Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Note! Your computer might be affected by .aurora Files Virus and other threats.
Threats such as .aurora Files Virus may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
This article provides information about a data locker ransomware dubbed Aurora that encrypts important files and demands a ransom payment. By the end of it, you will know how to remove the threat and how to restore .aurora files.
The .aurora files virus causes enduring damage to important files stored on your infected computer. Corrupted files can be recognized by the specific extension .aurora that stands at the end of their original names. The main solution for their decryption is held by the hackers who demand a ransom payment for it. However, the decryption key possessed by them may be broken or missing at all. That’s why it is recommendable to consider alternative methods to deal with the problem before you rush into paying $500 ransom.
Threat Summary
Name
.aurora Files Virus
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt files stored on the infected computer. Then it demands a ransom for decryption solution.
Symptoms
Important files are locked and renamed with .aurora extension. They remain unusable until a ransom is paid.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by .aurora Files Virus
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.
.aurora Files Virus – Update December 2018
The .aurora Files Virus keeps on spreading even in December, 2018. New samples of this ransomware have been spotted by malware researchers recently and during November as well. You can see the current detections on the VirusTotal service:
The Aurora ransomware still encrypts files by adding the same extension, namely .aurora and researchers say that it is decryptable. Other than that there is not much difference in the modus operandi of the cryptovirus.
.aurora Files Virus – Distribution
Mainly Aurora’s payload may be spread via email spam campaigns that distribute corrupted attached files. Even though, the emails seem legit the attached files contain files that trigger ransomware attack at the moment they are opened on the PC. To make you more prone to open the attached files, hackers impersonate representatives of well-known companies or even governmental institutions. The attachments usually are documents, archives, images and other commonly used file formats.
For the sake of your security, you could see how to use a free online file extractor that quickly identifies whether an uploaded file contains malicious elements or not. Thus it could help you to avoid opening malicious files that cause severe malware infections like Aurora ransomware.
.aurora Files Virus – Overview
Once Aurora‘s payload is running on the system it creates new malicious files that are needed for the next stages of the attack. Some of the malicious files may take over essential system processes in order to remain undetected until the end of the infection process.
Aurora ransomware exploits the auto-execute system functionality by settings some malicious values under Run and RunOnce registry sub-keys. After this happens, the threat acquires a persistent presence on the system as its files execute automatically on each system start.
It is likely that specific values added under the same keys help .aurora files virus to display its ransom note on the PC screen. The note is dropped on the system as a file called HOW_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt and all that it reads is:
===# aurora ransomware #=== Aurora Ransomware — SORRY! Your files are encrypted. File contents are encrypted with random key. Random key is encrypted with RSA public key (2048 bit). We STRONGLY RECOMMEND you NOT to use any “decryption tools”. These tools can damage your data, making recover IMPOSSIBLE. Also we recommend you not to contact data recovery companies. They will just contact us, buy the key and sell it to you at a higher price. If you want to decrypt your files, you have to get RSA private key. In order to get private key, write here: [email protected] And pay 500$ on 3CwxawqJpM4RBNididvHf8LhFA2VfLsRjM wallet If someone else offers you files restoring, ask him for test decryption. Only we can successfully decrypt your files; knowing this can protect you from fraud. You will receive instructions of what to do next. ===# aurora ransomware #===
Beware that the payment of the ransom doesn’t guarantee the efficient decryption of .aurora files. Hackers could only steal your money and use them to launch new attack campaigns or create new malware threats.
The analyses of Aurora’s samples reveal that it contacts two hosts during the infection stage. The bad news is that hackers could use installed malware files to get access to the system and track your online and offline activities. So as long as files associated with .aurora files virus are running on your system avoid entering financial and login credentials on the websites you visit.
As an additional impact, the ransomware may connect your device to a crypto mining pool by contacting corrupted domains that have embedded JS/Coinminer on them. The primary symptom that could help you to notice this additional malware is the highly elevated usage of your CPU or GPU (or both) resources even when only a few programs are running on your computer system.
.aurora Files Virus – Encryption Process
The code of Aurora ransomware is designed to store information about all types of files which it needs to locate on infected systems and then utilize strong cipher algorithm to encrypt them. During the encryption process target files get modified with the help of strong cipher algorithm that makes them completely inaccessible. An infection with this ransomware is likely to lead to the corruption of the following data:
Audio files
Video files
Document files
Image files
Backup files
Text files
All encrypted files are renamed with the extension .aurora that stands at the end of their original names. Your access to the information stored by .aurora files is restricted until an efficient data recovery solution reverts their code back.
Remove .aurora Files Virus and Restore Data
The removal of the so-called .aurora crypto virus demands a bit of technical experience and ability to recognize characteristics of malware files. And there is no doubt that you should remove this nasty threat from the infected PC as soon as you detect it. Below you could find how to do it step by step. Beware that ransomware has highly complex code that could plague not only your files but your whole system. So as recommended by security researchers you need to utilize an advanced anti-malware tool for its complete removal. Such tool will keep your system protected against devastating threats like .aurora files virus as well as all other kinds of malware in future.
After you remove the ransomware make sure to check the “Restore Files” step listed in the guide below. But before you take any further actions, don’t forget to back up all encrypted files to an external drive in order to prevent their irreversible loss.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by .aurora Files Virus and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as .aurora Files Virus. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove .aurora Files Virus follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .aurora Files Virus files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by .aurora Files Virus on your PC
Find files created by .aurora Files Virus
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove .aurora Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .aurora Files Virus and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove .aurora Files Virus. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by .aurora Files Virus
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .aurora Files Virus
Ransomware infections and .aurora Files Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .aurora Files Virus and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
