Article created to help you remove the RedAnts ransomware infection and restore files encrypted by the virus with the added .Horas-Bah file extension to them.
A ransom virus, dubbed RedAnts has been reported to cause encryption via the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption. The virus encrypts the files on the compromised computers after which adds the .Horas-Bah file extension to them and a file named READ_ME.txt which aims to display ransom demands to pay the sum of 0.5 BTC to the ones behind this ransomware infection in order to get the files back. However, paying is strongly inadvisable. Instead, we recommend reading the following article carefully.
Threat Summary
Name |
RedAnts |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, called Rijndael, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals. |
Symptoms | The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions” in a READ_ME.txt file, asking to pay a ransom of 0.5 BTC to the cyber-criminals. Files are encrypted with the .Horas-Bah extension added.. |
Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss RedAnts. |
Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
.Horas-Bah – How Does It Infect
For this ransomware virus to cause an infection, malicious spam campaigns via e-mail are undertaken. Those campaigns are very variable and may contain different convincing messages which aim to get the victim to open the malicious e-mail attachment.
Other methods of infection include the usage of fake web installers of different programs as well as other fake patches of programs or game cracks uploaded on torrent hosting websites.
.Horas-Bah – More Information
As soon as the use opens the malicious e-mail attachment, the virus drops two malicious files on the compromised computer:
- RedAnts.exe
- READ_ME.txt
The “RedAnts” file may be dropped in several important Windows folders:
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %LocalRow%
- %Windows%
The malicious executable is set to encrypt files on the following folders:
- %Desktop%
- %Downloads%
- %Pictures%
- %Documents%
After this has already happened, this ransomware infection performs multiple other activities on the compromised computer of the user, beginning with modifying the file extensions of the encrypted files. Amongst those encrypted files may be:
- Microsoft office files.
- Adobe files.
- Files related to often used programs.
- Virtual image files.
- Images.
- Online wallet type of data.
- Database files.
- Audio and Video files.
After the encryption, the RedAnts virus adds a .Horas-Bah file extension to the encrypted files. They may appear like the following:
After having already encrypted files on the computer that has been infected, the virus leaves back information in a READ_ME.txt file where it may ask the user to contact the criminals in their e-mail jaw@jaw.id
The Encryption Process of RedAnts Ransomware
For the encryption of the files, RedAnts ransomware uses the AES encryption algorithm, also known as Rijndael. What the virus does is it replaces bytes of the files with symbols from the encryption cipher, but does not encrypt the file entirely, just enough so that the files are no longer openable.
The virus may also delete the shadow volume copies to make sure the user is unable to recover the encrypted files by using different data recovery programs. This is achievable by inserting the vssadmin command as an administrator in Windows Command Prompt.
After the encryption has completed, the files cannot be opened by any previously recognizable program in Windows and the OS begins looking for software to open them with:
Remove RedAnts Ransomware and Restore .Horas-Bah Files
For the removal process of the RedAnts .Horas-Bah ransomware version, it is important to back up your files initially, even though they are encrypted. Then, we advise using the removal instructions below to be rid of this ransomware infection step-by-step. In case you lack the experience in manual hunting of files and other objects, belonging to ransomware, experts always outline to use an anti-malware program as the best automatic option for removal. Not only it will take care of RedAnts permanently, but it will also protect your system in the future too.
After having removed RedAnts completely, it is time to think how can the files be restored. There are several alternative methods to perform this. We have suggested several alternative methods in step “2. Restore files encrypted by RedAnts” below. It is advisable to try them at your own risk, because they may not restore all of your files, but only some of them.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for RedAnts with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall RedAnts and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by RedAnts on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by RedAnts there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove RedAnts
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by RedAnts.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and RedAnts aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
RedAnts-FAQ
What is RedAnts Ransomware?
RedAnts is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does RedAnts Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does RedAnts Infect?
Via several ways.RedAnts Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of RedAnts is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .RedAnts files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .RedAnts files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .RedAnts files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".RedAnts" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .RedAnts files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of RedAnts Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate RedAnts ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .RedAnts files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can RedAnts Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the RedAnts Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this RedAnts how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the RedAnts ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
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