A new ransomware, or more likely, a new version of a well-known ransomware, is currently using an encryption algorithm even stronger than RSA-2048. The ransomware piece claims to have employed RSA-4096. Unfortunately, one of our own users has contacted us saying that he has found a ransomware message in all of his folders, claiming that files were encrypted via RSA-4096. You can read the message in the article body.
| Name | RSA-4096 Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | A new ransomware or a variant of a popular one has employed RSA-4096. |
| Symptoms | The encryption is most likely part of a malicious operation with a payload CryptoWall, TeslaCrypt, or another sophisticated rasomware. |
| Distribution Method | Via exploit kits, suspicious emails, etc. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss RSA-4096 Encryption. |
| 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. |
As you will notice, the ransomware actors have embraced a more aggressive approach. Not only are they using stronger encryption that may take hundreds of years to decrypt, but they have become more hostile in their attitude towards victims. Appetite comes with eating, doesn’t it?
So, what is RSA-4096 encryption?
As we just said, this particular RSA encryption is much stronger than RSA-2048. According to security experts, the process of deciphering files encrypted by RSA-4096 will take many years, even if a super computer is used.
What led us to believe that a certain ransomware piece has employed this RSA algorithm? We received a complaint by one of our users, saying that they have found the following message, dropped in all of their folders:
NOT YOUR LANGUAGE? USE https://translate.google.com
What happened to your files ?
All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-4096.
More information about the encryption keys using RSA-4096 can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
How did this happen ?
!!! Specially for your PC was generated personal RSA-4096 KEY, both 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 ?
So, there are two ways you can choose: wait for a miracle and get your price doubled, or start obtaining BTC NOW, and restore your data easy way.
If You have really valuable data, you better not waste your time, because there is no other way to get your files, except make a payment.
For more specific instructions, please visit your personal home page, there are a few different addresses pointing to your page below:
[…] IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Your personal pages:
https://[SYMBOLS](.)justmakeapayment.com/[…] https://[SYMBOLS](.)brsoftpayment.com/[…] https://[SYMBOLS].com/[…] https://[SYMBOLS].onion.to/[…] Your personal page (using TOR-Browser):
Your personal identification number (if you open the site (or TOR-Browser’s) directly): […] !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is what software engineer Daniel Pocock says about the RSA-4096 algorithm:
If an attack is found that allows a 2048 bit key to be hacked in 100 hours, that does not imply that a 4096 bit key can be hacked in 200 hours. The hack that breaks a 2048 bit key in 100 hours may still need many years to crack a single 4096 bit key. It is also worth noting that simply adding 1 bit (going from 1024 bits to 1025 bits) does not double the effort to crack the key, each extra bit adds some security but a little bit less than what was gained with the previous bit.
What should users affected by RSA-4096 encryption do?
As usual, the first step is to remove the threat that has dropped the ransomware onto your system. Our research indicates that one of the Trojans that may be dropping the ransomware is Trojan:Win32/Miuref:B, categorized as an infostealer.
Trojan:Win32/Miuref:B is most likely working together with the Nuclear exploit kit, applied in numerous ransomware and malware operations.
NB.The malicious process associated with the Trojan and the current RSA-4096 encryption probably goes like that:
→The user receives a suspicious email containing an infected link ->The user is redirected to a page that hosts the Nuclear EK (or some other exploit kit)-> Trojan:Win32/Miuref:B, or another infostealer, harvests information about the system-> If the system ‘meets’ the requirements (e.g. if the system is 64-bit, it won’t be attacked), the ransomware payload is dropped onto it.
We have reasons to suspect that two big ransomware families may have employed the RSA-4096 encryption algorithm. To no one’s surprise, they are:
Both of the ransomware families are quite active at the moment. Moreover, they have various variants and have made enough money out of ransoms to accomplish RSA-4096 encryption. Nonetheless, these are only assumptions. We will let you know when we gather enough information about the particular ransomware using RSA-4096.
For the moment, refer to the removal instructions below the article. As for decryption of files encrypted by RSA-4096 – if you haven’t backed up your data, we’re afraid nothing can be done (besides paying the ransom, which we never recommend, and hoping for obtaining your personal key).
UPDATE, Dec 15
The ransomware that is currently using RSA-4096 is most likely TeslaCrypt. The ransomware appends the well-known .vvv extension to the victim’s files, and we have already seen TeslaCrypt use this particular extension. More information is already available – see how to remove TeslaCrypt RSA-4096.
1. Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.For Windows XP, Vista, 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 the Start Menu
Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: Click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
2. Remove RSA-4096 Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove RSA-4096 Ransomware.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove RSA-4096 Ransomware.
It is highly 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.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.
Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.
Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any RSA-4096 Ransomware files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.
Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.
3. Remove RSA-4096 Ransomware with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove RSA-4096 Ransomware. 2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all RSA-4096 Ransomware associated files automatically.Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.
Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.
Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.
Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to detelete them permanently.
Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.
4. Remove RSA-4096 Ransomware with STOPZilla AntiMalware
1. Install STOPZilla Anti Malware to scan for and remove RSA-4096 Ransomware. 2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all RSA-4096 Ransomware associated files completely.Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.
Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.
5. Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from RSA-4096 Ransomware (For Windows Users) please follow these simple steps:
1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by RSA-4096 Ransomware.
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from RSA-4096 Ransomware.
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from RSA-4096 Ransomware is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by RSA-4096 Ransomware should be restored.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.
- Guide 1: How to Remove RSA-4096 Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of RSA-4096 Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove RSA-4096 Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove RSA-4096 Ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall RSA-4096 Ransomware and related software 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 uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by RSA-4096 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 RSA-4096 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: Scan for RSA-4096 Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by RSA-4096 Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and RSA-4096 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of RSA-4096 Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall RSA-4096 Ransomware and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove RSA-4096 Ransomware via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by RSA-4096 Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and RSA-4096 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
RSA-4096 Ransomware FAQ
What is RSA-4096 Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
RSA-4096 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 algorithm how 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.
How does RSA-4096 Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.RSA-4096 Ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of RSA-4096 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 .RSA-4096 Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .RSA-4096 Ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .RSA-4096 Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by RSA-4096 Ransomware ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".RSA-4096 Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .RSA-4096 Ransomware files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of RSA-4096 Ransomware ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate RSA-4096 Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .RSA-4096 Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like RSA-4096 Ransomware ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
BONJOUR
je viens d’etre infecté par RSA 4096,tout mes fichiers on été criptés PDF , Excel et photos a peu pres 3000 avec la fonction recherche de Windows j’ai eliminé 6000 lettres d’instruction.
je pense que tout les fichiers criptés sont perdus. Qu’n pensez vous
cordialement Gerard
Mi sistema es de 64bits y he sido infectado con RSA4096, pero mis archivos tienen la extencion .cript, baje el SpyHunter 4 y el escaneo no menciona a ninguno de los que se mencionan arriba.revise en panel de control y no tengo programas sospechosos instalados recientemente. Creo que me infecte en la pagina de rojadirecta viendo un partido de futbol, no infecta programas solo archivos texto, calculo, video y sonido es desesperante. El formateo del disco elimina la amenaza.
Hola Felipe, como bien dices formateando el equipo se acaba el virus, pero de casualidad lograste recuperar tus archivos? Gracias.
Hola
tengo el mismo problema con RSA4096, me urge recuperar mis archivos.
Quien me puede ayudar con este tema, ya que mis archivos están en .cript.
Muchas gracias de antemano