What is .RT4BLOCK files virus .RT4BLOCK files virus is also known as .RT4BLOCK ransomware and encrypts users’ files while asking for a ransom.
The RT4BLOCK files virus is a new version of the RotorCrypt ransomware which has been spotted in an active campaign. This new release is pushed to targets across the world and by the reports there may be several distribution methods being used at once. In the end the victims will find that their sensitive files have been processed by the engine. They will be locked and made unavailable with an accompanying ransom note blackmailing them into paying a “decryption fee”.
Threat Summary
| Name | .RT4BLOCK files virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer machine and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly restore them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will blackmail the victims to pay them a decryption fee. Sensitive user data may be encrypted by the ransomware code. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .RT4BLOCK files virus. |
| 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. |
.RT4BLOCK Files Virus – Detailed Description
As the .RT4BLOCK Files Virus is descendant from the RotorCrypt ransomware we expect its samples to be spread using several of the most popular methods at once. One of the main tactics used by hackers is to prepare phishing email messages or construct such phishing sites. They are modeled to appear as legitimate companies or services urging the recipients into interacting with the content — clicking on links or downloading software. Such behavior will trigger the virus delivery.
The virus infections can also be caused by interaction with malicious files. They can take the form of macro-infected documents which can take all popular formats: presentations, text documents, databases and spreadsheets. When they are opened the users will be asked to enable the built-in scripts, if this is done the .RT4BLOCK Files Virus infection will begin. The other alternative is to create malware setup packages of popular software. They are made by taking the legitimate installers from their official sources and modifying them to include the virus code.
These files can also be uploaded to the relevant file-sharing networks such as BitTorrent where both pirate and legitimate data can be acquired.
Following previous versions of the RotorCrypt family we anticipate tha large-scale infections can also be done by the interaction with malicious web browser plugins. The hackers use phishing strategies in order to lure in more visitors into installing them. This is done by posting an elaborate description with fake user reviews and criminal credentials.
Due to the fact that this virus is a variant of the RotorCrypt ransomware we anticipate that the most common malware actions will be run prior to the actual file encryption. A list of the most popular modules is the following:
- Persistent Installation — The .RT4BLOCK Files Virus can be installed as a persistent threat meaning that the engine will edit the boot options in order to automatically start as soon as the computer is powered on. It can also disable access to the recovery boot options thereby making it very diffcult to follow most manual user removal guides.
- Security Bypass — The .RT4BLOCK Files Virus can search for any security software that can block the proper delivery of the threat. The list of the target applications includes the following: anti-virus programs, sandbox environments, virtual machine hosts and etc.
- Information Harvesting — The .RT4BLOCK Files Virus can include a data harvesting module which can hijack user information and machine metrics. This is done by programming the engine to look for specific strings in memory and on the hard disk drive. The collected information can be used for identity theft and financial crimes. The machine information can be used to generate an unique ID for every infected host.
- Windows Registry Changes — If the .RT4BLOCK Files Virus include this functionality then the engine can edit or create new strings in the Windows Registry. This can lead to data loss, system issues and the inability to access certain functions.
When everything has completed running the encryption phase will run. As a RotorCrypt variant it will follow a built-in list of target file type extensions: archives, multimedia files, documents, backups, databases and etc. When the processing has completed the victim files will be renamed with the .RT4BLOCK extension, the associated ransomware note will be crafted in a file called NEWS_INGiBiToR.txt.
.RT4BLOCK Files Virus – What Does It Do?
The .RT4BLOCK Files Virus is a crypto virus programmed to encrypt user data. As soon as all modules have finished running in their prescribed order the lockscreen will launch an application frame which will prevent the users from interacting with their computers. It will display the ransomware note to the victims.
You should NOT under any circumstances pay any ransom sum. Your files may not get recovered, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that.
The .RT4BLOCK Files Virus cryptovirus could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If your computer device was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially restore your files back to normal.
Remove .RT4BLOCK Files Virus
If your computer system got infected with the .RT4BLOCK Files 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 .RT4BLOCK files virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .RT4BLOCK files virus 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 .RT4BLOCK files virus 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 .RT4BLOCK files virus 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 .RT4BLOCK files virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .RT4BLOCK files virus.
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 .RT4BLOCK files virus 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.
.RT4BLOCK files virus-FAQ
What is .RT4BLOCK files virus Ransomware?
.RT4BLOCK files virus 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 .RT4BLOCK files virus 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 .RT4BLOCK files virus Infect?
Via several ways..RT4BLOCK files virus 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 .RT4BLOCK files virus 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 ..RT4BLOCK files virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..RT4BLOCK files virus 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 ..RT4BLOCK files virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..RT4BLOCK files virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..RT4BLOCK files virus 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 .RT4BLOCK files virus 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 .RT4BLOCK files virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..RT4BLOCK files virus 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 .RT4BLOCK files virus 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 .RT4BLOCK files virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .RT4BLOCK files virus 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 .RT4BLOCK files virus 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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