Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by .Aurora Ransomware and other threats.
Threats such as .Aurora Ransomware may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This article has been created in order to explain how to remove the Aurora ransomware infection from your computer and how you can restore files, encrypted with the .Aurora file extension added to them.
Aurora ransomware has been released in a new variant which is using the .Aurora file extension after it encrypts the files on the compromised computers by it. The ransomware infection causes immense damage to the files, making them no longer able to be opened by the victims. The malware also adds the .Aurora file suffix and drops a ransom note file, going by the name !-GET_MY_FILES-!.txt which is similar to the previous version of the ransomware. In the ransom note, the cyber-criminals aim to extort you into paying a hefty ransom fee to decrypt your encrypted files.
Threat Summary
Name
.Aurora Ransomware
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt files stored on the infected computer. Then it demands a ransom for decryption solution.
Symptoms
Important files are locked and renamed with .Auroraextension. They remain unusable until a ransom is paid.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by .Aurora Ransomware
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.
.Aurora Files Virus – Distribution
The .Aurora file ransomware is the type of malware which aims to be replicated via campaigns that include spam e-mail messages which carry malicious attachments within them. These malicious attachments are often masked behind e-mails whose main goal is to trick the victim into opening them, while using deceptive tactics. Such tactics often portray the malicious e-mail attachments as seemingly legitimate types of files, from the likes of:
Invoices.
Receipts.
Banking statements.
The ransomware spammers may also send the e-mails with malicious web links embedded in them that lead to websites which cause the infection.
Furthermore, besides malicious web links, the ransomware virus may also be upoaded on suspicious websites as a seemingly legitimate type of file, whose primary purpose may be to get users to download it. To convince users, the file may pose as:
Setup of programs.
Portable software.
Game patches.
Cracks.
Key generators.
Software license activators.
.Aurora Files Virus – Analysis
The .Aurora ransomware starts it’s malicious activity as soon as the malicious files that are replicating it are executed. The ransomware virus may drop it’s payload files as a result of an exploit kit being activated on the computers of victims, which ensure that successfun infection takes place without the malware being detected. The payload of Aurora ransomware may be dropped in the following Windows directories:
%AppData%
%Local%
%LocalLow%
%Roaming%
%Temp%
The .Aurora files virus may also drop it’s ransom note file, which is called !-GET_MY_FILES-!.txt and it’s primary purpose is to get users to make a ransom payment for the sum of $50. The note has the following contents:
==========================# YOUR PC BLOCK #========================== SORRY! Your files are encrypted. File contents are encrypted with random key. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND you NOT to use any “decryption tools”. These tools can damage your data, making recover IMPOSSIBLE. Also we recommend you not to contact data recovery companies. They will just contact us, buy the key and sell it to you at a higher price. If you want to decrypt your files, you have to get RSA private key. In order to get private key, write here: [email protected] And send me your id, your id: -[redacted 9 numbers]
And pay 50$ on 1DVrBzv6hb1D217NNqbjaForF3eG3HXc7a wallet If someone else offers you files restoring, ask him for test decryption. Only we can successfully decrypt your files; knowing this can protect you from fraud. You will receive instructions of what to do next. ==========================# YOUR PC BLOCK #==========================
In addition to this, the ransomware virus may also use the Run and RunOnce registry sub-keys, preferrably by adding registry values in them with parameters that allow for the virus file of Aurora to run automatically when you boot Windows. The sub-keys have the following locations In the Windows Registry Editor and in those sub-keys values may be added with different names:
In addition to this, the ransomware virus may also delete the shadow volume copies on your computer by executing multiple different types of files on the users’ computers that run scripts in Windows Command Prompt which execute the following commands:
When it comes to encrypting files, this version of Aurora ransomware hunts for the same types of files as the original one. The files which are in danger on your computer as a result of Aurora ransomware encrypting them may be of the following file types:
Audio files.
Images.
Videos.
Documents.
Images.
Backups.
Text files.
Archives.
Databases.
The virus encrypts the files after which leaves behind the .Aurora file extension, making the files to assume the following appearance:
The files are encrypted after which Aurora ransomware generates a unique decryption key and then sends it to the cyber-criminals, making them the only ones able to decrypt the files. Either way, paying the ransom is not advisable, because you cannot trust them and you support their criminal activities as well.
Remove .Aurora Files Virus and Restore Data
The .Aurora files virus can be removed either manually or automatically by following the removal instructions underneath this article. Be advised that security researchers often outline that using an advanced anti-malware software to perform the removal process is the most efficient method to go for, since such program guarantees to help you remove this software and secures your computer against any future intrusions by malware and unwanted programs as well.
If you want to restore files that have been encrypted by this iteration of Aurora ransomware, we recommend that you follow the alternative methods we have suggested in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by .Aurora ransomware” below. They are in no way 100% effective, but with their aid you may be able to restore some or most of your encrypted files without having to pay ransom.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by .Aurora Ransomware and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as .Aurora Ransomware. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove .Aurora Ransomware follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .Aurora Ransomware files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by .Aurora Ransomware on your PC
Find files created by .Aurora Ransomware
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove .Aurora Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .Aurora Ransomware and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove .Aurora Ransomware. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by .Aurora Ransomware
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .Aurora Ransomware
Ransomware infections and .Aurora Ransomware aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This article has been created in order to explain how to remove the Aurora ransomware infection from your computer and how you can restore files, encrypted with the .Aurora file extension added to them.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .Aurora Ransomware and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
