Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by RotorCrypt .SPG Virus and other threats.
Threats such as RotorCrypt .SPG Virus 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
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This article has been created in order to explain how to remove the RotorCrypt ransomware from your computer and how to restore [email protected]_______.SPG encrypted files.
A new variant of the RotorCrypt ransomware infection has hit the wild and has begun infecting the computers of victims. The malware uses encryption mode in order to render the important files on the victim’s computer no longer able to be opened. Then, the .SPG files virus leaves behind it’s file extension, plus the anonymous e-mail [email protected]. The ransomware’s end goal is for victims to pay a hefty ransom In BitCoins in order to get their encrypted files recovered back to normal. But if you have become a victim of the .SPG variant of RotorCrypt ransomware, we advise that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been created in order to help you by explaining how to remove this malware and how you can try and recover as many files as possible without actually damaging your PC and without having to pay ransom.
Threat Summary
Name
RotorCrypt .SPG Virus
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
Encrypts the files on your computer and asks you to pay ransom in order to decrypt them.
Symptoms
Files are no longer able to be opened with the file suffix [email protected]_______.SPG added after their names and extensions.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by RotorCrypt .SPG Virus
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 .SPG Ransomware – Infection
In order to infect computers of the victims, the creators of RotorCrypt may use different pre-obtained lists of e-mail addresses that are used by actual people. This e-mail list is targeted with different templates of e-mails that pretend to originate from big companies, like PayPal, eBay, Amazon, DHL and several others. They often pretend to be seemingly legitimate types of files, like order receipts, confirmation of orders and even scare potential victims that some service they are using is terminated. The end goal is to either click on a malicious URL or open a malicious e-mail attachment. The result of this is the victim becoming infected right away.
In some cases, the cyber-criminals who infect with the RotorCrypt .SPG virus may also use Microsoft Office files in a macros-enabling attack, meaning that they may be legitimate Microsoft Office documents, but once they have been opened, the malicious files may not show what is the content inside them and in order to see it, the user must enable macros, which triggers the infection. The whole process appears somewhat like the following:
But this is not all. RotorCrypt’s .SPG file version may also use another form of a more passive infection. The hackers may upload files online that pretend to be legitimate. These files are silently waiting on suspicious websites for users to download and open them, while they are pretending to be:
Fake software setups.
Fraudulent patches.
Game cracks.
Software license activators.
Fake portable programs.
.SPG Files Virus – Analysis
The .SPG files virus is the type of ransomware which encrypts files on your computer until you pay the ones behind it to use them again. To reach it’s end goal, the malware uses it’s main infection file, reported at VirusTotal to have the following parameters:
Once triggered, the malicious file begins to check your computer for the following information:
If it’s running in a virtual environment.
Your IP address.
Your location and language.
Windows version.
Security software that is installed.
Based on this data, the virus may download or drop different types of infection modules, the primary purpose of which is to make sure that the malware remains silent and undetectable on your computer. The main payload files that are dropped are believed to be in the following locations:
Once the files have been dropped, RotorCrypt ransomware may begin to perform different infection activities on the infected PC. These possibly include running a script that triggers Windows Command Prompt as an administrator. This activity results in Windows Command Prompt running in the background of the user’s computer
After this has been done, the ransomware virus may start to perform a set of unwanted activities on the victim’s computer, like encrypting the file and modifying them so that they can no longer be opened.
.SPG Files Virus – Encryption Process
In order to encrypt the files on the infected computer, the .SPG ransomware may first scan for the files it wants to encode. These files often include documents, videos, images, audio types of files, archives and the files that are used very often. To best target the files, the virus looks for them based on their file extensions:
After the .SPG variant of RotorCrypt ransowmare detects the files it wants to encrypt, the virus is very careful not to encrypt Windows files, this is why, while scanning it skips scanning system folders. The files are encrypted in a way that their code structure is replaced with the scambled symbols of the encryption cipher being used. This makes their file icon dissapear as Windows can no longer detect the programs it will use in order to get those files to work. The RotorCrypt ransowmare also adds the e-mail of the cyber-crooks as a file suffix, to get the victim to establish communication with the perpetrators of the encryption.
The .SPG encrypted files appear like the following image shows:
Remove .SPG Files Virus and Restore Encrypted Data
In order to remove this version of RotorCrypt ransomware, it may be a good idea to follow the removal instructions underneath as they are divided in manual as well as automatic removal methods and you can choose the appropriate one that suits you best. Either way, be advised that most security analysts and engineers often advise to remove viruses, like RotorCrypt .SPG ransowmare automatically, preferrably by downloading an advanced anti-malware software. It will help you to make sure that this malware is permenantly gone from your computer by scanning for each of it’s malicious objects and also it will make sure to protect your computer in real-time against any future infections that might take place.
In addition to this, if you want to try and restore files that have been encrypted with the .SPG file suffix added to them, you are welcome to try one of the alternative methods for file recovery we have suggested in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by RotorCrypt .SPG Virus”. They may not be fully effective in restoring your files, but with their aid you may succeed in recovering some or most of the encoded files.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by RotorCrypt .SPG Virus 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 .SPG Virus. 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 .SPG Virus follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove RotorCrypt .SPG Virus 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 .SPG Virus on your PC
Find files created by RotorCrypt .SPG Virus
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 RotorCrypt .SPG Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for RotorCrypt .SPG Virus and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove RotorCrypt .SPG Virus. 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 .SPG Virus
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by RotorCrypt .SPG Virus
Ransomware infections and RotorCrypt .SPG Virus 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:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This article has been created in order to explain how to remove the RotorCrypt ransomware from your computer and how to restore [email protected]_______.SPG encrypted files.
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 .SPG Virus and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
