This article will aid you to remove Rontok Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
Rontok Ransomware is one that encrypts your personal data with a strong cipher and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. The Rontok 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 | Rontok Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive user files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Rontok Ransomware. |
| 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. |
Rontok Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
The Rontok ransomware is a hybrid virus that targets both Linux servers and can effectively take down Windows machines as well. It is spread using unknown methods as the collected samples are relatively low in number. There are a variety of distribution methods that will deliver the virus files to the target systems. Direct attacks can be done by using vulnerability testing. This is done by utilizing a software that will automatically search for weaknesses which will be exploited if found.
The criminals can attempt to infect the target computer users by crafting email SPAM messages which are sent to their inboxes. By using social engineering tactics the victims will be coerced into thinking that they have received a legitimate message from a well-known company or service. The criminals will use the same body elements as legitimate and well-known sources in order to fool the recipients into thinking that they are receiving a real notification. In the body contents the virus files can be linked or they can be directly attached.
Alternatively the hackers can create malicious web sites which are used to confuse the visitors into thinking that they are visiting legitimate and safe addresses. They can be download portals, search engines, product landing pages and etc. In some cases the pages can even include stolen or hacker-generated security certificates and similar sounding domain names.
The associated Rontok ransomware samples can be uploaded to file-sharing networks such as BitTorrent where both pirate and legitimate files can be shared. They may also be embedded in payload carriers of which there are two popular types:
- Infected Documents — The hackers can produce documents containing dangerous virus code that will deliver the Rontok ransomare infection. They are placed in the macros which can be embedded across all popular types: presentations, databases, text files and spreadsheets. When they are opened by the victims a prompt will be spawned asking the users to enable the built-in code in order to correctly “view” the documents.
- Setup Files — The criminals can create dangerous application installers of popular products which are positioned as safe and legitimate. This is done by taking the real files and inserting the necessary code into them. Usually the criminals will use applications that are popular with end users: creativity suites, productivity and office apps, graphics software, system utilities and etc.
Alongside these methods the criminals can also embed the virus installation code in malicious web browser extensions, alternatively known as hijackers —they are usually uploaded to the relevant repositories using fake or stolen developer credentials and user reviews. Their descriptions will offer promises of improvements such as new features addition or performance optimizations. At the same time modifications to the browser settings can be done in order to redirect the victims to a hacker-set portal page. Values that are changed include the default home page, search engine and new tabs page.
Rontok Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
The Rontok ransomware is designed to infiltrate Linux servers and it can also be configured to affect the machines as soon as the infection is made. We have received reports that indicate that the engine will search for an active web server. This is done in order to find the relevant public_html folder which contains all of the web site content which is delivered to the visitors. This is done in order to display the ransomware note to everyone who visits the web server of the infected machines. This is an act of defacement, a type of sabotage.
This behavior shows that there are some modules that are made part of the installation:
- Information Gathering — The Rontok ransomware engine is programmed to interactively scan the compromised machines and search for specific information. In most cases this involves machine identification metrics which are composed of strings such as the installed hardware components, users preferences and system settings. The same engine can additionally be used to extract data that can directly reveal victim information that can automatically lead to the exposure of their identity. This is done by making the engine search for strings such as a person’s name, address, phone number, interests and account credentials.
- Security Software Bypass — The Rontok malware engine can be configured to search for security software that can effectively block the normal functioning of Rontok. This includes all kinds of anti-virus products, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, sandbox/debug environments and virtual machine hosts.
- Persistent Installation — The Rontok ransomware can be installed in a way which will automatically launch the infection as soon as the computer has started booting. In addition it may block access to the recovery boot options and system restore menus. This is rated as a dangerous action as many manual user removal guides depend on access to them.
- Data Removal — The engine can search for sensitive data that will be automatically removed when found: system backups, restore points and shadow volume copies.
We anticipate that the hackers will probably modify the behavior patterns during the campaign execution in order to find out which will be the most effective method of intrusion.
As the virus primarily targets web servers it is very possible that cryptocurrecny miners can be a part of the infection. They represent malicious scripts which will start a process on the infected server that will run complex mathematical operations. They will take advantage of the installed hardware resources (CPU, GPU, memory and hard disk space) in order to compute them. Whenever one of the tasks has finished running it will reward the hacker controllers with digital currency.
The alternative name of the Rontok threat is Borontok ransomware.
Rontok Ransomware – Encryption Process
The Rontok Ransomware will launch the relevant encryption operations when all modules have finished running. Like other similar threats it will use a built-in list of target file type extensions such as the following:
- Backups
- Archives
- Databases
- Images
- Music
- Videos
All affected file will assigned the .rontok extension and encoded with the base64 algorithm.
Remove Rontok Ransomware and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the Rontok 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 Rontok Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Rontok 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 Rontok 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 Rontok 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 Rontok Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Rontok 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 Rontok 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.
Rontok Ransomware-FAQ
What is Rontok Ransomware Ransomware?
Rontok 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 Rontok 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 Rontok Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Rontok 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 Rontok 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 .Rontok Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Rontok 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 .Rontok Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Rontok Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Rontok 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 Rontok 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 Rontok Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Rontok 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 Rontok 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 Rontok Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Rontok 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 Rontok 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.
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