Attacks by a ransomware discovered in April that is reportedly associated with Russia, carrying the name Enigma, have been reported to be rapidly rising. This nasty cyber threat encrypts the files of users using a strong AES encryption algorithm after which displays a ransom message, written in Russian. The ransom note aims to scare the user into paying, notifying him that there is no other option. However, it is strongly recommended not to pay any ransom demanded by this ransomware and attempt to restore your files using alternative solutions, such as the ones posted in this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Enigma |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with the RSA algorithm and AES-128 ciphers and asks a ransom for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a .txt file. A .ENIGMA file exension is added to the encrypted files. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Locky Ransomware. |
| 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. |
Enigma Ransomware – Distribution
According to researchers at the independent MalwareHunterTeam, to be spread throughout user PCs this crypto-malware may employ a Javascript attack via an HTML attachment. Such attachments may be redistributed via different places online:
- Spam e-mail messages.
- File sharing websites or services.
- Web links posted on the social media.
- HTML files sent out in combination with other setups, programs or archived files.
The interesting part is once the user clicks on the web link it immediately opens up another web browser page and manipulates the JavaScript so that it downloads its ransomware executable and save it on the victim’s computer.
Enigma Ransomware – More About It
The malicious executable downloaded onto the user’s computer is reported to have a completely random alpha-numerical name, for example:
- 02s93d3d3hdsa9nc32nenc9a39dad.exe
This is a commonly used technique by ransomware to assist in concealing the executable by making it harder to find. In addition to this, the malware may also use obfuscators (https://sensorstechforum.com/obfuscation-in-malware-the-key-to-a-successful-infection/) to conceal its malicious executable while its encrypting your files.
Furthermore, Enigma ransomware, may create the following files in key Windows folders:
- A text document in %Temp%.
- A text document in %AppData%.
- A .dat file on the Desktop which most likely looks for files to encrypt.
- A .hta file on the Desktop..
- A .RSA file on the desktop which most likely contains the encryption key.
- A .txt file on the desktop which contains the ransom message written in Russian.
- Its primary malicious executable, located in the folder where the user downloads files from the browser
In addition to that, the ransomware has been reported by researchers to create several Registry keys associated with the Enigma Ransomware, like the entry to make the malicious file encrypting .exe run on startup:
- HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
After the malicious executable created by Enigma Ransomware is activated, it may begin to scan and encrypt file extensions that belong to the following types of data.
- Videos.
- Photos.
- Songs.
- Databases.
- Other.
More specifically the files it scans for and encrypts have been reported by Symantec engineers to be the following:
→ .1cd .3dc .aes .asm .asp .asp .aspx .avi .bat .bmp .bz2 .bza .bzip .bzip2 .cad .cdr .cmd .cpp .crt .csr .csv .czip .dat .dbf .dif .djv .djvu .doc .docb .docm .docx .dwg .fla .gif .gz2 .gza .gzi .gzip .hdoc .html .hwp .java .jpeg .jpg .key .kwm .lzma .max .mdb .mdb .mkv .mml .mov .mpeg .mpg .odg .odp .ods .odt .odt .otg .otp .ots .ott .pas .pem .php .php .png .pot .potm .potx .ppam .pps .ppsm .ppsx .ppt .ppt .pptm .pptx .pptx .psd .rar .rtf .rtf .slk .sln .sql .sqlite .sqlite .sqlite3 .sqlitedb .sqx .sqz .srep .stc .std .sti .stw .swf .sxc .sxi .sxm .sxw .tar .taz .tbk .tbz .tbz2 .tgz .tif .tiff .tlz .tlzma .tsk .tx_ .txt .txz .uc2 .uot .vbs .vdi .wks .wmv .xlc .xlm .xls .xlsb .xlsm .xlsx .xlsx .xlt .xltm .xltx .xlw .zip .zip .zipx .zix
Not only this, but the researchers there have also discovered that the Enigma Ransomware also deletes user files with the following extensions:
→ .73b .113 .$db .aba .abf .abk .acp .as4 .asd .ashbak .asvx .ate .ati .bac .bak .bak~ .bak2 .bak3 .bakx .bbb .bbz .bck .bckp .bcm .bk1 .bkc .bkf .bkp .bks .blend1 .blend2 .bm3 .bpa .bpb .bpm .bpn .bps .bup .cbk .cbu .ck9 .crds .da0 .dash .dba .dbk .diy .dna .dov .fbc .fbf .fbk .fbu .fbw .fhf .flka .flkb .fpsx .ftmb .ful .fza .gb1 .gb2 .gbp .gho .ghs .icf .ipd .iv2i .jbk .jdc .kb2 .lcb .llx .mbk .mbw .mddata .mdinfo .mem .mig .mpb .mv_ .nb7 .nba .nbak .nbd .nbf .nbi .nbk .nbs .nbu .nco .nfb .nfc .npf .nps .nrbak .nrs .nwbak .obk .oeb .old .onepkg .ori .orig .paq .pbb .pbj .qba.tlg .qbb .qbk .qbm .qbmb .qbmd .qbx .qic .qsf .qv~ .rbc .rbf .rbk .rbs .rdb .rgmb .rmbak .rrr .sbb .sbs .sbu .skb .sn1 .sn2 .sna .sns .spf .spg .spi .srr .stg .sv$ .sv2i .tbk .tdb .tig .tis .tlg .tmr .trn .ttbk .uci .v2i .vbk .vbm .vrb .wbb .wbcat .win .wjf .wpb .wspak .xlk .yrcbck .vpcbackup
