Ransomware virus, resembling very much TeslaCrypt and Locky ransomware, named Ransomcuck has been reported to lock affected users’ files using the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. The virus uses the .ransomcuck and .cuck file extensions after it enciphers the files of an infected computer. It then, leaves several ransom notes and users who have become victims of this virus are strongly advised not to pay any money requested by the cyber-criminals in those notes. Since this is a very devastating threat, at the moment, we strongly advise removing it and trying to decrypt encrypted files using the alternative methods in this article while an actual decryptor is released.
Threat Summary
| Name | Ransomcuck |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware seeks to encrypt files that are often used. You are given a deadline to pay, otherwise the price rises. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware encrypts files, changing thier extensions to .cuck or .ransomcuck. After that it shows a ransom note as your desktop background and in a pop-up window on your desktop. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks, Executable Files |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Ransomcuck. |
| 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. |
Ransomcuck Virus – How Does It Infect
To conduct an attack, Ransomcuck’ malicious payload needs to be dropped on the targeted computer. This can happen in two main ways – via a malicious file that is disguised to trick users into opening it or via a malicious URL that may cause automatic download and execution on the victim PC.
Whatever the case may be, the virus may be spread via spam e-mail messages that may contain both – the URLs or malicious attachments. Once it has been sent out massively to a pre-programmed list of e-mail addresses the messages containing the malicious files may vary. For example, one spam message may claim that the user has paid for an order and provide an “Invoice” which could be the malicious file. But there may also be messages, saying the user has been added as a friend on Facebook with a fake “See More” button that instead of leading to Facebook, may transfer the user to a malicious web link that can cause the infection
Ransomcuck Ransomware In Detail
Once Ransomcuck has been executed on your computer, it may directly drop and execute it’s files without any permission and without you noticing. The malicious files may be more than just one .exe file, and they may be located in the following key Windows folders:
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %Local%
- %SystemDrive%
- %System32%
The malicious files of Ransomcuck may contain different names, for example:
Once the Ransomcuck virus is on your computer, it may also attack the Run and RunOnce registry keys, creating value strings with the location of the file encryptor and the ransom notes, so that they are executed every time you start Windows.
After the primary encryption module of the Ransomcuck malware infection has been executed, the virus may look for a variety of file types to encrypt. It looks primarily for files that are important and often used, such as:
- Documents.
- Databases.
- Audio files.
- Video files.
- Files associated with often used programs, like Photoshop, for example.
- Presentations.
- Images.
The Ransomcuck virus is very clever in its actions, skipping important Windows folders to encrypt files in them because this may damage your operating system.
To encrypt the files of it’s victims, the Ransomcuck virus uses the .cuck or .ransomcuck file extensions after the files. Files encrypted by this ransomware, look like the following and cannot be opened by any software:
This is because the Ransomcuck virus uses two of the strongest encryption algorithms out there to scramble the structure code of the files – AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) ciphers. The AES cipher is being used for one and only purpose to encrypt the files themselves, generating a unique decryption key. This decryption key is then saved and encrypted with the RSA algorithm, and then this information is sent either via TCP or UDP traffic to the servers of the cyber-criminals, making them the only ones in power to unencrypt the files.
Related Article: Ransomware Encryption Explained – Why Is It So Effective?
After encryption, this virus then leaves behind on the %Desktop% two files:
- How_to_Recover_ Files.html
- How_to_Recover_ Files.txt
The files are reported to contain the following ransom note:
→“All files including videos, photos, and documents on your computer have been encrypted by this software.
Encryption was produced using a unique key specific to your computer. The only way to obtain your files back is to decrypt them using the unique key specific to your computer.
Your unique key is stored on a TOR server which will automatically destroy itself after 2 weeks. After that, no one will be able to restore your files.
If this program is altered in any way without ransom being payed, your files will be lost forever. A file has been created on the desktop with the exact same instructions.
Your files will be automatically decrypted once the payment is received.
This program automatically communicates with the server and will decrypt your files once the payment has been received.”
Ransomcuck Virus – Conclusion, Removal, and File Restoration Alternatives
Malware researchers believe that this virus has been created by the same coder who was behind the DetoxCrypto virus. Since they are constantly working and on the lookout for a free decryption method, it is NOT advisable to pay any ransom money to the criminals who are behind this virus. Instead, we advise you to remove it, using the instructions below and try alternative methods to decrypt your files. Bear in mind that for maximum effectiveness while removing Ransomcuck, experts recommend using an advanced anti-malware program. Some alternative techniques can be found in step “3.Restore files encrypted by Ransomcuck” below. These temporary solutions may not be as effective as the actual decryption key, but they are a good method while you wait for a free decryption to be released. We suggest you to check this article often since we are going to update it as soon as there is a free decryptor available.
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.
About the Ransomcuck Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Ransomcuck 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 Ransomcuck 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove Ransomcuck from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Ransomcuck
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall Ransomcuck 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Ransomcuck 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 Ransomcuck there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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 Ransomcuck with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. 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.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomcuck.
Ransomware infections and Ransomcuck 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of Ransomcuck from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Ransomcuck 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Ransomcuck:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Ransomcuck. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Ransomcuck. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 Ransomcuck 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Ransomcuck. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 Ransomcuck.
Ransomware infections and Ransomcuck 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Ransomcuck FAQ
What is Ransomcuck ransomware and how does it work?
Ransomcuck 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 Ransomcuck ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Ransomcuck 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 Ransomcuck 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 .Ransomcuck files?
You can't. At this point the .Ransomcuck 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 .Ransomcuck files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Ransomcuck 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 ".Ransomcuck" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Ransomcuck 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 Ransomcuck 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 Ransomcuck ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Ransomcuck files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Ransomcuck 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.