URSA Ransomware
The so-called URSA ransomware is one of the latest cryptoviruses discovered in the wild. This means that the ransomware is currently circling the web, targeting vulnerable Windows systems. Once the URSA cryptovirus has sneaked into a system, it will start encrypting all its files. As a result of the infection, you will find the RECOVER_YOUR_FILES.TXT file in each folder containing encrypted data.
An example of a cryptovirus with many variants, each appending a different file extension name is the STOP/DJVU virus.
Ursa ransomware Summary
| Name | URSA ransomware |
| File Extensions | This ransomware doesn’t rename the infected files. |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all files located on infected systems. A specially crafted message demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover encrypted files. |
| Symptoms | All your important data is encrypted, and all your files cannot be accessed. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | RECOVER_YOUR_FILES.TXT |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Freeware Installers |
| Detection Tool |
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URSA File Virus – How Did It Infect My Computer?
In other words, how is URSA being spread in the wild?
The most common methods of distributing ransomware such as URSA include pirated software and malicious email attachments. The two most common infection scenarios are:
- 1.You have downloaded a piece of dubious software from an untrustworthy torrent or freeware site. Perhaps you wanted to use a free activation tool or some other seemingly useful application. In truth, most torrent websites contain unverified downloads that directly put you at risk of Trojans and ransomware. If you have downloaded a trojanized application, it may have opened the door to more severe infections, such as the URSA ransomware. That is why it is imperative to keep your operating system protected and patched at all times!
- 2.You opened a malicious email attachment sent to you by a seemingly verified sender. Never forget that malspam (malicious spam) operators are smart enough to trick you into opening an infected email attachment. The attached file may look like a regular document, but in truth, it contains malicious code that could compromise your system severely. Opening an unexpected email attachment is very dangerous and shouldn’t be done without additional verification. If you are unsure whether the attached archive is malicious or not, you can always google it or ask someone from our team for assistance!
Other Technical Details about URSA Ransomware
This ransomware drops two ransom note files on the infected computer: “RECOVER_YOUR_FILES.HTML” and “RECOVER_YOUR_FILES.TXT”. The contents of the ransom note are the following:
All your files have been encrypted with URSA 1.0
* What happend to your files?
All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-2048 using Ursa 1.0
More information about the encryption keys using RSA-2048 can be found here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
* What does this mean?
This means that the structure and data within your files have been irrevocably changed,
you will not be able to work with them, read them or see them, it is the same thing as losing them forever, but with our help, your can restore them.
* How did this happen?
Especially for you, on our server was generated the secret key pair RSA-2048 public and private.
All your files were encrypted with the public key, which has been transferred to your computer via the internet. Decrypting of your files is only possible with the help of the private key and decrypt program, which is on our secret server.
* What do i do?
Alas, if you do not take the necessary measures for the specified time then the conditions for obtaining the private key will be changed.
If you really value your data. then we suggest you go directly to your personal page. Do not waste valuable time searching for other solutions, because they do not exist.
Important information.
Your Personal Page: –
1. Download and install tor-browser www.torproject(.)org/download
2. After a successful installation, run the browser and wait for initialization.
3. Type or copy your personal page that you see above, into the address bar.
4. Follow the instructions on your personal page.
According to the ransom note, the ransomware uses the infamous RSA-2048 encryption algorithm. The cybercriminals also claim that the only way to restore access to the encrypted data is obtaining the private key and decryption program.
Of course, this is only possible if a ransom is paid, in the amount of $350. Even though the demanded ransom is not that big, paying it doesn’t guarantee you that you will have your files restored to normal. After all, you are dealing with cybercriminals.
Remove URSA File Virus from Your OS
You can remove the malicious intruder by following the removal instructions below the article.
We created these instructions with the sole purpose of helping you to remove as many malicious files as possible.
NOTE! If the manual removal steps don’t work for some reason, we would advise you to do what most cybersecurity experts would do – run a scan with an advanced anti-malware tool on your PC. Such a program aims to automatically detect and delete all malicious files and objects and protect your machine against future infections.
In terms of encryption of files locked by URSA, you can refer to the “Try to restore” step, which is part of the removal guide below. Please note that the alternative solutions we have given may not recover all affected files, but you may be able to restore some of your data partially.
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Step 1: Scan for Ursa ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Ursa ransomware 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 Ursa ransomware 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 Ursa ransomware 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 Ursa ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Ursa ransomware.
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 Ursa ransomware 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.
Ursa ransomware-FAQ
What is Ursa ransomware Ransomware?
Ursa ransomware 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 Ursa ransomware 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 Ursa ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Ursa ransomware 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 Ursa ransomware 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 .Ursa ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Ursa ransomware 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 .Ursa ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Ursa ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Ursa ransomware 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 Ursa ransomware 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 Ursa ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Ursa ransomware 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 Ursa ransomware 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 Ursa ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Ursa ransomware 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 Ursa ransomware 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.
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