The Ordinal virus is a variant of HiddenTear ransomware that encrypts files using AES-256 military grade encryption, adds the .Ordinal file extension to the end of encrypted filenames, and downloads a ransom note named READ Me To Get Your Files Back.txt.Ordinal throughout folders in the infected computer.
Once Ordinal ransomware has encrypted files and added .Ordinal to the end of files, it will show the ransom note in attempt to gather a ransom via Bitcoins from the victim. The ransom note explains what happened and how to obtain bitcoins to purcahse a decryption key and special tool to decrypt files the way that the malware authors want them to.
Here’s an example from the ransom note:
ORDINAL RANSOMWARE
Follow the instructions to unlock your data
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
All your files have been encrypted with AES-256 Military Grade Encryption
INSTRUCTIONS
Your files have been encrypted, the only way to recover your files is to pay the fee. Once you have paid the fee all your files will be decrypted and return to normal.
Send the required fee (found below) to the Bitcoin address (found below). Once you have sent the required fee to the Bitcoin address send an email with your Identification key (without this we cant help you). It may take 12-24 hours for us to respond. You will recive a Decryption Program + Decryption Key.
The ransom note might suggest to victims to email TEST@protonmail.com if they have questions.
Ransomware distribution method
Like most ransomware infections, Ordinal ransomware is typically distributed by email spam messages that contain malicious 7zip, 7z, rar, docx, and zip email attachments. Once the attachment is downloaded and executed it will spread the malware across the machine and begin its encryption process.
As the ransomware states in it’s note, the ransomware is also distributed by third-party downloads such as dubious or corrupt freeware, codecs, and updates.
How to remove Ordinal ransomware
The removal guide on this page explains how to remove Ordinal ransomware and decrypt files encrypted with the .Ordinal file extension. Follow each step below to remove this infection and secure your computer from malicious threats. On the bottom of this guide you will also find recovery and decryption software for various ransomware infections.
1. Remove Ordinal virus with Malwarebytes
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- Open your browser window and download Malwarebytes 3.0 Premium or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free.
- Open the executable file (mb3-setup.exe) to begin installing Malwarebytes.
- Select your language, click Next, then select “I accept the agreement,” click the Next button several times, and then click the Install button to install Malwarebytes. Click Finish once the install process is complete.
- Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button on the Dashboard to begin scanning your computer.
- Click the Quarantine Selected button once the scan is finished.
- If Malwarebytes says “All selected items have been removed successfully. A log file has been saved to the logs folder. Your computer needs to be restarted to complete the removal process. Would you like to restart now?” click the Yes button to restart your computer.
2. Remove trace files with HitmanPro
- Open your browser window and download HitmanPro.
- Open the executable file (hitmanpro_x64.exe or hitmanpro_x32.exe) to begin installing HitmanPro.
- Click the Next button, check “I accept the terms of the license agreement,” and click the Next button again.
- On the Setup page select “Yes, create a copy of HitmanPro so I can regularly scan this computer (recommended)” and add your email address to the registration fields to begin the free trial.
- Click Next to begin scanning your computer.
- Once the Scan results are displayed click the Next button and click the Next button again on the Removal results page.
3. Clean up and repair issues with CCleaner
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- Open your browser window and download CCleaner Professional or CCleaner Free.
- Open the executable file (ccsetup.exe or other) to begin installing CCleaner.
- Click the Install button to begin stalling the program.
- Click Run CCleaner to open the program when installation is complete.
- Select the Cleaner tab and click the Analyze button.
- When the Analyze process is complete click the Run Cleaner button to clean all files.
- Next, select the Registry tab and click the Scan for Issues button to scan for issues in your registry.
- When the scan is complete click the Fix selected Issues button and Fix All Selected Issues button to fix the issues.
- Next, select the Tools tab and click Startup. Examine each area, search for suspicious entries, and delete any suspicious startup entries by selecting the entry and clicking the Delete button.
- Next, click Browser Plugins and search each internet browser for unwanted browser add-ons and extensions. Click the extension you want to delete and click the Delete button to remove it.
File Recovery Software
| NAME | DESCRIPTION | DOWNLOAD |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow Explorer | Restores lost or damaged files from Shadow Copies | Download (Free) |
| Photorec | Recovers lost files | Download (Free) |
| Recuva | Recovers lost files | Download (Free) | Buy |
Troubleshoot
Alternative methods are suggested if there are issues removing Ordinal ransomware from an infected computer.
How to Restore your computer
If a restore point has previously been established on your machine you will be able to perform a system restore in order to restore your machine to a date and time before it was infected. You will lose files on your computer that were obtained prior to the restore point.
There are several options to restore your computer. Most computers have their own restore software that can be found by performing a search. Additionally, computers that run the Windows Operating System have a default restore program that can also be found by performing a search.
A boot screen that can be used to access options to restore your computer can be reached by rebooting your computer and pressing the F8 key once the manufacture screen is displayed.
How to Recover your computer to factory settings
A system recovery (or reset) will recover your computer to factory settings. You will lose the current programs and files on your computer.
There are several options to recover your computer to factory settings. Most computers have their own recovery software that can be found by performing a search. Additionally, computers that run the Windows Operating System have a default recovery program that can also be found by performing a search.
A boot screen that can be used to access options to restore your computer can be reached by rebooting your computer and pressing the F8 key once the manufacture screen is displayed.
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