Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
Note! Your computer might be affected by RSAUtil and other threats.
Threats such as RSAUtil 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
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] extension to them, where the ID is specific for each user.
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: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 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:
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:
In 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.VENDETTA” and “.ID.GORILLA“. For the VENDETTA extension, the emails are changed inside the note to the following ones:
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 [email protected] 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:
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 [email protected] or [email protected] 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:
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:
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:
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
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.
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.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by RSAUtil 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 RSAUtil. 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 RSAUtil follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove RSAUtil 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 RSAUtil on your PC
Find files created by RSAUtil
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.
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 RSAUtil with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for RSAUtil and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove RSAUtil. 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 RSAUtil
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 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:
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
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 RSAUtil and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
