Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by RarVault and other threats.
Threats such as RarVault 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
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
A ransomware virus that attacks the files of it’s victims only to archive them in password protected .ZIP files has been reported to wreak havoc on user computers. The virus moves all of the archived files in a RarVault folder on the drives of the user and also leaves behind a ransom note, named RarVault.htm. Judging by the information available, the virus was created to infect the computers of russian speaking users, but the ransom note is in English, suggesting it may be spread to other areas of the world as well. Not only this, but RarVault Ransomware also aims to intimidate users claiming the original sum for the ransom payoff to be 1 BTC but it can rise up depending on the importance of the files of the user it can raise up to the insane sum of 50 BitCoins. Everyone who has had their files archived and locked by RarVault ransomware should seek alternative methods to restore the files and remove RarVault from their computer.
Threat Summary
Name
RarVault
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
The malware encrypts users files using a strong AES-256 encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available only for the cyber-criminals.
Symptoms
The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions” and a sound message all linking to a web page and a decryptor. It doesn’t change file names or file extensions.
Distribution Method
Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner.
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.
RarVault Ransomware – How Does It Spread
The cyber-crooks behind RarVault are rather clever – they use a set of combined malicious tools to slip past any protection of the executable of RarVault ransomware. One of those tools is believed to be an exploit kit, that uses an exploit in Windows to cause an infection. These types of kits are very expensive because they include bugs of an operating system or other software installed on it that haven’t been revealed yet. Not only this, but the team behind RarVault ransomware may also disguise the malicious file as a legitimate Microsoft Word, Excel or Adobe PDF type of document and upload it online on shady websites or send it out in massive spam e-mail campaigns.
Other methods of distributing the malicious executable are via uploading it as a fake game crack or a Windows activator-like KMS Pico. To combine it with other programs, the cyber-criminal team behind RarVault may have used so-called file joiners.
Not only this but for it’s malicious files to run undetected, malware obfuscators may have been used that make the file completely undetected by any anti-virus software as long as the obfuscator is good quality.
RarVault Ransomware – More About It
Similar to the Auinfo16 virus, when it’s malicious file is executed on your computer you may briefly notice it go into a “Not Responding” state. This means that RarVault virus has taken over and is performing heavy modifications to your files. According to malware researchers, the RarVault virus tracks every drive of your computer, no matter if it is C:/ D:/ E:/, it may even attack the remote drives, like flash drives or other devices with a flash memory connected to the computer. Once the virus has detected the files it wants to modify, it immediately moves them to a folder, named RarVault, for example:
C:/RarVault/
This folder contains the following files:
Rar_Vault_{User’sName}.rar
Rar_Vault_{User’sName}.txt
Both of those files have a very specific purpose. The .txt file, for example, has the names of each and every file to which the RarVault virus has denied access. The .rar file is a bit bigger in size, and it is a password protected archive that may contain the files in it.
The RarVault virus looks for files that could be important, like:
Videos.
Photos.
Microsoft Office documents.
Adobe documents.
Audio files.
Other files of great importance.
As soon as it has locked the files away from you on your computer, this virus then displays the following ransom note, called “RarVault.htm” in English:
→“What happened to my files? Accessing your files has been temporarily suspended. They pomesheny to archive (or more, depending on the number of drives on your computer) and are RarVault folder on the “root” drive (ie C: \ RarVault, D: \ RarVault \ E: \ RarVault \ or C : \ D: \ E: \, etc.). How can I restore my files? To restore your files you should be sent to: [email protected] letter and attach the file “Rar_Vault_User.txt” and “Rar_Vault_User.rar” (or be in the “root” of drive C:\’or C: \ RarVault \), which contains your unique ID number, then fill up your personal account (account number, we will sent you e) the sum of – 1 Bitcoin (about 250 USD, the amount may vary, depending on the importance of the information and be between 1 Bitcoins to 50 ). Prior to the full recovery of your files, in any case you can not delete or move the file “Rar_Vault_User.txt”, to prevent the change of your unique identification number. After recharge your purse, where the cost is fully paid – you will automatically be sent a password to unzip. Alas, you will not be able to unzip your files without your unique password . Neither system administrators or programmers or even anti-virus companies and software developers, archives will not be able to help you. Keep in mind that your files in the archive are protected by means of cryptographically strong AES-256 encryption algorithm with a key deviation based on PBKDF2.”
Based on this ransom note the RarVault virus not only archives the files but also uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm to cipher the files as well, leaving the user with no option, even after the.RAR file is unlocked. This is primary because the cipher is with 256-bit strength, making it a military grade encryption in strength and it would take years to crack. However, malware researchers strongly advise against paying the ransom money to these cyber-criminals and exploring other options to restore the files after removing the RarVault ransomware.
RarVault Ransomware – Removal And File Restoration
For the removal of the RarVault virus, you should have some experience. We have provided removal instructions after this article which you can follow, but for maximum effectiveness and easiest removal, experts recommend scanning your computer with an advanced anti-malware program. This will enable you to fully erase RarVault ransomware at the click of a button and will also significantly increase your protection from malware in general.
In case you are looking for alternative methods to get the password, we have provided some methods below. But do not hope for a miracle, because these methods may work only in some specific situations and may not be 100% effective. We are going to keep monitoring the development of the situation and will update this article once a decrypter has been released, so we suggest you too keep an eye on it.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by RarVault 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 RarVault. 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 RarVault follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove RarVault 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 RarVault on your PC
Find files created by RarVault
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.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
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 RarVault with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for RarVault and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove RarVault. 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 RarVault
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by RarVault
Ransomware infections and RarVault 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:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
A ransomware virus that attacks the files of it’s victims only to archive them in password protected .ZIP files has been reported to wreak havoc on user computers. The virus moves all of the archived files in a RarVault folder on the drives of the user and also leaves behind a ransom note, named RarVault.htm. Judging by the information available, the virus was created to infect the computers of russian speaking users, but the ransom note is in English, suggesting it may be spread to other areas of the world as well. Not only this, but RarVault Ransomware also aims to intimidate users claiming the original sum for the ransom payoff to be 1 BTC but it can rise up depending on the importance of the files of the user it can raise up to the insane sum of 50 BitCoins. Everyone who has had their files archived and locked by RarVault ransomware should seek alternative methods to restore the files and remove RarVault from their computer.
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 RarVault and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
