What Is Epsilon Red Ransomware?
Epsilon Red is a new ransomware detected in the wild, in attacks against various organizations. The ransomware uses the .epsilonred file extension.
Security researchers from Sophos recently reported a new ransomware threat, coded in the Go language. The ransomware, called Epsilon Red, was delivered as the final executable payload in “a hand-controlled attack” against US-based company in the hospitality industry. According to the analysis, all early-stage components of the attack were PowerShell scripts.
Evidently, the cryptocurrency address that belongs to the attackers shows that at least one of the victims paid a ransom, in the amount of 4.29 Bitcoin, equaling to approximately $210,000.
It is noteworthy that the ransom note dropped by the Epsilon Red ransomware is similar to REvil ransomware, with “a few minor grammatical corrections.” However, the researchers found no other resemblances between the two ransomware viruses.
In terms of the attack against the U.S. hospitality company, it seems that the attackers breached a Microsoft Exchange server as an initial entry point. However, it is not known whether they used the ProxyLogon exploit or some other vulnerability. Once they breached inside that vulnerable machine, the attackers used WMI to install other programs onto other machines inside the network, reachable from the initial Exchange server.
Where does the name Epsilon Red come from? The name is a reference to pop culture, as Epsilon Red is a character from the X-Men universe. He was a soldier most likely of Russian origin.
Epsilon Red Summary
| Name | Epsilon Red |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A ransomware that has been detected in attacks against organizations, using vulnerable Microsoft Exchange servers as entry points. |
| Symptoms | RED.exe, a 64-bit Windows executable programmed in the Go language. All files are locked with the .epsilonred extension appended. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Vulnerable Servers |
| Detection Tool |
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Epsilon Ransomware Technical Overview
The ransomware is called RED.exe, a 64-bit Windows executable programmed in the Go language. The file has been compiled via a tool called MinGW, and packed with a modified version of the runtime packer UPX.
It is noteworthy that the executable consists of some code that belongs to an open source project known as godirwalk. This enables the ransomware to scan the hard drive where it’s running for directory paths and compile them into a list. Epsilon Red then creates a new child process that encrypts each subfolder separately, eventually creating a lot of copies of the ransomware process that run simultaneously.
The ransomware itself, called RED.exe, is a 64-bit Windows executable programmed in the Go language, compiled using a tool called MinGW, and packed with a modified version of the runtime packer UPX.
The executable contains some code taken from an open source project called godirwalk, which gives it the ability to scan the hard drive on which it’s running for directory paths and compile them into a list. The ransomware then spawns a new child process that encrypts each subfolder separately, which after a short amount of time results in a lot of copies of the ransomware process running simultaneously. According to the analysis, each instance of the red.exe ransomware encryptss a single folder as a unique process.
The ransomware itself is quite small as it is primarily used to perform the encryption of the files on the targeted system. The threat doesn’t make any network connections. Furthermore, the small size is due to functions like killing processes or deleting the Volume Shadow Copies being outsourced to the PowerShell scripts, making it “quite a simple program”.
Files Targeted for Encryption: .epsilonred Extension
The sample analyzed by the researchers don’t contain a list of targeted file types or file extensions. It seems that the ransomware will encrypt everything inside the folders it targets, including other executables and DLLs. I f the ransomware encrypts the wrong folder path, this could render programs or the entire system non operational. After the encryption of each targeted file, Epsilon Red appends a file suffix called .epsilonred to the files, dropping a ransom note in each folder.
As already mentioned, the ransom note is very similar to the note used by the REvil gang. However, Epsilon Red’s ransom note is grammatically sound.
Remove .epsilonred File Virus
Epsilon Red is a threat with highly complex code that disrupts system security in order to encrypt your files. The infected system could be used in a secure manner again only after you remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. The steps presented in the ransomware removal guide below will help you with the complete removal process. Beware that manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps navigate to the automatic part of the guide. It is also worth mentioning that personal data remains encrypted even after the complete removal of Epsilon Red ransomware. Its removal only prevents it from causing further encryptions and security issues.
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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.
How to Remove Epsilon Red from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Epsilon Red
Step 2: Uninstall Epsilon Red 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Epsilon Red 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 Epsilon Red there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Epsilon Red with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Epsilon Red.
Ransomware infections and Epsilon Red 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Epsilon Red from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Epsilon Red 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:
- 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 Epsilon Red 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:
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 Epsilon Red.
Ransomware infections and Epsilon Red 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Epsilon Red FAQ
What is Epsilon Red ransomware and how does it work?
Epsilon Red 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 Epsilon Red ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Epsilon Red 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 Epsilon Red 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 .Epsilon Red files?
You can't. At this point the .Epsilon Red 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 .Epsilon Red files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Epsilon Red 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 ".Epsilon Red" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Epsilon Red 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 Epsilon Red 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 Epsilon Red ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Epsilon Red files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Epsilon Red 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.
