Do you know what Andrzej Dupa Ransomware is?
Andrzej Dupa Ransomware is a threat that might not have been unleashed yet. This infection, according to our research team, is the Polish version of a different file-encrypting threat, Bansomqare Wanna Ransomware, which was analyzed and reviewed on this site just a month ago. Although the infection represents its demands in English, the name “Andrzej Dupa” appears to refer to the current president of Poland, Andrzej Duda. Also, the unique extension that is added to the files corrupted by this malware is Polish too – “.ZaszyfrowanePliki.” All in all, regardless of who the true target of this infection is, it is important that all Windows users protect their operating systems against it. Preventing the entrance of a threat is much easier than actually deleting it. Also, even if you remove Andrzej Dupa Ransomware successfully, it is possible that you will not be able to restore your personal files.
How did Andrzej Dupa Ransomware slither into your operating system? You might be able to pinpoint the exact moment this happened if you executed the threat by opening a strange spam email attachment, clicking a weird link, or downloading a new program. Of course, it is hard to say how exactly the creators of this malware would spread it, and if they would stick to just one specific method of distribution. Unfortunately, most users do not realize that the malicious Andrzej Dupa Ransomware has invaded their systems right away, and that is what allows the infection to encrypt personal files. The threat is most likely to target personal data, but our research team warns that it could inadvertently corrupt system files too. This is what happened with the Bansomqare Wanna Ransomware. If system files are corrupted, the operating system might fail to load, and you might have to reinstall it altogether.
The files that Andrzej Dupa Ransomware encrypts have the “.ZaszyfrowanePliki” extension appended to them. This is also the name of the ransom note file, “ZaszyfrowanePliki.txt,” which you should find in every location that has corrupted files. It was discovered that there are at least two different versions of this ransom note. Both of them represent ZaszyfrowanePliki@ZaszyfrowanePliki.us, which is an email address using which you, allegedly, would be able to contact the creator of the ransomware. Both versions of the ransom note also reassure the user that the files can be recovered; however, only one of them reveals the sum of the ransom, which is 100 USD. According to the note, it must be paid in Bitcoins to 1PjzRWy213gxLoJsvKVAivQPEFfeD1mCfh (Bitcoin wallet address). Paying the ransom might seem like a valid option, but the reality is that no one knows if you would get a decryptor if you paid it. Most likely, you would not. Talk of the town is that a legitimate and free decryptor that can release files corrupted by Andrzej Dupa Ransomware exists. That might be something you should look into further.
As mentioned earlier, it is possible that the malicious Andrzej Dupa Ransomware is not yet spreading, but if it is, it means trouble. This infection is meant to corrupt files and then make their owners pay a ransom fee in return of a tool or a key that would allegedly restore the files. Trusting cyber criminals is never a good idea, and you do not want to fall into their trap. At the moment, the activity of malicious ransomware is one of the top reasons virtual security experts recommend backing up all important data. Hopefully, you have backups, in which case, your primary focus should be on how to delete Andrzej Dupa Ransomware. The guide below shows how to eliminate the threat manually, but installing anti-malware software for automatic removal is our recommendation.
Remove Andrzej Dupa Ransomware
- Delete recently downloaded suspicious files.
- Simultaneously tap Win+R to access the RUN dialog box.
- Type regedit.exe into the box and click OK to access Registry Editor.
- Navigate to HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
- Delete entries associated with the ransomware.
- Delete all copies of the ransom note file, ZaszyfrowanePliki.txt.
In non-techie terms:
Needless to say, Andrzej Dupa Ransomware is a serious threat, and if you let it in, it can encrypt both personal and system files. Without a doubt, having your private photos and documents corrupted is much worse than having replaceable system files corrupted, but that could create problems too. You might be looking into having the files decrypted, if backups do not exist, but you should not rush into paying a ransom because that is not a smart idea. You do not want to lose your files AND your money. If you have your files backed up, you do not need to worry about anything else but the removal of the threat because you can successfully recover them after you delete Andrzej Dupa Ransomware. If your files are doomed, it is worth looking into free file decryptors. Not all of them will work, but it is possible that you could find one that solves the problem for you.