This article has the agenda to show you how to remove OoPS Ransomware and attempt to restore files that have been encrypted with the added .ramen file extension.
A file encryption malware, known as OoPS ransomware has been detected at the beginning of May 2017. The virus aims to encrypt the files on the infected computers using the AES encryption algorithm. Unlike other ransomware viruses, the .ramen file virus moves the targeted files in a password-protected .zip archive with the extension .ramen. In case your computer has been infected with this ransomware virus, we advise you to read the following article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | .ramen Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts files using the AES encryption and then asks for a ransom to be paid in order to decrypt them. |
| Symptoms | The targeted files are moved into a password-protected .zip archive. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .ramen Virus. |
| 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. |
Distribution of OoPS “Ramenware” Virus
For the moment, the primary version is that OoPS ramenware virus is spread via multiple different methods including severe e-mail spam campaign. Such e-mail spam campaigns may include deceptive e-mails pretending to be from companies, like:
- FedEx.
- PayPal.
- eBay.
- Amazon.
- AliExpress.
- Any bank.
The e-mails may contain messages in them stating false reasons for which to open either a malicious e-mail attachment in an archive or visit a third-party URL which may lead to the infection.
Other methods by which your computer can be infected by the OoPS “ramenware” ransomware virus are to spread the malware using fake setups, fraudulent Java or Flash Player updates or license activators, key generators, etc. Such can be either uploaded on suspicious websites online or via compromised uploader accounts in torrent sites.
.ramen OoPS Ramenware – Analysis
The .ramen file virus aims for one thing only – to render your files no longer openable so that you can be extorted for a hefty ransom payoff in BTC to get them back. To get to it’s end goal, the .ramen OoPS virus makes several modifications on the computers infected by it, starting with dropping it’s malicious file, named OoPS Ramenware.exe on their drives. The file may be located in multiple different Windows folders, such as:
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Temp%
In addition to this malicious file, multiple other support files may also be created for different purposes. One of those is to delete the shadow volume copies on the infected computer. This is achievable by executing a script that gains administrative privileges on the compromised computer and after this executes commands in Windows Command Prompt which deletes the backups. The commands may be the following with custom parameters set to them:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
In addition to this, the malware may modify the Windows Registry Editor so that it is possible for it’s malicious file to run on Windows start-up. For this, it may target the following registry sub-keys:
→ 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
The Encryption Process of OoPS .ramen Virus
The encryption of the .ramen ransomware is no different then most file-encrypting malware out there. The .ramen virus uses an encryption script which alters a small part of data from an original file with data from the encryption cipher, which in this case is AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).
The difference in this case, however is that this ransomware virus aims to move the encrypted files in a password-protected .zip archive. This prevents further tampering with the files, even if the ransomware is decrypted by malware researchers. The password protected archive is reported to contain the .ramen file extension.
Remove .ramen File Virus and Restore Encrypted Files
Before beginning the removal process of this ransomware virus, we advise you to backup the encrypted files from the infected computer.
For the removal process of .ramen ransomware to be complete, it is strongly recommended to follow the instructions underneath. They are designed so that the malicious objects of .ramen ransomware are isolated after which removed. However, if manual removal may be a challenge for your, security experts strongly recommend victims to focus on removing the .ramen virus automatically with an advanced anti-malware program. Installing it will also ensure that the computer is protected against future infections as well.
In case you are looking forward to restore your files, at the moment, it is not directly achievable, mainly because of the password-protected .zip archive. However, there are some alternative methods which you could attempt in step “2. Restore files encrypted by .ramen Virus” below. They are not 100% guarantee you will recover all of your missing files, however, you may have a decent chance of recovering portion of them.
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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Step 1: Scan for .ramen Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .ramen Virus 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .ramen Virus 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 .ramen Virus 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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .ramen Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .ramen Virus.
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 .ramen Virus 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.
.ramen Virus-FAQ
What is .ramen Virus Ransomware?
.ramen Virus 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 .ramen Virus 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 .ramen Virus Infect?
Via several ways..ramen Virus 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 .ramen Virus 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 ..ramen Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..ramen Virus 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 ..ramen Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..ramen Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..ramen Virus 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 .ramen Virus 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 .ramen Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..ramen Virus 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 .ramen Virus 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 .ramen Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .ramen Virus 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 .ramen Virus 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.
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