RIP ransomware / virus (Easy Removal Guide)
RIP virus Removal Guide
What is RIP ransomware virus?
Does RIP ransomware “kill” your files?
RIP virus is a deadly ransomware virus that should be kept away from computer systems that contain important data. If this virus steps into the system, it will say “rest in peace” to your files after encrypting them. RIP ransomware virus has another name and it is frequently called as KillerLocker ransomware[1]. The dangerous program activates itself as soon as it steps into the computer system and encrypts all files it finds on the system. Encryption algorithm is made to append .rip file extensions to all files. Please do not mistake this virus with Phoenix ransomware, which adds .r.i.p file extensions[2].
RIP ransomware can hardly be defeated manually. It is strongly recommended to remove RIP virus automatically since it roots into the system deeply. The appearance and modus operandi of the virus looks familiar to us; we assume that its authors either copied Jigsaw virus’ style[3], or that the virus is simply coded by the same ransomware developers. After encrypting files, Rip virus shows a program that is called KillerLocker, which says that victim’s data has been compromised and that the victim needs to pay a ransom within 48 hours, otherwise the decryption key will be destroyed. The virus aims at Portuguese-speaking computer users, since there is not a single word in English. We also want to point out that RIP virus seems to be programmed by an amateur or simply neglectful hacker, because the virus doesn’t provide instructions on how to pay the ransom. It only asks for a decryption key. Therefore, you should not waste your valuable time and remove RIP virus quickly because it can drag more malicious files to your system without your knowledge. One of the solutions is to install FortectIntego.
Due to the mathematically interrelated public and private keys that are essential for encryption/decryption processes[4], it is not easy to decode the affected data without obtaining the private key. In this regard, crooks demand Bitcoins for file recovery. If you are offered to purchase RIP Decryptor, do not fall for such bait as this software may only make matters worse. Besides the possibility that you waste your money in the hope of retrieving the files, the program might even facilitate the future infections. The decryptor might come in a bundle with Trojans, remote administration tools or backdoors, which can severely mess up your computer, steal private data, and so on. We bet that you do not want that to happen, so better forget the idea of paying the ransom!
How did this ransomware get into my computer?
Like in other file-encrypting cases, the ransomware disguised in a .exe file which was attached to a fake email from transportation company or official institution. If you carelessly rushed to open such email, RIP hijack took place within seconds. After you had activated the binary, the virus set out to wreak havoc on your computer. It usually targets .doc, pdf, .xls, .jpg, .avi, .mp3 and other valuable files located in Local disk and Desktop. If you are interested in how you can prevent the virus, next time you are about to review your Inbox folder, keep in mind the possible outcomes of such action. Note that highly destructive file-encrypting malware might disguise under fake Amazon label or eBay email. Even if the email is addressed to you directly, verify the sender before opening a spam email[5].
Eliminate RIP ransomware
Since it is a highly damaging and destructive virus, we recommend opting for automatic RIP removal. You can choose from a wide choice, but we recommend FortectIntego or Malwarebytes. These utilities not only effectively deal with the virus and remove RIP virus within a couple of minutes. What is more, they have user-friendly interfaces, so users of different age will find them easy to use. After the virus is fully eliminated, you can opt for data recovery options. Some of them are provided below. Lastly, if you cannot control your computer properly and encounter other elimination problems, use the following guide to regaining access to your computer.
Getting rid of RIP virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove RIP using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of RIP. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove RIP from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by RIP, you can use several methods to restore them:
How practical is Data Recovery Pro?
This utility finds missing and damaged files after a system crash. However, if you failed to make a backup of your files, this software might come in handy.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by RIP ransomware;
- Restore them.
ShadowExplorer and its operation way
After acquiring the volume shadow copies, the program recreates the copies of your lost files. Likewise, you do not have to pay any money to hackers to retrieve the data.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from RIP and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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- ^ Julie Splinters. KillerLocker ransomware virus. How to Remove? (Uninstall Guide). 2-Spyware. Fighting against spyware.
- ^ Olivia Morelli. Phoenix ransomware virus. How to Remove? (Uninstall Guide). 2-Spyware. Fighting against spyware.
- ^ Josep Albors. Jigsaw and how ransomware is becoming more aggressive with new features. WeLiveSecurity. IT security site covering the latest news, research, cyber threats and malware discoveries, with insights from ESET experts.
- ^ Public Key and Private Keys. What are they?. COMODO. Creating Trust Online.
- ^ Ian Paul. Three warning signs that email is malicious. PCWorld. News, tips and reviews from the experts on PCs, Windows, and more.