Ransomware by the name of Rector (also known as Trojan/Win32.Rector.A, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Rector or Trojan:Win32/Orsam!rts) has been infecting computers worldwide. The most common way it may be deployed is by email attachment in the form of a document or any other files that are executable. Once Rector is executed on your computer, it is reported to archive and encrypt the text files in an unfamiliar file format, making them unreadable.
Rector Ransomware – How Does It Work?
The ransomware is originally developed to encrypt any readable file formats, such as .doc,.jpg,.pdf,.rar and others. Sometimes cyber-criminals may use spoof email messages with an address that is exactly the same as someone familiar to the user and attach documents of the before mentioned file formats that install the ransomware on the computer. When the ransomware is installed on the machine, it may display messages with instructions claiming that the only way to bring back the content is to contact v-martjanov@mail.ru address or the ICQ numbers 557973252 and 481059 for the purpose of negotiating their release back to the user via a decryption key. Usually, most ransomware encrypted files have a unique encryption that makes them even harder to decrypt. Some users report that they were required to pay the sum of 1000 dollars for such a key.
Security experts have identified the code under the name of ‘††KOPPEKTOP††’. Also, the developer of this ransomware has some other demands from the users, such as leaving messages on some of the websites that he works from. Similar to CryptoWall 3.0 , Troldesh , Locker , ai88 , Win32/Threatfin , Cryptobot , Los Pollos Hermanos , AlphaCrypt and other, the program modifies the user files and inflicts reasonable damage to the user PC. This is why it is recommended for users to always backup their files to prevent such extortions from being successful.
Even though this ransomware is simpler in some ways than Cryptowall and TorrentLocker malware, it can still be dangerous to the system.
Rector Ransomware – Ways to Remove
When it comes to ransomware, it is vital to not tamper with files installed by it because they may have scripts(code) that execute the deletion of your important data. This is why it is highly recommended to seek professional anti-ransomware program that will restore your files. We have provided few steps-below to help you cope with Rector Ransomware.
If you see this message or something similar to this message:
→Your files were encrypted.
To decrypt them, you need to type this code:
–Some random digits code here–
on email address v-martjanov@mail.ru
Further, you will receive the necessary instructions.
Any attempts to decrypt the information will result in the unfortunate information loss.
Some users report that similar to these objects were found after they have scanned their system:
C:\Users\Victim\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\aapocclcgonfmgoek
C:\Users\ Victim \AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\aohghkcijnfilokake
C:\Users\ Victim \AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\apdbhieahigkjlhalf
C:\Users\ Victim \AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\cojhhkbfbldknbeo
C:\Users\ Victim \AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\coolmjeljniedjpjpf
C:\Users\ Victim \AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\feldcncolpebgiejap
C:\Users\ Victim \AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\gmllljekbapjopfjik
C:\Users\ Victim \AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\lccedjpbminllajkg
C:\Users\ Victim \AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\nmedpiccmgmieda
C:\Users\ Victim \AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\pjkohdijeoejaedia
C:\Window\system32\Drivers\Msft_User_WpdMtpDr_01_009_00.Wdf
C:\Users\Victim\AppData\Roaming\data133.dat
C:\Window\system32\Drivers\Msft_Kernel_WinUsb_010091.Wdf
To insure yourself from future ransomware attacks, (For Windows Users), you should follow these steps to enable the Windows defense feature that can backup and restore your files to their previous state.
To fix your PC and protect it, you should:
1) Download individual anti-malware program, scan and remove the ransomware trojan from your PC.
2) Right-Click on My Computer and then click on Properties.
3) Click on Advanced System Settings.
4) Click on System Protection.
5) Click on the hard drive partition that you want to protect.
6) Click on Configure and then click on ‘Turn On System Protection.’
7) Click on OK and you are ready
Now that you have system protection turned on, in case something happens with your files, you shall succeed in restoring them, using these steps:
1) Right-Click on the encrypted file then click Properties.
2) Click on ‘Previous Versions.’
3) You should see an earlier version of the file with a date on which the file was last modified.
4) Click on the file and then click on down right button that says ‘Restore.’
IMPORTANT:
In case your files were previously encrypted, the program may remain active on your computer. This is why it is highly recommended to scan the system with a special anti – malware removal tool to eradicate objects, similar to the ones that were discovered above.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove Rector Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Rector Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Rector Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Rector Ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall Rector Ransomware 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 Rector 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 Rector 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: Scan for Rector Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Rector Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Rector 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 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 Rector Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Rector Ransomware 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 Rector Ransomware 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 Rector Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Rector 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Rector Ransomware FAQ
What is Rector Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
Rector 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 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 Rector Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Rector Ransomware 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 Rector 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 .Rector Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .Rector Ransomware 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 .Rector Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Rector Ransomware 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 ".Rector Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Rector Ransomware 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 Rector Ransomware 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 Rector Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Rector Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Rector Ransomware 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.
