What is Reig Virus Infection?
Reig Ransomware is another variant of the so-called STOP Ransomware family of viruses. Its primary purpose is to infect your computer and encrypt the important files in it. The virus may perform various forms of malicious activities with the main idea to enter your computer silently and then use a strong cipher to prevent you from opening the files. After “locking” your important documents, images, videos, and other data, this virus may leave the .reig extension.
Reig is a known variant of the STOP/DJVU ransomware family. These viruses all leave a _readme.txt note, asking to contact the criminals who have infected you. To give you decryption with your decryption key, these crooks demand you to pay about $900 dollars in the form of BitCoin. They even give a deadline after which they threaten to double the ransom amount.
Read this article to learn more about Reig and how you can remove it from your computer effectively.
Reig Virus Summary
Name | Reig ransomware also known as Trojan.GenericKD.35978248, Trojan.Win32.Stop.j!c, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojanransom.Stop, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HIMQ, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.qq |
File Extension | .Reig |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The STOP ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .reig extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Reig Virus – Furhter Information
Reig ransomware is part of the STOP/DJVU family of viruses, which means they share the same virus code. Other threats like it include the .weui, .cosd and .opqz viruses.
To infect your computer, the Reig virus can be sent to you as an e-mail attachment. This attachment often pretends to be a document of utmost importance that you are supported to open. Such are often work-related, documents from banks, invoices, and other documents of these types. The way this scheme works is the hackers send you a .pdf or a .docm file that is in an archive (.rar or .7z), which when downloaded and opened may ask you to click “Enable Content” to view the contents of the document. Once you do that, you trigger a malicious code that directly downloads the virus files on your computer.
Once you get infected with the virus, its files may be dropped in the following Windows directories without you knowing it:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %System%
- %SystemDrive%
Once these files are on your computer, they may contain random names and may be used for the virus to check your IP, Mac address, and other personal information. The main idea behind this threat is to run commands as administrator and assume “god mode” over your computer. One of the commands that may be run is called “vssadmin delete shadows” which may delete your backed-up shadow copies and another one may disable Windows Recovery services.
Then, this virus may also tamper with the Windows Registry Editor, changing your registry settings and adding values in the Run and RunOnce keys. This allows the Reig virus to run automatically upon system boot-up.
The main activity of this ransomware is to scan your computer for the following types of files and encrypt them while skipping Windows files:
- Video files.
- Audio files.
- Databases.
- Backups.
- Archive files.
- Documents.
- Pictures.
As soon as Reig encrypts your files, this nasty threat may drop its ransom note, containing the ransom instructions. These instructions aim to extort you to pay ransom to get the files back. They have the following message:
.reig Files
When this ransomware encrypts your files, it not only changes their core structure but also adds the .reig file extension after their name.
The files are encrypted with the AES encryption algorithm, which means Advanced Encryption Standard. This is a strong cipher that makes the only option to directly decrypt the files being to have a specific decryption key. This key is owned by cyber-criminals but paying them is not recommended. The main reason for that is they cannot be trusted, since they got you to this point in the first place.
Instead, keep reading to see what are your options in removing this virus and trying to restore your files.
Remove Reig Virus and Try to Restore Files
Reig virus can be removed from your computer if you follow the removal instructions below. They are created to help you delete the virus files of this nasty threat by isolating them and removing them. Reig virus can most safely be removed if you scan your computer with professional anti-malware software. This program has been created to remove viruses, like Reig with maximum effectiveness and protect your computer against such threats in the future as well.
For the file recovery, we suggest that you do a fresh backup of your important files and wait for malware researchers to devise a decryptor that will help you to get the files back for free. It usually takes some time. Furthermore, be advised that you can also try our alternative steps for file recovery posted below in the guide. They may help you restore some or even most of your files, depending on their condition, even though they are not a direct solution.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Reig Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Reig 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Reig 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 Reig Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Reig Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Reig 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 Reig 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.
Reig Virus-FAQ
What is Reig Virus Ransomware?
Reig 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 Reig 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 Reig Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Reig 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 Reig 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 .Reig Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Reig 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 .Reig Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Reig Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Reig 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 Reig 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 Reig Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Reig 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 Reig 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 Reig Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Reig 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 Reig 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.
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