New crypto-malware has been detected out in the wild. It is called Rackcrypt and it is also known as MVP Locker. It claims to use a strong AES-256 encryption algorithm to encrypt infected users’ files and extort them for the decryption. This type of ransomware is reported to be entering user systems via malicious executables concealed in a key Windows directory. It supports a variety file types to scan for and encrypt, and its algorithm is military grade. However, users who have been affected by this ransomware are strongly advised not to pay the ransom money and use special software to remove Rackcrypt and restore their files, instructions for which are provided after this article.
| Name | Rackcrypt |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The crypto-virus encrypts user files with .rack extensions and may use AES-256 encryption algorhithm, demanding 1.3 BTC to decrypt the data. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness his files to become of an unfamiliar origin with the .rack extension. |
| Distribution Method | Via different malicious sites. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss Rackcrypt. |
Rackcrypt Ransomware – How Does It Spread
Microsoft malware researchers have observed samples of the threat in their report, and they have established this malware to spread via malicious executables. Such executables may contain the following names:
- Setup.exe
- Firefox.exe
- Activator.exe
- Smsss.exe
The executables may be downloaded onto the victim’s PC from websites that are dangerous and distribute the malware disguised based on what the user is looking for. For example, if you search for a certain program the website may automatically generate a file, named ‘yourprogramname.exe’ tricking you into downloading the actual setup of the software you are looking for. There may be other methods of distribution such as malicious executables uploaded on file sharing sites or in suspicious torrents.
Rackcrypt Ransomware – What Does It Do?
Once activated on the computer, the ransomware immediately drops a malicious module in the %temp% Windows folder. After doing so, according to Microsoft, It adds the following registry keys with values and data:
→In HKU\Administrator\mvpdata the value “launches” with data “
In HKU\Administrator\mvpdata the value “day” with data “
In HKU\Administrator\mvpdata the value “done” with data “
In HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop the value “Wallpaper” with data “%Windows%\Web\Wallpaper\rack.jpg”
The value for the wallpaper aims to set the picture “rack.jpg” that may contain the ransom instructions as a wallpaper.
After the ransomware has been set up on your computer, it begins the encryption process. Its payload modules are programmed to scan and encrypt files that have the following extensions:
→ .3fr .7z .accdb .ai .ank .apk .arch00 .arw .asset .avi .bar .bay .bc6 .bc7 .big .bik .bkf .bkp .blob .bmp .bsa .cas .cdr .cer .cfr .cpp .cr2 .crt .crw .css .csv .d3dbsp .das .dat .dazip .db0 .dba .dbf .dcr .der .desc .dmp .dng .doc .docm .docx .dwg .dxg .epk
.eps .erf .esm .et .ff .flv .forge .fos .fpk .fsh .gdb .gho .hkdb .hkx .hplg .hpp .hvpl .ib .icxs .indd .itdb .itl .itm .iwd .iwi .jpe .jpeg .jpg .js .kdb .kdc .kf .layout .lbf .litemod .lrf .ltx .lvl .m2 .m3u .m4a .map .mcmeta .mdb .mdbackup .mddata .mdf .mef .menu
.mlx .mov .mp3 .mp4 .mpqge .mrwref .ncf .nrw .ntl .odb .odc .odm .odp .ods .odt .orf .p12 .p7b .p7c .pak .pas .pdd .pdf .pef .pem .pfx .pkpass .png .ppt .pptm .pptx .psd .psk .pst .ptx .py .qdf .qic .r3d .raf .rar .raw .rb .re4 .rgss3a .rim .rofl .rtf .rw2
.rwl .sav .sb .sid .sidd .sidn .sie .sis .slm .snx .sql .sr2 .srf .srw .sum .svg .syncdb .t12 .t13 .tax .tor .txt .upk .vcf .vdf .vfs0 .vpk .vpp_pc .vtf .w3x .wall .wb2 .wma .wmo .wmv .wotreplay .wpd .wps .x3f .xf .xlk .xls .xlsb .xlsm .xlsx .xxx .zip .ztmp
After the files have been encrypted, they can be identified with the “.rack” extension specific for this ransomware variant. An example of an encrypted document may be:
→New Text Document.txt.rack
When the user attempts to open an encrypted file, there is an error message from Windows may display a pop-up saying the file is corrupt or open the Window that helps the user find a program to open the encrypted file with. Removing the “.rack” file extension does not fix the program and when the file has been opened as a .txt the information is displayed with encrypted symbols, for example:
After encrypting the user files, the ransomware drops the following files:
- Rackfiles.txt – (shows the user a list of the encrypted files)
- Rack.jpg – (wallpaper with the ransom message)
- Rackinfo.txt – (displays more information about what happened to the files)
These files may be located either in the %Temp% directory or others and they aim to provide the user with instructions on what the situation is and scare him/her into paying the ransom money to the cyber-criminals in bitcoins.
The instructions in the ransom messages are the following:
→“Hi,
We are sorry to tell you, but all your files on this PC were encrypted using strongest AES-256 encryption algorithm and you can personally verify this by pressing “files” button below or do this manually.
What can I do?
Despite that, you still has a chance to get all your data back in a 3 days period. For further information about unlocking process please use “info” button below. Please do not try to eliminate this program in case you want to get your files back.
Bicoin Wallet
You should use this address to send a payment. It costs around 300 USD (1.3 BTC) .
Use “copy” button to copy wallet address to clipboard.
Unlock
We will verify your payment status within 2-3 hours after transaction. Please be patient since it’s manual process. In case you made a payment, but decryption process won’t start, use this e-mail to contact us:
mvplocksvc@yahoo.com”
The ransomware also has several buttons in its pop-up one of which leads to the following .txt file:
If a user clicks on the “Decrypt” button, it displays a pop-up message claiming the payment hasn’t been made yet or is currently being processed.
Remove Rackrypt Completely and Restore .rack Files
Before we start, keep in mind that you have the option to pay the ransom money of 300 USD even though it is no guarantee you will get your files back. If you remove the malware you will not be able to pay them. Otherwise, in order to remove this malware, it is important to first backup the encrypted files to another device since it may delete them if you try to remove it. Then, it is highly recommended to follow the step-by-step manual illustrated after this article to isolate and remove the malicious files and clean up your registries.
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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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.
How to Remove Rackcrypt from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Rackcrypt
Step 2: Uninstall Rackcrypt 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 Rackcrypt 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 Rackcrypt 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 Rackcrypt with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Rackcrypt.
Ransomware infections and Rackcrypt 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 Rackcrypt from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Rackcrypt 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 Rackcrypt 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 Rackcrypt.
Ransomware infections and Rackcrypt 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.
Rackcrypt FAQ
What is Rackcrypt ransomware and how does it work?
Rackcrypt 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 Rackcrypt ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Rackcrypt 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 Rackcrypt 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 .Rackcrypt files?
You can't. At this point the .Rackcrypt 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 .Rackcrypt files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Rackcrypt 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 ".Rackcrypt" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Rackcrypt 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 Rackcrypt 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 Rackcrypt ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Rackcrypt files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Rackcrypt 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.
