A new ransomware has been reported by affected users on security forums to encode the files on infected computers impenetrable encryption algorithm. This devastating malware is called RemindMe ransomware, and it uses the .remind extension which it appends on the encoded files. All users who have had their computers infected with the ransomware are strongly advised not to pay the 2BTC (around 800 USD) ransom money that the cyber-criminals demand in their ransom message and wait for an alternative or try the reserve instructions after this article.
RemindMe Ransomware – How Is It Spread?
So far, little is known about how RemindMe ransomware spreads but, research experts believe that it takes advantage of the carelessness in some users. The ransomware may use malicious URLs or files which it may advertise via:
- Referral spam.
- Social media spam.
- Spam e-mails.
The infected documents are usually Microsoft Office or Adobe .pdf documents which contain malicious macros that have exploit kits or other scripts written to drop the malicious .exe of RemindMe onto the user PC.
RemindMe Ransomware In Detail
At its initial state, the RemindMe ransomware may drop one or more files of the following file formats:
→ .exe; .dll; .tmp; .vbs; .bat; .cmd
The dropped files may have different names, and they are usually located in the most frequently targeted Windows key folders:
After the malicious data has been dropped onto the infected computer, the ransomware may execute an elevated privilege command in the Windows command prompt which may erase the shadow volume copies and the backup of the infected computer. The command is as follows:
→ vssadmin delete shadows /for={DrivePartition} [/oldest | /all | /shadow={Identification of the shadow copies}] [/quiet]
The ransomware may perform other activities such as set its executable that encrypts files or its ransom note files to run every time you start Windows by adding values to the following registry subkey:
→ “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run”
After modifying the settings, the ransomware may execute a “call” script which could launch the executable which scans for the files to encrypted. The file types which RemindMe Ransomware is likely to encrypt are the most frequently used ones.(LINKKK)
The algorithms that may be used by this ransomware may vary, but the strongest and most often used ones are:
- RSA cypher.
- AES cypher.
After encrypting the files, RemindMe ransomware appends the .Remind file extension to the files, for example:
- New Text Document.txt.remind
After encrypting the data, the ransomware leaves a ransom message, also known as a ransom note. The files that are reported by infected users are:
- decypt_your_files.html
- decypt_your_files
The ransom message by RemindMe is as follows:
→ “All your files have been encrypted with RemindMe Ransomware
Your unique GUID for decrypt:{custom identificator}
Send me some 2 bitcoin on addres: {cyberciminal’s payment account details}
After confirming the payment, all your files can be decrypted.
I you do not make payment within 5 days, you will lose the ability to decrypt them AND ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN DELETED.
Make your Bitcoin Wallet on: {links to BitCoin wallet services}
How to buy/sell and send Bitcoin:
{links to support.coinbase.com instructions}
After the payment, send the wallet from which paid and your uniq ID to mail: unrasom@me.com {cyber criminals’ email}
After receiving the payment, we will contact and give you decryption tools and faq how to decrypt your files.”
By analyzing the ransom message, this malware is most likely similar to most ransomware variants with the only difference that it demands significantly more money to decrypt the data (2 BTC). The malware is also poorly written, which means that there is a possibility that it is being used as a part of a RaaS scheme (Ransomware as a Service). Such schemes sell ransomware variants to absolutely anyone for a couple of hundreds of dollars. They also allow the cyber-crooks to customize the ransom note, algorithm and extension.
Remove RemindMe Ransomware and Restore the Encrypted Files
To clean your computer from this devastating malware, we strongly advise you to consider several key factors:
- Backing up the encrypted files before removing it.
- Trying to negotiate for free decryption of 1 or more files via email with the cyber-criminals.
- Removing the ransomware with an anti-malware tool without having to reinstall Windows and format the drive, so that you can try and use data recovery software or other alternatives to restore your files.
We have created removal instructions below to help you cope with the removal of RemindMe effectively, and it is recommended to follow them methodologically.
Regarding the decryption of the data, at this point, the is no successful solution since RemindMe is a relatively new ransomware strain and its encryption cypher has not yet been identified. We will post an update as soon as this malware has been spotted, so make sure to follow our forum for solutions. Otherwise, we also recommend following the alternative methods from step number “4. Restore Files Encrypted by RemindMe” to attempt recovering at least a portion of the data.
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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Step 1: Scan for RemindMe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall RemindMe 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 RemindMe 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 RemindMe 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 RemindMe
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by RemindMe.
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 RemindMe 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.
RemindMe-FAQ
What is RemindMe Ransomware?
RemindMe 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 RemindMe 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 RemindMe Infect?
Via several ways.RemindMe 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 RemindMe 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 .RemindMe files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .RemindMe 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 .RemindMe files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".RemindMe" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .RemindMe 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 RemindMe 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 RemindMe ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .RemindMe 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 RemindMe 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 RemindMe Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this RemindMe 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 RemindMe 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.
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