This article will aid you to remove RetMyData Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
RetMyData Ransomware is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. The RetMyData Ransomware will leave ransomware instructions as text file. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
| Name | RetMyData |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with the .aes256 extension and leave a ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss RetMyData. |
| 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. |
RetMyData Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
The RetMyData ransomware is a new virus threat which appears to be of original origins, it does not correspond to any of the known malware families and targets English-speaking users from around the world. The available research shows that the released samples might include test versions as well. For this reason the criminals behind the threat might be using several strategies in order to discover which one would be the most appropriate.
One of them is the coordination of email SPAM campaigns which depend on phishing tactics that attempt to coerce the victims into believing that they have received a legitimate message from a well-known service, product or company. The messages will be designed in a way which will seem familiar, if cross-referenced information about the victims is extracted the phishing messages will include it as well. The RetMyData ransomware file can be delivered directly as attachments or linked in the body contents through interactive elements such as links, multimedia content or scripts.
Another similar technique is the creation of fake web sites which may impersonate vendor landing pages or download portals. They are made by using similar-sounding domain names and design elements which can confuse even experienced computer users. As soon as they are accessed they can directly offer the RetMyData ransommware files or redirect to them.
File-sharing networks like BitTorrent are particularly effective at spreading ransomware like this as they are used to share both legitimate installers and pirate content.
These delivery mechanisms can also make use of payload carriers, there are two popular types which are exhibited by virus infections:
- Software Setup Files — The criminals can take the legitimate installers of popular applications and embed the malicious scripts in them. Examples include productivity apps, office suites, creativity programs, utilities and games.
- Infected Documents — All popular document files can become the victim of RetMyData ransomware code: presentations, databases, text documents and spreadsheets. When they are opened by the victims a prompt will appear asking for the built-in macros to be run in order to “view” the files. If this is done the virus installation will commence.
RetMyData ransomware files may also be spread using browser hijackers which are malicious extensions made for most web browsers. They are often uploaded to the relevant repositories with fake user and developer credentials promising many feature additions or performance optimizations. If installed they will change settings such as the default home page, search engine and new tabs page. Coupled with the redirect to a hacker-controlled landing page the RetMyData ransomware will also be deployed.
Other delivery methods can also be considered depending on the success of the released samples.
RetMyData Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
The RetMyData ransomware as mentioned earlier does not originate from any of the famous malware families making it a dangerous threat to all machine owners as its signatures can deviate from the common signatures. It is very possible that the threat is developed by the same group or hacker responsible for its distribution. The other possibility is that the malware has been bought from an underground hacker market by custom order.
The made security analysis on the captured samples reveals that the samples do contain several modules that are launched in the prescribed order. One of them is the data harvesting engine which has been found to extract information contained in the web browsers. The RetMyData ransomware is configured to extract sensitive information about the Internet usage and the victims by downloading the cached cookies, history, settings and any entered account credentials. This mechanism can be updated further to include other potentially useful data such as hardware metrics, user settings and environment values. The extracted information can be used to carry out crimes such as identity theft and financial abuse.
Another dangerous action done by the virus is the extraction of terminal service related keys which are used to carry out remote access sessions. If any such configuration has been made on the infected computers the hackers will be able to use it and login to the hosts.
It is confirmed that the RetMyData ransomware is able to create its own processes, including child ones and also hook up to already running ones. This allows it to extract information from the running programs creating the possibility to spy on the victims activities. The acquired information is then remotely transmitted to the malicious operators. It has been confirmed that regional preferences are also extracted which is useful to the attackers — they can find from which countries the most victims are made and fine tune updated releases to increase the number of infected hosts.
Properly configured virus samples can establish a Trojan horse infection which will make a secure connection to a hacker-controlled server. It allows the operators to spy on the users, access all retrieved data, overtake control of the machines and also deploy other threats.
We have received confirmation that the engine used by the RetMyData ransomware is also capable of accessing and modifying the Windows Registry. Changes to strings that belong to the operating system may render certain services inaccessible and cause serious performance issues. On the other hand modifications of values used by third-party applications can make them impossible to start or with unexpected behavior.
This module can additionally be used to install the RetMyData ransomware in a way which makes it very hard to remove using manual user recovery guides and tools. The reason for this is the reconfiguration of the system: configuration files, boot options and user settings.
RetMyData Ransomware – Encryption Process
The RetMyData ransomware exhibits typical ransomware behavior by using a built-in list of target file type extensions. A strong cipher is employed in order to make data recovery very difficult. Depending on the exact configuration the list may be built into the samples or downloaded upon connection to the hacker-controlled servers.
In most cases the typical lists will target the most commonly used data:
- Archives
- Databases
- Backups
- Music
- Videos
- Photos
All affected files will be encrypted with the .aes256 or .aes256.testE extensions.
Remove RetMyData Ransomware and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the RetMyData ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for RetMyData with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall RetMyData 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 RetMyData 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 RetMyData 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 RetMyData
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by RetMyData.
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 RetMyData 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.
RetMyData-FAQ
What is RetMyData Ransomware?
RetMyData 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 RetMyData 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 RetMyData Infect?
Via several ways.RetMyData 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 RetMyData 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 .RetMyData files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .RetMyData 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 .RetMyData files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".RetMyData" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .RetMyData 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 RetMyData 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 RetMyData ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .RetMyData 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 RetMyData 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 RetMyData Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this RetMyData 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 RetMyData 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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