This article will help you remove .Ransom File Virus effectively. Follow the ransomware removal instructions at the bottom of the article.
.Ransom is the extension appended to files encrypted by a newly emerged ransomware written in the MSIL (Microsoft Intermediate Language). Some researchers might argue that it is based on HiddenTear. Once the payload for the ransomware is executed, your data will become encrypted and the virus will leave a ransom note with instructions for payment. Read on below to see how you could try to potentially restore some of your data.
Threat Summary
| Name | .Ransom File Virus |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware virus encrypts files on your computer and demands 0.3 Bitcoin to be paid as a ransom. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and then place the extension .Ransom on each encrypted file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executables |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .Ransom File 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. |
.Ransom File Virus – Update December 2017
The latest developments regarding the .Ransom File Virus provides evidence that is either Ranion ransomware or somebody used that code and made the latest version of the .Ransom File Virus look like it since Ranion is RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) type of virus.
The new email for contact in the 1.07 version is the following:
- secondgroupe@mail2tor.com
Besides the email, a victim’s computer would get the following picture as the new Desktop background:
That also serves as a ransom message and states the following:
YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED
WITH -RANSOMWARE-
.:..:.
TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES YOU NEED
AN AES DECRYPTION KEY** CONTACT US IN 7 DAYS **
OR YOU CAN’T DECRYPT YOUR FILES
ANYMORE~~~
From the note we find out that the AES encryption algorithm is being used in the new version and that victims have 7 days to contact the cybercriminals. If you are infected, you are not advised to contact the criminals as they might not recover your files and nobody could guarantee that everything will be back to normal.
.Ransom File Virus – Infection
The .Ransom file virus could spread its infection via different methods. The payload file that initiates the malicious script for this ransomware, which in turn infects your computer machine, is circling the Internet and a malware sample has been found by malware researchers. You can see the VirusTotal detections for different security programs of that sample by checking the screenshot below:
The .Ransom file virus might also distribute its payload file on social media websites and networks for file-sharing. Freeware that is found on the Web could be presented as useful but at the same time could hide the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Refrain from opening files just as you have downloaded them, especially if they come from suspicious sources such as links or e-mails. Instead, you should scan them beforehand with a security tool, while also checking the size and signatures of these files for anything that seems out of the ordinary. You should read the ransomware preventing tips thread in the forum.
.Ransom File Virus – In Detail
The .Ransom file virus is called that way because it encrypts files while putting the .ransom extension to them. Malware researchers claim that the ransomware is written on the MSIL language. MSIL stands for Microsoft Intermediate Language, but by today’s modern standards its name would be CIL (Common Intermediate Language).
The .Ransom file virus could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, launch and repress processes in Windows. Some entries are designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System, and one such entry is outlined right here:
→HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run
The ransom note will show up after the encryption process is complete. The note is written in English, but also featured in other languages. Inside, you will see instructions for how to proceed with payment and the recovery of your files. The ransom note file for English-speaking users is called “README_TO_DECRYPT_FILES.html”, but has other names for different languages, including:
- LEAME_PARA_DESCIFRAR_ARCHIVOS.txt
- LEGGIMI_PER_DECIFRARE_I_FILES.txt
- LESEN_SIE_MICH_UM_DATIEIEN_ZU_ENTSCHLUSSELN.txt
- LISEZ_MOI_POUR_DECHIFFRER_LES_FICHIERS.txt
- PROCHTI_MENYA_DLYA_RASSHIFROVKI_FAYLOV.txt
- README_TO_DECRYPT_FILES.txt
The .html file will load the ransom note in a browser. You can preview the ransom message from the below picture:
That ransom message reads the following:
WARNING Encrypted Files
!!! YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED WITH RANSOMWARE !!!
The Key to Decrypt Your Files Will Be DELETED in 7 Days
Send Me 0.3 Bitcoins
You Have Only 7 Days From Now
Bitcoin Address: 1NTKmeeLp52y9oZVfVZEdUCJBK9xhTcZNW
Buy Bitcoins On:
– https://paxful.com/
– https://localbitcoins.com/
– https://www.bitpanda.com/
After Send Me an Email With Your ID: [redacted] alka@protonmail.com
I Will Send You the Key to Decrypt Your Files
The ransom note and any instructions from the .Ransom file virus should not be followed. You should NOT under any circumstance contact the cybercriminals. Your files may not even get restored, and nobody could give you a guarantee for it. Besides, supporting criminals is not a good idea. Also, the crooks may get inspired to do more criminal acts, such as the creation of more ransomware viruses.
.Ransom File Virus – Encryption Process
The .Ransom file virus ransomware will probably seek to encrypt files that have the following extensions:
→.7z, .bmp, .doc, .docm, .docx, .html, .jpeg, .jpg, .mp3, .mp4, .pdf, .php, .ppt, .pptx, .rar, .rtf, .sql, .tiff, .txt, .xls, .xlsx, .zip
Every file that gets encrypted will receive the same extension appended to each one of them, and that is the .ransom extension. The algorithm used for encryption is not known, but is probably AES.
The .Ransom file virus cryptovirus has not been seen to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system, but that may be a possibility. That will also make the encryption rocess more viable since it will eliminate one of the ways for decrypting your files. Continue to read and see what kind of ways you can try out to potentially recover some of your data.
Remove .Ransom File Virus and Restore Your Files
If your computer got infected with the .Ransom file virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .Ransom File Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .Ransom File 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 .Ransom File 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 .Ransom File 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 .Ransom File Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .Ransom File 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 .Ransom File 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.
.Ransom File Virus-FAQ
What is .Ransom File Virus Ransomware?
.Ransom File 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 .Ransom File 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 .Ransom File Virus Infect?
Via several ways..Ransom File 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 .Ransom File 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 ..Ransom File Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..Ransom File 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 ..Ransom File Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..Ransom File Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..Ransom File 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 .Ransom File 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 .Ransom File Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..Ransom File 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 .Ransom File 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 .Ransom File Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .Ransom File 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 .Ransom File 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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- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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