Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Note! Your computer might be affected by RotorCrypt and other threats.
Threats such as RotorCrypt may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
This article provides information on how to remove easily RotorCrypt ransomware and how to restore .RAR files without paying the ransom.
Security researchers detected yet another version of RotorCrypt ransomware that is released in active attack campaigns. The threat encrypts files that store important information and appends the long extension [email protected]#[email protected]_____$#@!.RAR to their names. Following encryption, the ransomware generated a ransom message to extort a ransom from victims.
Threat Summary
Name
RotorCrypt
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to modify the original code of target files stored on the infected computer. It renders files unusable and demands a ransom payment.
Symptoms
Important files are locked and renamed with .RAR extension. A ransom message appears on PC screen and presents a contact email address.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by RotorCrypt
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.
RotorCrypt Ransomware – Distribution
To infect users, this new RotorCrypt ransomware strain may be spread via several different methods. Some of the main are:
Spam email messages that aim to trick into downloading malicious file attachment or clicking malicious URL that causes a drive-by-download attack
Fake software updates, Windows system activators, game key generators and other scams that are designed to execute the malicious code after you click on them
Infected USB driver or other external drives
RotorCrypt (v .RAR) Ransomware – Overview
Security researchers detected yet another version of RotorCrypt ransomware that is released in active attack campaigns. The main trait of this new iteration is the specific extension it uses to mark encrypted files. When it encrypts a file it renames it with a long string of symbols followed by an email and the .RAR extension at the end.
However, data encryption is not the only impact caused by RotorCrypt ransomware. Before encryption stage, the threat needs to establish its malicious files on the system and plague essential system settings. So along with its payload, several other files may be dropped or created on the system. They may reside in some of the following system folders:
%AppData%
%Local%
%LocalLow%
%Roaming%
%Temp%
%Windows%
When all target files are encrypted and marked with the extension .RAR, the ransomware generates a ransom note file called INFO.txt to instruct victims how to obtain the specific decryption key. The message is short and presents text written in Russian. All that it reads is:
It lefts basic questions unanswered including: how much is the ransom, how it should be transferred, is there any time frame after which the amount increases? Supposedly the ransom amount varies between $100 and $1000. In most cases hackers demand it to be transferred in Bitcoin cryptocurrency.
The good news for you is that the code of this nasty ransomware was cracked by security researchers so you don’t need to contact hackers either to transfer them the ransom. When you reach the guide at the end you will find out how to secure your PC and decrypt .RAR files.
RotorCrypt Ransomware – Encryption Process
Data encryption module of the .RAR variant of RotorCrypt ransomware is believed to be the same as those of its predecessors. This means that target files may be encoded with RSA cipher algorithm that is known to generate two keys – a public and a private. For the decryption, you should have the private key. After the ransomware encrypts the last target file it sends the key to a remote server controlled by hackers. Happily, there is no need to worry that you don’t have this key. As mentioned in the previous paragraph at the end of our guide you will find a free decryption solution for all your .RAR files.
As regards the files which the .RAR version of RotorCrypt encrypts they are reported to be the following:
The ransomware follows specific pattern that includes four symbols, a contact email address and the extension .RAR at the end. For example if you have saved a file with the name lifegoal.docx following encryption the ransomware will rename it to [email protected]#[email protected]_____$#@!.RAR
Remove RotorCrypt Ransomware and Restore .RAR Files
The removal of RotorCrypt ransomware demands a bit of technical experience and ability to recognize traits of malware files. And there is no doubt that you should remove this nasty threat from the infected PC as soon as you detect it. Otherwise, it has the chance to spread its infection files across the whole network. Below you could find how to remove it step by step. Beware that ransomware has highly complex code that could plague not only your files but your whole system. So as recommended by security researchers you need to utilize an advanced anti-malware tool for its complete removal. Such tool will keep your system protected against devastating threats like RotorCrypt and other kinds of malware that endanger your online security. After the removal phase, you can proceed to the second phase which aims to help you decrypt the .RAR encrypted files for free.
Phase 1: Remove RotorCrypt
In order to fully erase RotorCrypt from your computer system, we have prepared manual and removal instructions which you can follow below. In the even that you are experiencing difficulties in manual removal, experts often advise to perform the removal automatically, preferably by downloading an advanced anti-malware software, which will make sure this malware is fully gone from your system and it remains protected against future infections as well.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by RotorCrypt and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as RotorCrypt. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove RotorCrypt follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove RotorCrypt files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by RotorCrypt on your PC
Find files created by RotorCrypt
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove RotorCrypt with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for RotorCrypt and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove RotorCrypt. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by RotorCrypt
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by RotorCrypt
Ransomware infections and RotorCrypt aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for RotorCrypt and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
