This article will aid you in removing the RSAUtil ransomware fully. Follow the ransomware removal instructions given at the end of the article.
The RSAUtil ransomware has been discovered by the malware researcher known by the handle @PolarToffee on Twitter. It will encrypt your files, while adding the .helppme@india.com.ID extension to them afterward. When a computer system gets infected, the RSAUtil virus will show a ransom note and a window with instructions about paying the ransom.
Threat Summary
| Name | RSAUtil |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware virus will encrypt your files and show a message screen with ransomware instructions for payment, including a ransom note. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files while placing the .helppme@india.com.ID extension to them, where the ID is specific for each user. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss RSAUtil. |
| 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. |
RSAUtil Virus – Update May 2018
The month of May brings a new update to the RSAUtil Virus. Malware analysts have seen samples with a modified ransom note and new contact e-mail addresses. The ransom note is inside a file called “How_return_files.txt” and can be viewed from the below screenshot:
The ransom note states the following:
Hi friend… :)
For instructions on how to recovery the files, write to me:
Tizer78224@gmx.de
Tizer78224@india.com
Tizer77234@protonmail.com
In the letter, indicate your personal ID (see the file format).
If you have not received an answer, write to me again.
The following e-mail addresses are used as a way of contacting the cybercriminals:
- Tizer78224@gmx.de
- Tizer78224@india.com
- Tizer77234@protonmail.com
During the past few months more samples have been found, which had minor changes to the malware. The article will get updated if something new surrounding the malware threat is discovered.
RSAUtil Virus – Update December 2017
Malware researchers have discovered changes made to the RSAUtil Virus, this December, with a new ransom note and new extensions. The ransom note is inside a file called “How_return_files.txt” and can be viewed down here:
That ransom note states the following:
Hello…
To get an intuition for decrypting all the files, write here:Filegorilla1388@gmx.de
Filegorilla1388@india.com
Filegorilla1388@protonmail.comIn the letter, indicate your personal ID (see the file format).
If you have not received an answer, write to me again. Do not try to restore files yourself, this
can lead to the loss of your files!!!:)
As to the new extensions that encrypted files receive – they are “.ID
- vendetta553@gmx.de
- vendetta553@india.com
- vendetta553@protonmail.com
It seems that there can be more changes as well, but for the time being this is the pattern that the ransomware’s developers use for changing their malware. If there are more news regarding the matter, the article will get duly updated.
RSAUtil Virus – Infection Spread
RSAUtil ransomware could spread its infection in different ways. The payload file which initiates the malicious script for this ransomware, that in turn infects your computer machine, has been seen around the Internet. Samples of this ransomware have been found by a few different malware researchers. You can see the detections of security vendors for one of those samples which is called “RSAUtil.exe” by checking the screenshot of the VirusTotal platform below:
The RSAUtil ransomware could also spread its payload file on social media websites and file-sharing networks. Freeware applications which are found on the Web could be presented as useful but at the same time could be hiding the malicious script for this cryptovirus. Don’t be opening files right when you have downloaded them, especially if they come from sources such as suspicious links or emails. Instead, you should scan them beforehand with a security tool, while also checking the sizes and signatures of those files for anything that seems unusual. You should read the ransomware prevention tips located on our forum.
RSAUtil Virus – Technical Overview
RSAUtil is how a new cryptovirus is dubbed, which is written on the Delphi programming language. The main reason for that name may be that one of its malware samples bears the same name and that it probably uses an “RSA Utility” for encryption. After your files get encrypted, they will all receive the .helppme@india.com.ID extension. One of the first samples of the virus was discovered by the malware researcher known as @PolarToffee on Twitter.
The RSAUtil ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry aiming to achieve a higher level of persistence. Those registry entries are typically designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System. An example of such an entry is the following:
→“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run”
When the encryption process is finished a ransom message will display within a window and another smaller note as a picture. The window is with a black background and provides instructions on what steps to make to pay the ransom. You can see that message in the screenshot provided below:
The ransom message loads in a window and reads the following:
WARNING!!!
Your ID 83624883
OUR FILES ARE DECRIPTED
Your documents, photos, database, save games and other important data was encrypted.
Data recovery the necessary interpreter. To get the interpreter, should send an email to helppme@india.com or hepl1112@aol.com.
In a letter to include Your personal ID (see the beginning of this document).
In response to the letter You will receive the address of your Bitcoin wallet to which you want to perform the transfer.
When money transfer is confirmed, You will receive the decrypter file for Your computer.
After starting the programm-interpreter, all Your files will be restored.
Attention! Do not attempt to remove a program or run the anti-virus tools.
Another message accompanies the ransom message window, and that is a small note:
That note reads:
Hello my friend!
All files on your PC encryphted!
my email: helppme@india.com or
hepll 112@aol.com
As clearly seen from the ransom message above and also written in a file called “How_return_files.txt” (wich is dropped inside every folder with encrypted files), the developer of the RSAUtil virus wants you to send a message to one of the following two email addresses:
- helppme@india.com
- hepll112@aol.com
However, if you get your personal computer infected with the malware, you should NOT under any circumstances pay anything to the cybercriminal behind it. Nobody can give you a guarantee that you will get your files decrypted upon paying.
RSAUtil Virus – Encryption Process
RSAUtil ransomware will most probably search and encrypt files, which have the following extensions:
→.doc, .docx, .pdf, .db, .jpg, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .txt, .xls, .xlsx
The extensions mentioned above are for the most commonly used file types under the Windows Operating System, but that list is most probably bigger and could get updated. The RSA algorithm is believed to be applied here in the encryption process. The extension .helppme@india.com.ID is put to all encrypted files, where the ID number is scpecific for each user. Here the ID is 83624883, so the full extension appended to an encrypted file is .helppme@india.com.ID83624883.
In case the ransomware runs on a Virtual Machine, it won’t encrypt files, but only display the following error message:
The RSAUtil cryptovirus could be set to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System by initiating the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
The execution of that command will make the encryption process more viable, since it eliminates one of the prominent ways for the restoration of your files.
Remove RSAUtil Virus and Restore .helppme@india.com.ID Files
If your computer got infected with the RSAUtil 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.
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.
How to Remove RSAUtil from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove RSAUtil
Step 2: Uninstall RSAUtil 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 RSAUtil 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 RSAUtil 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 RSAUtil with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by RSAUtil.
Ransomware infections and RSAUtil 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 RSAUtil from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall RSAUtil 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 RSAUtil 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 RSAUtil.
Ransomware infections and RSAUtil 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.
RSAUtil FAQ
What is RSAUtil ransomware and how does it work?
RSAUtil 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 RSAUtil ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.RSAUtil 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 RSAUtil 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 .RSAUtil files?
You can't. At this point the .RSAUtil 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 .RSAUtil files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by RSAUtil 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 ".RSAUtil" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .RSAUtil 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 RSAUtil 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 RSAUtil ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .RSAUtil files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like RSAUtil 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.