The ransomware claims to use AES – 128 algorithm, and it may use an RSA cypher to encrypt the private key without which the decryption is impossible. The files that are encrypted have the .enigma file extension appended to them, for example:
- New Text Document.txt.enigma
After encrypting the data, the ransomware may drop a .txt file with the ransom message written in Russian:
→ Мы зашифровали важные файлы на вашем компьютере: документы, базы данных, фото, видео, ключи.
Файлы зашифрованны алгоритмом AES 128(https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_Standard) с приватным ключем,который знаем только мы.
Зашифрованные файлы имеют расширение .ENIGMA . Расшифровать файлы без приватного ключа НЕВОЗМОЖНО.
Если хотите получить файлы обратно:
1)Установите Tor Browser https://www.torproject.org/
2)Найдите на рабочем столе ключ для доступа на сайт ENIGMA_(номер вашего ключа).RSA
3)Перейдите на сайт https://249fj203923jd.onion в тор-браузере и авторизуйтесь с помощью ENIGMA_(номер вашего ключа).RSA
4)Следуйте инструкциям на сайте и скачайте дешифратор
Translation:
We have encrypted important files on your PC: documents, databases, pictures, videos, keys.
The files are encrypted via AES-128 encryption algorithm(https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_Standard) with a private key known only to us.
The encrypted files have the extension .ENIGMA. To decrypt the files without the private key is IMPOSSIBLE.
If you want to get your files back:
1)Install Tor Browser https://www.torproject.org/
2)Find on your desktop the key for accessing the ENIGMA_ (your key number).RSA
3)Go to the website https://249fj203923jd.onion in Tor Browser and login via ENIGMA_(your key number).RSA
4)Follow the instructions on the site and download the decoder.
Remove Enigma Ransomware and Restore .Enigma Encrypted Files
To remove this crypto-malware completely from your computer, we strongly advise you to follow the instructions in the removal accordion below. They will assist with removing all of the files associated with Enigma ransomware from your device.
To decrypt your data, make sure that Enigma ransomware has been reported to leave Volume Shadow Copies intact, you if you have File History in Windows turned on, make sure to get your files back using this method. If this is not the case, you may want to try by using the alternative file restoration methods which we have provided after this article.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.
About the Enigma Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Enigma 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 Enigma 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove Enigma from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Enigma
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall Enigma and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Enigma 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 Enigma there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
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: Scan for Enigma with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. 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.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Enigma.
Ransomware infections and Enigma 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of Enigma from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Enigma and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Enigma:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Enigma. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Enigma. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Enigma via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Enigma. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Enigma.
Ransomware infections and Enigma 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Enigma FAQ
What is Enigma ransomware and how does it work?
Enigma 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 algorithm how 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.
How does Enigma ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Enigma Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of Enigma 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 .Enigma files?
You can't. At this point the .Enigma files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Enigma files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Enigma ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".Enigma" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Enigma files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of Enigma ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Enigma ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Enigma files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Enigma ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
