The Problem virus belongs to the ransomware type of malicious agent. Harmful software of this type encrypts all user’s data on the PC (images, documents, excel tables, music, videos, etc) and appends its own extension to every file.
What is known about the Problemvirus?
☝️ A scientifically accurate designation for the Problem would be “a ransomware-type infection”.
Problem appends its specific .problem extension to the title of each encoded file. For example, an image named “photo.jpg” will be renamed to “photo.jpg.problem”. Just like the Excel table with the name “table.xlsx” will be changed to “table.xlsx.problem”, and so on.
The ransom note most probably contains instructions on how to buy the decryption tool from the tamperers. You can get this decrypting software after contacting doyouhaveaproblem@cock.li, icansolveit@protonmail.com through email. That is basically the scheme of the malefaction.
Problem outline:
| Name | Problem Virus |
| Extension | .problem |
| Contact | doyouhaveaproblem@cock.li, icansolveit@protonmail.com |
| Detection | Win32/Packed.Asprotect.KO, Trojan:Win32/Raccoon.QA!MTB, Ransom:MSIL/Cryptolocker.ES!MTB |
| Symptoms | Your files (photos, videos, documents) get a .problem extension and you can’t open them. |
| Fix Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by Problem virus |
The note coming in package with the Problem ransomware states the following:
Hello, all files has been encrypted. Send your ID: 6xxxxxxxxx3 to doyouhaveaproblem@cock.li and icansolveit@protonmail.com as fast as possible. !IMPORTANT! Don\'t try to restore files by yourself, because after it we cant guarantee that decryptor will work correctly. Also don\'t waste time making a decision. We don\'t keep decryption keys forever. Waiting for your reply.
In the picture below, you can see what a directory with files encrypted by the Problem looks like. Each filename has the “.problem” extension appended to it.
An example of encrypted .problem files.
How did Problem ransomware end up on my PC?
There are many possible ways of ransomware injection.
Nowadays, there are three most exploited methods for tamperers to have the Problem virus acting in your system. These are email spam, Trojan introduction and peer-to-peer networks.
If you access your inbox and see emails that look just like notifications from utility services providers, postal agencies like FedEx, web-access providers, and whatnot, but whose “from” field is unknown to you, beware of opening those emails. They are very likely to have a malicious file enclosed in them. Therefore, it is even more dangerous to open any attachments that come with letters like these.
Another option for ransom hunters is a Trojan horse model1. A Trojan is an object that infiltrates into your machine disguised as something different. For example, you download an installer of some program you want or an update for some software. However, what is unboxed reveals itself a harmful program that encodes your data. As the update package can have any name and any icon, you’d better be sure that you can trust the resource of the stuff you’re downloading. The best thing is to trust the software developers’ official websites.
As for the peer-to-peer file transfer protocols like torrent trackers or eMule, the threat is that they are even more trust-based than the rest of the Web. You can never know what you download until you get it. Our suggestion is that you use trustworthy websites. Also, it is a good idea to scan the directory containing the downloaded items with the antivirus as soon as the downloading is complete.
How do I get rid of the Problem virus?
It is crucial to note that besides encrypting your data, the Problem virus will probably deploy the Azorult Spyware on your machine to seize your credentials to various accounts (including cryptocurrency wallets). The mentioned program can extract your credentials from your browser’s auto-filling cardfile.
Often tamperers would decode several of your files to prove that they really have the decryption tool. As Problem virus is a relatively recent ransomware, safety measures developers have not yet found a way to reverse its work. Nevertheless, the anti-ransomware instruments are frequently updated, so the solution may soon be available.
Sure thing, if the malefactors succeed in encrypting victim’s critical files, the hopeless person will probably comply with their demands. Nevertheless, paying a ransom gives no guarantee that you’re getting your files back. It is still risky. After getting the money, the racketeers may send a wrong decryption code to the injured party. There were reports about hackers simply vanishing after getting the money without even writing back.
The best countermeasure to ransomware is to have a system restore point or the copies of your essential files in the cloud disk or at least on an external storage. Surely, that might be insufficient. The most crucial thing could be that one you were working upon when it all happened. But at least it is something. It is also reasonable to scan your drives with the antivirus program after the OS is rolled back.
Problem is not the only ransomware of its kind, since there are other specimens of ransomware out there that act in the same manner. Examples of those are Xcmb, Mljx, Hudf, and some others. The two basic differences between them and the Problem are the ransom amount and the encoding method. The rest is almost identical: files become encrypted, their extensions changed, ransom notes are found in each folder containing encrypted files.
Some fortunate users were able to decrypt the arrested files with the aid of the free software provided by anti-malware developers. Sometimes the racketeers mistakenly send the decryption code to the victims in the ransom note. Such an epic fail allows the injured part to restore the files. But of course, one should never rely on such a chance. Remember, ransomware is a tamperers’ tool to pull the money out of their victims.
