The Rapid 2.0 virus is an advanced ransomware that can reconfigure the system in a malicious way, gather sensitive data about the user and encrypt their personal data. As a result their data will be encrypted with a strong cipher, all victim files are renamed with a randomly-named extension.
Threat Summary
| Name | Rapid 2.0 |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The Rapid 2.0 virus is a newly discovered dangerous ransomware that can reconfigure the target machine and lead to additional malware deployment. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt files and process them with a randomly-named extension. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks, Exploit Kits |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Rapid 2.0. |
Rapid 2.0 Virus – Infection Spread
The Rapid 2.0 virus can be distributed to computer victims worldwide using different methods. It is highly likely that in the case of large attack campaigns the criminals can utilize several different ones at once.
A primary method is the of email spam messages that contain the malware files. The most widely used strategy is to insert hyperlinks that lead to the virus files hosted on various sites. The hackers use different types of social engineering tactics in order to coerce the victims into interacting with the dangerous element. The other strategy is to directly attach the files to the messages.
In other cases the criminals can make use of malware software installers. These files are essentially modified copies of the legitimate setup files taken from their official vendor sites. The most common cases are utilities, system apps or games both in their free or trial versions. In a similar way the hackers can modify documents of different types: rich text documents, presentations and spreadsheets. They can be customized as important letters, notifications or documentation that may be of interest to the victims. Once they are opened a notification prompt will appear that asks the victims to enable the built-in scripts. If this is done the malware script will be downloaded from a hacker site and the infection will begin automatically.
The criminal collective can also attempt to post the malware samples on various hacker-controlled sites by using stolen text and graphics. The fake sites are registered on domain names that sound very similar to the authentic ones which can sometimes confuse beginner users. Malware such as the Rapid 2.0 virus are also frequently uploaded to file sharing networks like BitTorrent.
To spread the Rapid 2.0 virus browser hijackers can be used as a method. They represent dangerous browser plugins that intentionally modify important settings of the affected applications and are made compatible with the most popular ones: Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Opera and Internet Explorer. As soon as they are deployed the built-in malware engine changes settings like the default home page, search engine and new tabs page to point to a hacker-controlled page.
Rapid 2.0 Virus – Technical Data
Once the Rapid 2.0 virus is deployed onto the victim computers it starts a complex multi-stage delivery. The first part that is initiated is the initial data harvest. Its main goal is to build a profile of the target computer by extracting a list of the installed hardware components and the installed security software. This information is used in order to bypass certain anti-virus measures that can interfere with the correct execution of Rapid 2.0. Examples include sandbox environments, anti-virus software and virtual machine hosts. Their real-time engines can be bypassed or entirely removed. Advanced strains of the Rapid 2.0 virus can be configured into removing themselves if they are unable to bypass the protection in order to protect themselves from discovery.
Once this is done the information gathering module starts to gather additional data. It is usually classified in these two categories:
- Anonymous Data — The collected data is used as a reference for the hackers to judge how effective the campaign is.
- Personal Data — An elaborate data hijacking process can reveal a lot of sensitive information about their identity: name, address, phone number, geolocation, interests and etc.
The malware engine has the ability to modify important Windows configuration values and instituting a persistent state of execution which makes it very difficult to remove the threat using manual methods. Such methods include the launch of malware processes that have the ability to hook up onto system services and user-installed services. The Rapid 2.0 virus has also bee found to be able to deliver additional threats to the compromised machines. This means that they can be used as a payload delivery mechanism.
Another dangerous possibility is the fact that threats like the Rapid 2.0 virus can be used to establish a network connection with the hacker-controlled servers. This makes it possible for the criminals to overtake control of the infected systems in a manner similar to Trojan viruses.
Rapid 2.0 Virus – Encryption Process
Once all components have finished execution the ransomware component of the Rapid 2.0 virus is loaded. It aims to process as many sensitive user data as possible and extort the victims for a ransomware fee. The engine uses a strong security cipher and a complex mechanism to encrypt the data. Depending on the particular campaign the strain can be programmed into encrypting different file type extensions. Usually the most popular ones are targeted:
- Archives
- Documents
- Music
- Videos
- Images
- Backups
Remove Rapid 2.0 Virus and Restore Your Files
If your computer got compromised and is infected with the Rapid 2.0 ransomware virus, you should have some experience with removing viruses before tampering with it. You should get rid of the ransomware fast before it can spread further on the network and encrypt more files. The recommended action for you is to remove the ransomware completely by following the step-by-step instructions written below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for Rapid 2.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Rapid 2.0 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Rapid 2.0 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 Rapid 2.0 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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Rapid 2.0
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Rapid 2.0.
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 Rapid 2.0 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.
Rapid 2.0-FAQ
What is Rapid 2.0 Ransomware?
Rapid 2.0 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 Rapid 2.0 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 Rapid 2.0 Infect?
Via several ways.Rapid 2.0 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 Rapid 2.0 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 .Rapid 2.0 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Rapid 2.0 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 .Rapid 2.0 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Rapid 2.0" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Rapid 2.0 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 Rapid 2.0 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 Rapid 2.0 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Rapid 2.0 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 Rapid 2.0 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 Rapid 2.0 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Rapid 2.0 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 Rapid 2.0 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.
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