BurnerFinger

I keep a backup of the more important encrypted files. Once burned, twice as careful. I do have to ask though: how will I know when the key is available? Should I just download the decryptor every now and then and run it, or...?

File: C:\ProgramData\AVAST Software\Avastbackend.txt.vari Error: No key for New Variant online ID: QCXaYUsWLoWgvDcEmn0mXYzdbE2pS8jF0ZopeEgf Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This is just one in a string of thousands of nearly identical entries in my decrypt log. Long story short; I picked up a ransomware, and it encrypted much of my external hard drive. The software failed to decrypt any of the files, and I reckon that the reason for that is the online ID. Now, I did read up a bit on the difficulties regarding the online ID's, but I'm in a real pickle. While I could do away with most of my encrypted files, a minority of them is either precious, extremely important, irreplaceable (unique versions that only existed in one place), or all of previously stated. Paying the ransom is off the table, even if I had the money needed. So the only thing that can help me is the decryption software, and as it stands, because of the online ID, it's not able to. System restore and anti-malware managed to mend and restore the PC itself, but the external hard drive is, for the lack of better word, shagged. And since it's not a part of the system per se, I cannot perform a system restore on it. The encryption happened several days ago. I know that calling this a long shot would be an understatement, but: is there a conceivable way that a case such as mine could be resolved within near future (a year or so)? Some of the files that were encrypted were instrumental to my work, and without them, I'll be set back for several years. Thank you in advance for your response. PS: this account was made for the explicit purpose of asking this question; as such, it was made with a burner e-mail address. Due to the aforementioned experience with ransomware, I've become careful to the point of paranoia, and I'd like to keep my "official" e-mail uninvolved in anything in near future. I hope you understand, and I thank you if you do.