An article designed to help you delete R Ransomware virus from your computer and restore the files encrypted by this ransomware infection on your PC.
Documents, pictures, music, videos and other files are victims of the newly detected R Ransomware infection. The virus slithers onto the computers of victims via loaders and other malware and then encrypts the files on them, asking victims to pay the high amount of 2 BTC in a Ransomware.txt file to get the encrypted files restored back to their original state. In case your computer has been infected by R Ransomware, we advise you to read the following article and learn more about removing R Ransomware and restoring files encrypted by it.
Threat Summary
| Name |
R Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals. Asks for 2 BTC payment to retrieve encrypted files. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness ransom notes and “Ransomware.txt” instructions linking to a TOR web page with further instructions. |
| 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 R 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. |
R Ransomware – How Is It Distributed
To be spread, the R Ransomware makes use of spamming software to send massive spam message campaigns to various e-mails all over the world. The messages may be of a deceitful origin, and they aim primarily to trick the victims using deceptive statements. The victims who are lured into opening malicious e-mail attachments or web links get their computers infected by an obfuscated loader which drops R Ransomware’s payload onto their computer.
Here are other ways by which the R Ransomware can be spread onto the computers of victims:
- As a result of having a potentially unwanted program onto the user’s computer.
- Via fake updates of programs.
- Via fake installers uploaded on websites.
- Via fake patches or game cracks uploaded in torrent sites.
R Ransomware – Infection Activity
After the R Ransomware causes an infection on the victim’s computer, the virus drops the payload. It might be located in the following Windows folders:
- %AppDatA%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %LocalRow%
- %SystemDrive%
The files may be from the following malicious file types:
→ .vbs, .dll, .tmp, .vbs, .bat, .exe
The names of those files may vary. They are usually completely random or imitate legitimate Windows processes. Once the virus has dropped them, R Ransomware may begin to modify the Windows Registry Editor of the infected computer. The modification is achieved by adding value strings and hence changing different settings. Usually, the following Windows registry sub-keys are targeted:
→ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\
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
Last but not least, R Ransomware may also delete the shadow copies from the machine which has been infected. These volume shadow copies can be eradicated by executing a script which quietly inserts and enters the following commands in Windows Command Prompt:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
R Ransomware’s Encryption Explained
For the encryption to work, the virus may cause the system to misbehave, so that the process is interrupted. Another scenario is if R Ransomware restarts the computer as an administrator and performs the encryption process on system boot. Whatever the case may be, the virus attacks different files that are widely used. Those particular types of files may be the following:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com
After the encryption is complete, the files seem damaged or corrupt and can no longer be opened. The R Ransomware infection then opens it’s ransom note which is named Ransomware.txt and looks like the following:
Image Source: Twitter
The ransom note leads to a Tor-based web page where the user sees the following extortion message written in poor English:
“Your files have been encrypted because of security holes in your systems. So that this does not happen again, and you need to increase the security of the environment in question by hiring a company that specializes in security. It is not just a virus that has become a secure machine. A backup is also required so that your data is not lost. I look for a security of their systems.
I will send you a private key so you can retrieve your files as soon as a donation to complete. If necessary, I will assist you with the procedure. I do not care about your files just with a donation. If your files are important to you, I’ll do an evaluation, otherwise, you can not retrieve them.I will provide the private key for you to recover your files.
Plus you need to make a donation of 2 bitcoin.
You can check the price of bitcoin at the following site:
https://preev.com
Only donation will be accepted by BITCOIN, but you have no idea how to buy btcoin on the internet, you can get help in the menu FAQ Click Here.
As a guarantee send up to three files encrypted as DOCS XLS XML JPG
With a maximum size of 2mb to make it easy you need to compress the files with winrar or zip.
You should upload the files to any upload site of your choice, you do not know of any that you can use the following site:
https://wikisend.com/
Choose the file and click “Upload File” for the uploaded file.
Copy the “Download Link” and inform the download link in the support box next to it. “
The Tor web page of the ransomware is well designed and even has a live customer support chat. In addition to this, there are also FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
The main purpose of the web page is to conduct the payment through it and offer the victim free decryption of several files, just to see if it works. For these cyber-criminals, “customer support” is important.
Remove R Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
For the removal of R Ransomware, we recommend following the removal instructions below. They are created to help you get rid of it’s malicious files by isolating the virus first and then looking for them. However, if you are unable to manually remove the malware, experts always advise using an advanced anti-malware program which will perform the removal automatically and protect your computer in the future as well.
After already having removed the R Ransomware from your computer, recommendations are to try and restore your files using several other tools, instead of paying the ransom. We have suggested some tools in step “2” under Automatic removal steps below. These tools are not fully effective, but they may help to restore at least some of the data.
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 R Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall R Ransomware 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 R Ransomware 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 R Ransomware 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 R Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by R Ransomware.
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 R Ransomware 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.
R Ransomware-FAQ
What is R Ransomware Ransomware?
R Ransomware 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 R Ransomware 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 R Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.R Ransomware 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 R Ransomware 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 .R Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .R Ransomware 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 .R Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".R Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .R Ransomware 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 R Ransomware 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 R Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .R Ransomware 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 R Ransomware 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 R Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this R Ransomware 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 R Ransomware 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.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.