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. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss RarVault Ransomware. |
| 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. |
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:
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: RarVault@ruggedinbox.com 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.
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 RarVault Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this RarVault 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 RarVault 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 RarVault from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove RarVault
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 RarVault 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 RarVault 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 RarVault 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 RarVault 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 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 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 RarVault from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall RarVault 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 RarVault:
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 RarVault. 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 RarVault. 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 RarVault 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 RarVault. 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 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 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.
RarVault FAQ
What is RarVault ransomware and how does it work?
RarVault 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 RarVault ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.RarVault 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 RarVault 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 .RarVault files?
You can't. At this point the .RarVault 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 .RarVault files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by RarVault 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 ".RarVault" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .RarVault 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 RarVault 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 RarVault ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .RarVault files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like RarVault 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.
