“We recently found a ransomware variant that not only holds the victim’s machine and data hostage until a ransom is paid, but also exploits the compromised machine as part of a potential DDOS attack. This means that while the victim is unable to access their endpoint, that same endpoint is being used to deny service to another victim. Two attacks for the price of one.”

https://www.invincea.com/2016/05/two-attacks-for-the-price-of-one-weaponized-document-delivers-ransomware-and-potential-ddos-attack/

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2016/april/incidents-of-ransomware-on-the-rise

Their advice is not to pay ransoms:

“Paying a ransom not only emboldens current cyber criminals to target more organizations, it also offers an incentive for other criminals to get involved in this type of illegal activity. And finally, by paying a ransom, an organization might inadvertently be funding other illicit activity associated with criminals.”

This is definitely an altruistic recommendation but does not solve an individual’s problem if they have lost important information.

The FBI tips are addressing organizations but apply to individuals too.

Another removal tool:
Also Microsoft has a generic malware removal tool that is updated frequently: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/malicious-software-removal-tool-details.aspx

https://threatpost.com/diary-of-a-ransomware-victim/117877/

Updated Ransomware Database by Enigma Software to find a description of a specific ransomware variant (disclaimer: it also promotes a scanning product): https://esupport.trendmicro.com/en-us/home/pages/technical-support/1105975.aspx

Free cleanup and sometimes decrypt tools for various types of ransomware:
• Alpha: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/decrypted-alpha-ransomware-accepts-itunes-gift-cards-as-payment/
• Android. Dogspectus: https://www.bluecoat.com/security-blog/2016-04-25/android-exploit-delivers-dogspectus-ransomware
• Android.SimpleLocker: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.malwareremoval
• CoinVault & Bitcryptor: https://noransom.kaspersky.com
• Tesla: https://github.com/vrtadmin/TeslaDecrypt/tree/master/Windows
• General tool: https://esupport.trendmicro.com/en-us/home/pages/technical-support/1105975.aspx
• Rakhni: http://support.kaspersky.com/us/viruses/disinfection/10556
• DecryptorMax or CryptInfinite http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/596691/decryptormaxcryptinfinite-crinf-ransomware-support-and-help-topic/
• Radamant: http://news.softpedia.com/news/radamant-ransomware-decrypted-files-can-be-retrieved-for-free-498070.shtml
• Torlocker: http://support.kaspersky.com/viruses/disinfection/11718