This article aims to aid you in removing Red Alert virus fully. Follow the ransomware removal instructions at the end of the article.
Red Alert virus is a ransomware that gets its name from the ransom note it generates. The cryptovirus will encrypt your files and put the extension .locked to each and every one of them. The encryption algorithm that is used is AES. Researchers believe that it is a variant of HiddenTear. To see how you can try to restore your files read the article carefully.
Threat Summary
Name | Red Alert |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files and afterward display a ransom note with instructions for payment. |
Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and put the extension .locked to each one of them. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Red Alert. |
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. |
Red Alert Virus – Infection
Red Alert ransomware could spread its infection using many different ways. One of those ways is by spreading the payload as an executable file. After that .exe file is opened, the malicious script inside it will infect your computer system. The executable might be presented as a crack file for the games of the NFS (Need for Speed) series. The file can also be presented as ”Microsoft-Corporation.exe”. You can view the analysis of that particular executable in question that contains the payload script, from the below screenshot of the VirusTotal website:
Red Alert ransomware could be spreading its payload on social media services and sites for file-sharing. The malicious script could be hidden inside the install setup of applications, which are advertised as helpful and legitimate. Do not just open files coming from suspicious sources, links and e-mails. First, scan them with security software and check their size and signatures for anything that seems out of the ordinary. You should give a read to the tips for ransomware prevention topic in our forum.
Red Alert Virus – Details
Red Alert virus is a ransomware which is named after the name given in the ransom message it provides – Red Alert. It is a variant of the open-source ransomware project HiddenTear.
Right after Red Alert ransomware encrypts your files it will place the extension .locked as the extension on each file that is locked. The ransomware is very likely to create entries in the Windows Registry to achieve some persistence. Those registry entries could make the cryptovirus start automatically with each boot of the Windows operating system.
The following files are associated with the ransom note, instructions and the wallpaper that is put as your desktop background after file encryption:
- MESSAGE.txt
- nouaISJakoKASasdij.txt
- wiASJiAjsKOQWEKnsyass.txt
- ransom.jpg
When the process of encryption of your files is complete, an image will be placed as a wallpaper on your desktop background with the ransom instructions. You can see the ransom message from the screenshot right here below:
The ransom note reads the following:
RED ALERT
YOUR FILES HAS BEEN BLOCKED
All Your Files Has been Blocked !!!
To you unlock the files access “MESSAGE” file and follow the instructions or we will delete ALL your personal archives.
YOUR FILES HAS BEEN BLOCKED
The BitCoin address that is provided for payment is 13h4GSyvr8Zno2nGrXqVtsEEn8DGw8oGXB. However, that data is for informative purposes only. You should NOT even consider of paying the criminals any amount of money. That would only result in the cyber crooks making more viruses with that money or encourage them of doing more criminal activities. Besides, know that nobody can guarantee that your files will get recovered if you pay the demanded sum of money.
The Red Alert ransomware encrypts files and appends the .locked extension to each and every one of them. The encryption algorithm which is used is believed to be AES and malware researchers state that the ransomware is a variant of the HiddenTear open-source project. A list with extensions of files which the virus searches to encrypt is not available, but you can see some of these extensions below:
→.doc, .docx, .pdf, .db, .jpg, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .txt, .xls, .xlsx
The Red Alert cryptovirus is very likely set to erase all Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system by utilizing the command given here:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Read along and find out what types and methods you can try out to restore at least parts of your files.
Remove Red Alert Virus and Restore .locked Files
If your computer got infected with the Red Alert ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by Red Alert.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Red Alert with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Red Alert 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Red Alert 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 Red Alert there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Red Alert
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Red Alert.
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 Red Alert 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.
Red Alert-FAQ
What is Red Alert Ransomware?
Red Alert 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 Red Alert 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 Red Alert Infect?
Via several ways.Red Alert 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 Red Alert 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 .Red Alert files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Red Alert 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 .Red Alert files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Red Alert" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Red Alert 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 Red Alert 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 Red Alert ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Red Alert 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 Red Alert 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 Red Alert Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Red Alert 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 Red Alert 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.
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.