How сan I avoid ransomware infection?
Problem ransomware doesn’t have a endless power, neither does any similar malware.
You can armour your system from ransomware infiltration taking several easy steps:
- Ignore any emails from unknown senders with strange addresses, or with content that has likely no connection to something you are waiting for (can you win in a lottery without even taking part in it?). In case the email subject is more or less something you are waiting for, check all elements of the questionable email with caution. A fake email will surely have mistakes.
- Avoid using cracked or unknown software. Trojan viruses are often spreaded as a part of cracked software, possibly under the guise of “patch” to prevent the license check. Understandably, potentially dangerous programs are difficult to tell from reliable ones, as trojans may also have the functionality you need. Try to find information on this software product on the anti-malware forums, but the best solution is not to use such programs at all.
- And finally, to be sure about the safety of the files you downloaded, scan them with GridinSoft Anti-Malware. This program will be a powerful defense for your PC.
Reasons why I would recommend GridinSoft2
There is no better way to recognize, remove and prevent ransomware than to use an anti-malware software from GridinSoft3.
Download Removal Tool.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
Run the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-fix.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your system.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
Press “Install” button.
Once installed, Anti-Malware will automatically run.
Wait for the Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your system for Problem infections and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so I suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
FAQ
🤔 How can I open “.problem” files?Can I somehow access “.problem” files?
Negative. That is why ransomware is so frustrating. Until you decode the “.problem” files you will not be able to access them.
🤔 The encrypted files are very important to me. How can I decrypt them quickly?
If the “.problem” files contain some really important information, then you probably have them backed up. If not, there is still a function of System Restore but it needs a Restore Point to be previously saved. All other solutions require time.
🤔 You have advised using GridinSoft Anti-Malware to get rid of the Problem virus. Does it mean that all my files, currently encrypted, will be removed too?
Of course not. The encrypted files are not harmful, so they won’t be deleted.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will remove actual threats from your computer. The malware that has infected your PC is must be still active and launching checks from time to time to arrest any new files you might create on your PC after the infection. As it has been mentioned above, the Problem virus does not come alone. It installs backdoors and keyloggers that can steal your account credentials and provide hackers with easy access to your PC in the future.
🤔 What to do if the Problem ransomware has blocked my computer and I can’t get the activation key.
If that happened, you need to have a flash memory drive with a pre-installed Trojan Killer. Use Safe Mode to do the cleaning. You see, the ransomware starts automatically as the system launches and encrypts any new files created or brought into your PC. To suppress this function – use Safe Mode, which allows only the vital programs to run automatically. Consider reading our manual on booting Windows in Safe Mode.
🤔 And what should I do now?
Many of the encrypted files might still be within your reach
- If you sent or received your critical files via email, you could still download them from your online mailbox.
- You may have shared images or videos with your friends or family members. Simply ask them to post those pictures back to you.
- If you have initially got any of your files from the Internet, you can try doing it again.
- Your messengers, social networks pages, and cloud disks might have all those files as well.
- Maybe you still have the needed files on your old computer, a laptop, phone, memory stick, etc.
USEFUL TIP: You can employ data recovery utilities4 to get your lost data back since ransomware encrypts the copies of your files, removing the authentic ones. In the video below, you can learn how to recover your files with PhotoRec, but remember: you won’t be able to do it before you remove the virus with an antivirus program.
Also, you can contact the following governmental fraud and scam sites to report this attack:
- In the United States: On Guard Online;
- In Canada: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre;
- In the United Kingdom: Action Fraud;
- In Australia: SCAMwatch;
- In New Zealand: Consumer Affairs Scams;
- In France: Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information;
- In Germany: Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik;
- In Ireland: An Garda Síochána;
To report the attack, you can contact local executive boards. For instance, if you live in USA, you can have a talk with FBI Local field office, IC3 or Secret Service.
I need your help to share this article.
It is your turn to help other people. I have written this guide to help people like you. You can use the buttons below to share this on your favorite social media Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit.
Brendan SmithHow to Remove PROBLEM Ransomware & Recover PC
Name: PROBLEM Virus
Description: PROBLEM Virus is a ransomware-type infections. This virus encrypts important personal files (video, photos, documents). The encrypted files can be tracked by a specific .problem extension. So, you can't use them at all.
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Virus
User Review
( votes)References
- You can read more on Trojans, their use and types in the Trojan-dedicated section of GridinSoft official website.
- GridinSoft Anti-Malware Review from HowToFix site: https://howtofix.guide/gridinsoft-anti-malware/
- More information about GridinSoft products: https://gridinsoft.com/comparison
- Here are Top 10 Data Recovery Software Of 2023.
