Root Virus
A ransomware infection dubbed Root virus or .root virus files has been spotted in the wild. It is a malicious program that acts like as a cryptovirus. Hackers who stand behind Root virus attacks aim to use it to earn money the easy way. This computer infection which is based on the code of Dharma ransomware contaminates essential system settings to reach and encode personal files.
All files encoded by this ransomware display the .root extension as part of their names. Following system and data corruption, the ransomware creates two ransom messages to extort a ransom fee. The fee will allegedly convince hackers to share a decryption key for .root files.
Root Virus Summary
| Name | VaPo also known as Trojan.Win32.Crusis.tqMs, TrojWare.Win32.Crysis.D@6sd9xy, W32/Crysis.W!tr.ransom, Ransom.Win32.CRYSIS.SM |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Notes | FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, a pop-up window |
| Short Description | The threat encrypts target files stored on your computer, marks them with the .root extension and extorts a ransom by displaying a ransom message. |
| Symptoms | Important files are encoded and renamed with .root extension. You cannot open them. Hackers demand a ransom payment. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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Root Ransomware Virus – How Does It Spread?
A new strain of Dharma ransomware called Root virus has been detected in active attack campaigns. Malicious files that activate the infection on computer systems are likely to be mainly spread via email spam campaigns.
Malspam is one of the favorite techniques of hackers as it enables them to reach the devices of many people around the globe. It is realized via crafted email messages that contain malicious code. Email messages that contain malicious code tend to contain the following elements:
- A link to a compromised web page that hosts the ransomware payload on it.
- Or a malicious file attachment that is presented as a legitimate document.
The activation of the Root ransomware infection on a PC is followed by the creation of additional malicious files. You may find malicious files part of the nasty infection in the following system folders:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
An infection with this ransomware virus causes lasting changes that seriously disrupt system security. A PC infected by Root ransomware remains vulnerable to additional malware attacks until all ransomware files are removed from it.
Some registry keys may also need a thorough security check. Ransomware threats like Root tend to drop malicious files under registry keys like RUN and RUNONCE. The contamination of these two keys supports the automatic execution of malware files on the system. Hence, the ransomware could misuse their functionalities to activate its malicious files every time you start the infected PC.
How Does It Encrypt Files?
Soon after the virus reaches the phase to encrypt data, it utilizes strong cipher algorithm to encrypt personal files. Files corrupted by this threat remain out of order. Similar to some of its predecessors – Eye and Coms, Root virus is likely to scan drives for all files that have one of following extensions:
→.zip, .rar, .7z, .tar, .gzip, .jpg, .jpeg, .psd, .cdr, .dwg, .max, .bmp, .gif, .png, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .txt, .pdf, .djvu, .htm, .html, .mdb, .cer, .p12, .pfx, .kwm, .pwm, .1cd, .md, .mdf, .dbf, .odt, .vob, .ifo, .lnk, .torrent, .mov, .m2v, .3gp, .mpeg, .mpg, .flv, .avi, .mp4, .wmv, .divx, .mkv, .mp3, .wav, .flac, .ape, .wma, .ac3
Whenever the threat detects a target file, it transforms parts of its original code to make the file unusable. The extension .root appears at the end of the name of each encrypted file.
Since the recovery of .root files is of paramount importance for victims, hackers try to trick them into transferring an unspecified amount of money to their cryptocurrency wallet. The extortion is realized via two ransom messages. A pop-up window is likely to show on the screen to inform the following:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don’t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email getdecrypt@disroot.org YOUR ID –
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:baron38@webmeetme.comAttention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
A text ransom message stored by the file FILES ENCRYPTED.txt states the following:
all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email getdecrypt@disroot.org or baron38@webmeetme.com
Apparently, victims are expected to contact cybercriminals at getdecrypt@disroot.org or baron38@webmeetme.com in order to receive further instructions on how to receive the .root files decryption tool.
We recommend that victims don’t trust hackers and cope with this ransomware by using secure methods.
Remove Root Virus and Try to Restore Data
The Dharma ransomware strain associated with .root extension is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only valuable files but computer systems as well. So the infected system should properly be cleaned and secured before used normally again.
Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove Root ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for Root Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Root Virus 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 Root Virus 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 Root Virus 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 Root Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Root Virus.
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 Root Virus 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.
Root Virus-FAQ
What is Root Virus Ransomware?
Root Virus 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 Root Virus 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 Root Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Root Virus 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 Root Virus 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 .Root Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Root Virus 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 .Root Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Root Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Root Virus 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 Root Virus 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 Root Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Root Virus 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 Root Virus 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 Root Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Root Virus 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 Root Virus 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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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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