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Published Feb 08, 2017 | Updated Jan 10, 2018

Ransom:Win32/Ergop.A

Detected by Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Aliases: No associated aliases

Summary

Microsoft Defender Antivirus detects and removes this threat.

This ransomware can stop you from using your PC or accessing your data.

It encrypts files and uses .707, .725, .726, .astra, .crypt, .ocean, or .txt as file name extension for encrypted files. It leaves a ransom note with the file name how_open_files.hta, RECOVER-FILES.html, or !back_files!.html.

Our ransomware FAQ page has more information on this type of threat.

The trend towards increasingly sophisticated malware behavior, highlighted by the use of exploits and other attack vectors, makes older platforms so much more susceptible to ransomware attacks. From June to November 2017, Windows 7 devices were 3.4 times more likely to encounter ransomware compared to Windows 10 devices.

Read our latest report: A worthy upgrade: Next-gen security on Windows 10 proves resilient against ransomware outbreaks in 2017.

Use the following free Microsoft software to detect and remove this threat:

You should also run a full scan. A full scan might find hidden malware.

Use cloud protection

Use cloud protection to help guard against the latest malware threats. It’s turned on by default for Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender for Windows 10. 

To check if it's running, go to All settings > Update & security > Windows Defender and make sure that your Cloud-based Protection settings is turned On.

Get more help

You can also see our advanced troubleshooting page for more help or search the Microsoft virus and malware community for more help.

If you’re using Windows XP, see our Windows XP end of support page.

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