This article aims to explain to you what is .rapid file extension virus and how to remove this ransomware infection plus how to restore your encrypted files.
New ransomware virus, known by researchers as Rapid Ransomware Virus has been detected to infect more and more users as of recent days. The malware’s primary purpose is to encrypt the files on your computer and then encrypt each new file that is created, which is something that has not been seen to be done by ransomware before. This entirely new virus aims to slither past any standard protection and then leave behind the files on computers no longer able to be opened until the victim pays a hefty ransom fee. If your files have been encrypted with .rapid file extension, we recommend you to read the following article in order to learn how to remove this virus from your PC and try to restore files that have been encrypted by it.
Threat Summary
| Name | Rapid Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts files on your computer and then asks you to contact the hackers via the e-mail frenkmoddy@tuta.io or several other e-mails. |
| Symptoms | Rapid.exe *32 process running on your Windows Task Manager. Files encrypted with .rapid file extension. A ransom note, named How Recovery Files.txt dropped on your PC. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| 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 Rapid 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. |
.Rapid Ransomware – Update January 2019
The cybercriminals behind Rapid ransomware have been reported to be liars who do not provide a decryptor tool even when payment is made. In other situations where a decryptor is provided, only a few files have been decrypted with it. That is either due to the cybercriminals not wanting or not being able to decrypt users’ files. DO NOT pay anything as it seems that decryption is broken as reports being released in January 2019 regarding the matter.
.Rapid Ransomware – How Did I Get Infected
Most cyber-criminals, like the ones, who are behind Rapid Ransomware virus, aim to infect unsuspecting victims by making them open something that they believe is legitimate, like:
- Fake setup of a program you may be looking to download online.
- Fraudulent game patch, crackfix or software license activator.
- Fake invoice, order receipt or other type of document.
The cyber-crooks are usually lazy enough to upload the malicious file in several websites to which the victim may arrive by looking for something to download, like favorite movie player, subtitles or anything similar. However, some become more proactive by spamming your Inbox with fake e-mails that pretend to carry legitimate e-mail attachments and have convincing statements that aim to trick you into opening these attachments, for example:
Usually those attachments carry the infection file instead of a document and this is the main method by which your PC may have been infected with .rapid files virus.
.Rapid Ransomware – More Information + Activity
Rapid ransomware belongs to the file encryption ransomware viruses type, meaning that it is one of the most devastating malware you could encounter. Upon infection, the virus may drop it’s payload of malicious files on your computer. From those, so far the main executable and the ransom note of the virus have been detected by malware researchers to exist in the %AppData% folder:
- Info.exe
- How Recovery Files.txt
- Recovery.txt
In additon to the malicious files being dropped, the Rapid ransomware virus also makes sure they run automatically when you start your computer system by adding the following “Run” values in the “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run” registry key of Windows:
→ “Encrypter”=”%AppData%\info.exe”
“userinfo”=”%AppData%\recovery.txt”
The recovery.txt may be the same as the How Recovery Files.txt ransom note file which both may have the following ransom note request:
Hello!
All your files have been encrypted by us
If you want restore files write on e-mail {hackers’ e-mail}
The e-mails used by the cyber-crooks who are behind this nasty infection are several and ransomware researchers who have received live submissions on the project website Id-Ransoware.com have so far reported the following addresses to be used by the Rapid ransomware hackers:
→ rapid@rape.lol
unlockforyou@india.com
jpcrypt@rape.lol
fileskey@qq.com
support@fbamasters.com
frenkmoddy@tuta.io
fileskey@cock.li
In addition to contacting the victim via the ransom note, the virus also makes sure that you cannot recover the files of the infected computer by permanently deleting all of your volume shadow copies and disabling the recovery service. This happens by running the following commands as an administrator via a malicious script which may self-delete after execution:
→ bcdedit /set recoveryenabled No
bcdedit /set bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadow /All /Quiet
But having all of these activities as standard for most ransomware viruses, this one is different. Rapid ransomware does not only encrypt the files on your computer, but also runs a process in the background of your computer system, called rapid.exe which makes sure every newly added file on your PC is also encrypted, meaning that you cannot use your computer to store important documents untill your remove this threat.
.Rapid Files Virus – Encryption
The encryption procedure behind Rapid ransomware virus includes the usage of an advanced encryption mode which aims to make it virtually impossible to directly decrypt the .rapid encrypted files without damaging them. The virus may target only important files that are ouside of Windows system folders, like:
- Documents.
- Videos.
- Images.
- Archives.
- Virtual Drives.
- Other often used files.
After .rapid files virus encrypts the files on your computer, the ransomware may also leave behind the .rapid file extension to them, making them appear like the image below shows:
Remove Rapid Ransomware and Restore .rapid Encrypted Files
In order to begin the removal of this virus, you will need to stop it first. This can happen by going into Windows Task Manager and looking for a process, named rapid.exe or info.exe that is not running by SYSTEM or Admin. This process should be stopped by right clicking on it and clicking ong End Process or End Task.
As soon as you have done that, you may follow the Rapid ransomware removal instructions down below. They are divided in manual and automatic removal methods. Be advised to only remove Rapid ransomware manually if you have done this before and are sure in your abilities and if not, experts strongly advise downloading an advanced anti-malware software. Such will make sure Rapid ransomware is automatically deleted from your computer and it is completely secure against all threats in the future too.
If you want to restore files that have been encrypted by .rapid files virus, be advised that you cannot directly decrypt them. Instead, we recommend you to follow the file recovery instructions below in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by .Rapid Ransomware” below. They are not 100% effective but with their aid you may be able to recover some of your important files.
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 Rapid Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Rapid 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 Rapid 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 Rapid 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 Rapid Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Rapid 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 Rapid 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.
Rapid Ransomware-FAQ
What is Rapid Ransomware Ransomware?
Rapid 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 Rapid 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 Rapid Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Rapid 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 Rapid 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 .Rapid Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Rapid 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 .Rapid Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Rapid Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Rapid 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 Rapid 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 Rapid Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Rapid 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 Rapid 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 Rapid Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Rapid 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 Rapid 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.
Como recupero mis archivos encriptados con .rapid