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  • Active
  • Severity: High
  • Ransomware
  • Windows
  • Verified · Sep 2016

How to remove RAA ransomware virus

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Olivia Morelli · Ransomware analyst

The operation peculiarities of RAA virus

RAA virus (also known as RAA-SEP) acts like any other file-encrypting malware. The main distinctive feature of this malware is that it proves to be a JavaScript file. In comparison with other viruses, this behavior is quite unusual since most of the ransomware variants are written in C or C++ language. In any case, the faster you remove RAA the better. If you delay the elimination, it might cause more damage, i.e., encrypt the remaining files. Moreover, the developers use CryptoJS library and lock files with a strong AES encryption. At the end of the article, you will find RAA removal recommendations. One of which is to launch FortectIntego.

Once this virus invades the computer, it starts its mischievous mission by employing Windows Script Host tool. Later on,  it scans the entire computer system and encrypts all data, rendering it useless. Remember that ransomware developers do not create these viruses for fun; when such virus encodes files stored on a victim’s computers, they become worthless, since it is not possible to open or use an encrypted file. The virus also adds .locked file extension to each corrupted file. Encrypted data can only be decrypted with a unique decryption key, which is stored in cyber criminals’ servers. However, the criminals offer this decryption key for the victim in exchange for 250 USD. They explain what happened and tell the victim that he/she needs to pay up in order to recover data. This message from crooks can be found in !!!README!!![Victim’s ID].rtf file, which the virus creates and saves on the desktop. However, you should not pay the ransom, as criminals might provide you with a useless piece of software, not capable of restoring your files. Bear in mind that the only possible way of recovering your data is to import it from an external storage drive. Sadly, it is impossible to restore your files using Volume Shadow Copies because this virus simply deletes them.RAA ransomware encrypts files, adds .locked file extensions

What is more, RAA ransomware virus does not only encrypt victim’s data. When it is executed, it also installs well-known malware called Pony Trojan, which is designed to run in the background and steal victim’s private information. This malicious threat can steal your passwords, personal information, credit card details and similar data. So if your files suddenly became inaccessible, if you can see that .locked extensions were added to them, and if you have received the ransom not, you should rush to delete RAA virus and Pony malware from your computer immediately. For that, use a powerful antimalware software like FortectIntego.

The transmission methods 

RAA malware is distributed via email letters. Frauds send thousands of malicious letters to people and add malicious attachments to them. These attachments can be named like this: [random symbols_doc_].js. As you can see, criminals name the file by adding _doc_, to confuse them and think that it is a Word file. However, the real file type is .js, which means JavaScript file. If the victim opens this attachment, malware gets inside the computer system and launches a fake Word document, which includes scrambled text. While the victim looks at this text all confused, the malware starts encrypting files on the computer.

To protect your computer from ransomware attacks, you need to:

  • Continuously create data backups and import them to removable storage devices;
  • Never open suspicious emails or files attached to them;
  • Install an anti-malware program on your computer;
  • Keep your software up-to-date.

The elimination guide

RAA virus is not an ordinary computer virus. Likewise, manual elimination might not work out. The authors of this cyber threat did their best developing the threat. What is more, the malware is also programmed to stop anti-virus programs from removing it, so in order to deactivate it and run an anti-spyware program, such as FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, follow these RAA removal instructions delivered below. The access recovery procedure should not take long. Afterward, you will be able to remove RAA. Lastly, keep in mind that the majority of ransomware and other damaging viruses prefer spreading through spam emails. Remain cautious and vigilant when reviewing your Inbox. Updating your security programs should become a habit as well.

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