How to remove the Anonymous virus (Ransomware Removal)

The Anonymous virus, also referred to as the We Are Anonymous virus (Ukash Virus), is malware categorized as ransomware that cyber criminals utilize to lock computer systems disguised as the Anonymous hacker collective in order to persuade the computer user into paying a ransom of €100 within 24 hours to unlock the computer via the Ukash payment system. If the Anonymous virus has infected a computer in another continent outside of Europe, for example The United States, the ransom currency would indicate $100, in some cases $250. Other payment systems include Moneypak cards, which similar ransomware known as the FBI virus is famous for.

If the Anonymous Ukash screen has popped up on your computer display, you are infected with severe malware known as ransomware. The hacker group Anonymous did not hack your computer. Ransomware uses ransom lock Trojans to infect a computer system and alter settings to accommodate the infection. In some cases the Anonymous Ukash virus, alongside Trojans may cause legitimate Antivirus software to malfunction. It is strongly suggested to use the steps provided in this article to remove the Anonymous virus from your computer to protect your computer’s functionality and personal information.

Anonymous Virus Screenshot

Screenshots of the virus may appear differently based on location and whom distributed the malware. Even if your screenshot of the virus appears differently, the removal steps are still identical.

The Anonymous virus displays a country flag based on the infected computer’s IP address location, which is also displayed next to the flag’s image at the top of the Anonymous virus screen. The message on the Anonymous virus screen is detailed below in its entirety.

KNOWLEDGe IS TREE.
WE ARe aNONYMOUS.
WE ARE A LeGION.
WE DO NOT FORGIVe.
WE DO NOT FORGeT.
EXPECT US!
We are Anonymous. We are Legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget. Expect us.
Tango down!
Your computer has been hacked by the Anonymous Hackers Group and locked for the moment. All files have been encrypted. You need to pay a ransom of £100 within 24 hours to restore the computer back to normal. If the ransom is not paid on time all the contents of your computer will be deleted and all your personal information such as your name, address, D.O.B., etc. will be published online, after this has been done the process, ram and motherboard will be fried.
Any attempts to remove this virus will result in the consequences mentioned..
How do I unlock computer computer using Ukash?

1. Find a retail location near you.
2. Look for a Ukash in the prepaid section. Take it to the cashier and load it with cash.
3. To pay fine, enter the digits as read by your Ukash in the payment form and press Submit.

When you pay the ransom, your PC will get unlocked in 1 to 3 hours.

Anonymous Virus (Ransomware) Dangers And Threats

Alike most, if not all ransomware, the Anonymous virus uses Trojans as stated before to allow the infection to function on the system properly. Trojans in general are capable of remotely controlling a complete computer system as if they are behind the infected computer’s keyboard and mouse themselves. Having said this, it’s important to understand the vulnerabilities facing Trojans and malware concerning credit theft, extortion, identity theft, and overall computer malfunctions such as a complete loss of functionality.

Ransomware such as the Anonymous virus can use keyloggers to gather personal information such as passwords to bank, email, and social media accounts.

Anonymous Virus Removal

If you are infected with the Anonymous virus, if you suspect Anonymous is holding your computer for ransom, even if you are facing general symptoms of other ransomware use the options and steps below to detect and remove malware negatively affecting your system in order to get rid of the fake Anonymous screen and unlock your computer.

1. Malware Removal Software – Tools

Malwarebytes is the most recommended Antivirus (Anti-Malware) software used to scan, detect, and remove ransomware including the Anonymous virus and similar ransomware (free and paid versions). Use a reputable Antivirus or Anti-Malware such as suggested Malwarebytes software to perform a full system scan in order to detect and remove the Anonymous Ukash Virus.

2. System Restore (Troubleshoot)

Perform a system restore to an automatic restore point created by Window’s each week and during system updates. System restores are great for troubleshooting the removal of software and malware, especially ransomware.

• View complete system restore information and instructions

3. Safe Mode With Networking

In many cases with ransomware, issues facing internet access or network connection is malfunctioning. To troubleshoot internet or network access, in order to remove the Anonymous virus, use the steps below.

The primary objective of using the Safe Mode with Networking option is to install or update proper utilities from the internet to assist in removing the Anonymous Ukash virus.

Log into an account with administrator rights.

1. As the computer is booting tap the F8 key continuously to reach the correct menu screen (pictured below). On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use your keyboard to navigate to “Safe Mode with Networking” and press Enter.

Please note, the screen may appear black with the words “safe mode” in all four corners. Click your mouse where the Windows start menu usually is to bring up the necessary browsing menu or window.

2. If you are able to access the internet, install software such as Malwarebytes and remove the Anonymous ransomware virus.

3. If you still can’t access the Internet after restarting in safe mode with networking, try resetting your Internet Explorer proxy settings using the 2 separate options detailed below.

How To Reset Internet Explorer Proxy Settings

• Option 1

In Windows 7 click the Start button . In the search box type run and in the list of results click Run.
-or-
In Windows Vista click the Start button and then click Run.
-or-
In Windows XP click Start and then click Run.

Copy and paste or type the following text in the Open box in the Run dialog box and click OK:

reg add “HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings” /v ProxyEnable /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

In Windows 7 click the Start button. In the search box type run and  in the list of results click Run.
-or-
In Windows Vista click the Start button and then click Run.
-or-
In Windows XP click Start and then click Run.

Copy and paste or type the following text in the Open box in the Run dialog box and click OK:

reg delete “HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings” /v ProxyServer /f

Restart Internet Explorer and then follow the steps listed previously to run the scanner

• Option 2

Launch Internet Explorer. In Internet Explorer go to: Tools >Internet Options >Connections tab.
Click Lan Settings button and uncheck the checkbox labeled Use a proxy server for your LAN. Click OK.

4. It is now recommended to download Malwarebytes (free or paid version) and run a full system scan to remove the Anonymous virus.

Extra Removal Tips:

• Users infected with Anonymous Ukash malware are allowed to access other user accounts on Windows. If such accounts have administrator rights, you will be able to launch an Anti-malware program using the account.
• Some ransomware infections use flash. Try to deny Flash to make the Anonymous ransomware screen go away and make the infection improperly function. In order to disable Flash, go to Macromedia support site and select Deny: http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/help09.html. After doing so, it is suggested to run a full system scan with anti-malware program suggested in this article.
• To learn more about similar ransomware and the instructions involved in removing the infections check out our previous article on FBI ransomware removal. This article includes steps to use a flash drive and blank CD to remove ransomware.