessary that decryptors are available for kind and type of the ransomware you got infected. Especially if the ransomware is new and widespread, then it is most likly that you won't find decryptors for it. If it is an old and popular ransomware then you might find the decryptors.
The first step towards finding the decryptor is to know the acutal name and type of ransomware you get infected. To do that you can take help of NoMoreRansom.org. Visit the website and paste the ransom note in box provided. You can also upload the encrypted file to know the ransomware name. Once you do that click on GO! FIND OUT button.
Now the website will tell you about the type of ransomware and also provide you link if there is a decryptor available.
ID Ransomware is a similar website, you can upload the ransom note, sample encrypted file, or the contact email address to know about the type of ransomware. Once you know about it you can find the decryptors on the internet. But do not download decryptors from shady websites they may further infect your computer.
However you can trust the decryptors for Phantom ransomware from the below sites.
If you haven't find the decryptors then it is not possible to get your files back. That doesn't mean you should pay ransom to the cybercriminals. Do not pay any money to recover your files. Even if you were to pay the ransom, there is no guarantee that you will regain access to your files.
If you’ve already paid the ransom, immediately contact your bank and your local authorities. If you paid with a credit card, your bank may be able to block the transaction and return your money.
You can also contact the following government fraud and scam reporting websites:
- In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
- In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
- In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information
- In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
- In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
- In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
- In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
If your country or region isn’t listed here, we recommend that you contact your country or region’s federal police or communications authority.
5. How to remove the Phantom ransomware (Virus Removal Guide)
It’s important to understand that by starting the removal process you risk losing your files, as we cannot guarantee that you will be able to recover them. MalwareFox and HitmanPro can detect and remove this infection, however, these programs cannot recover your documents, pictures, or files. Your files may be permanently compromised when trying to remove this infection or trying to recover the encrypted documents. We cannot be held responsible for losing your files or documents during this removal process.
STEP 1: Use MalwareFox to remove Phantom ransomware
MalwareFox is antimalware that works on heuristic approach to detect and remove malware from your PC. It analyzes the malware signatures as well as their behaviour. If a program acts like a malware then MalwareFox blocks it right there. It is lightweight on your system resource and finishes the scan quickly.
Its not like I am recommending you to install a costly software to remove the malware. The MalwareFox subscription charges are fairly low. But that is for a fully featured program with real-time protection capabilities. The scanning works even with the free version, though you can try the MalwareFox Premium for 14 days. Also, you don't need to remove your current antivirus, MalwareFox will work effectively without any conflicts.
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Download MalwareFox.
You can download MalwareFox by clicking the link below.
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Double-click on the MalwareFox setup file.
Once the MalwareFox is downloaded, double click on MalwareFox.exe file to install it on your PC. The downloaded files are mostly saved to the Downloads folder.
You will see an User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow MalwareFox to make changes to your device. Click on “Yes” to proceed with the installation steps.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to install MalwareFox.
First MalwareFox installer ask you to choose the language, select your preferend language and click on OK.
Then the MalwareFox installation Wizard appears, click on Next and follow the screen instructions to setup MalwareFox on your PC.
Once the installation is complete, MalwareFox will download the latest version and virus signatures from the server. Let it update.
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Click on “Scan” Button.
To perform a system scan, click on the “Scan” button.
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Wait for MalwareFox scan to complete.
MalwareFox is now scanning your computer for adware, pop-ups, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so you can do some other work while it is scanning your PC, don't worry the PC won't get slow during the scan.
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Click on “Next”.
Once the scan has completed, you will see the list of detected threats on your PC. To remove the malware that MalwareFox has found, click on the “Next” button.
When the malware removal process is complete, you can close MalwareFox and continue with the rest of the instructions.
STEP 2: Use HitmanPro to scan for malware and unwanted programs
HitanPro works on unique cloud-based approach to detect the threats. You can use it as a second opinion malware scanner. HitmanPro also observe the behaviour active programs and checks the locations where malware normally resides. If there is a suspicious file then it upload thes file to cloud where it is scanned by Bitdefender and Kaspersky antivirus engines.
HitmanPro is available for a 30-days trail that lets you to clean the threats. After that you may need to purchase it which costs around $24.95 for 1 year single PC. If you won't upgrade then you can scan using the HitmanPro however it won't let you remove or quarntine the detected threat.
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Download HitmanPro.
You can download HitmanPro by clicking the link.
HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK
(The link will open a new page from where you can download HitmanPro) -
Install HitmanPro.
When HitmanPro has finished downloading, double-click on “hitmanpro.exe” if you have 32-bit Windows or “hitmanpro_x64.exe” if you have 64-bit windows, to install this program on your PC. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Now you will see an User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow HitmanPro to make changes to your device. Click “Yes” to install it on your PC.
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Follow the screen instructions.
When HitmanPro starts you will see the start screen as shown below. Click on the “Next” button to perform a system scan.
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Wait for the HitmanPro scan to complete.
HitmanPro will now start scanning your PC for malware. This process may take a few minutes.
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Click on “Next”.
Once HitmanPro finished the scan, you will see a list of all the malicious programs that it found in your system. Click on the “Next” button to remove the malware.
When the process is complete, you can close HitmanPro and continue with the rest of the instructions.
STEP 3: Restore the files encrypted by Phantom ransomware with recovery software
Option 1: Restore your files encrypted by Phantom ransomware with ShadowExplorer
Phantom will attempt to delete all shadow copies when you first start any executable on your computer after becoming infected. Thankfully, the infection is not always able to remove the shadow copies, so you should continue to try restoring your files using this method.
- You can download ShadowExplorer from the below link:
SHADOW EXPLORER DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download “ShadowExplorer”) - Once you have downloaded and installed ShadowExplorer, you can follow the below video guide on how to restore your files while using this program.
Option 2: Restore your files encrypted with the Phantom extension with File Recovery Software
When the files are encrypted with the Phantom, this ransomware first makes a copy of them, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you can use file recovery software such as:
- Recuva
You can follow the below guide on how to use Recuva:
How to prevent your computer from becoming infected by Phantom ransomware
To protect your computer from the Phantom ransomware, you should a strong antimalware on your system like MalwareFox and keeps its real-time protection enabled. Also, you need to take backup of your personal documents.
Your computer should now be free of the Phantom ransomware infection. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Phantom ransomware from your computer, please comment below we will try to help you as much as possible.