How to remove RedAnts ransomware virus

What damage might cause RedAnts ransomware virus?

RedAnts ransomware aims at the most popular and often used file types and encrypts them using AES encryption algorithm^[1]. This strong cipher allows distorting data and making it useless. The virus targets Microsoft Office and Adobe files, various types of images, audio and video files, databases, and other files stored in %Desktop%, %Downloads%, %Pictures% and%Documents% directories. All data affected by RedAnts virus have .Horas-Bah file extension which prevents users from opening and using them. In order to decrypt files, victims need to have a specific key. However, developers of the ransomware keep it in secret and do not reveal unless victims decide to pay the ransom. As soon as data encryption is over, the virus drops a ransom note called READ_ME.txt where hackers demand 0.5 Bitcoin. If you do not have data backups, it might seem like the only possibility to get back access to your files. The RedAnts malware might be capable of decrypting Shadow Volume Copies^[2] that are crucial for the data recovery using other tools. However, we do not recommend giving up. There are more important things to do after ransomware attack.^[3]

File-encrypting viruses are pure blackmailing tools. Crooks are only interested in generating illegal incomes and data decryptions is just the matter of their conscience. No one can assure you that developers of the RedAnts ransomware virus are capable of decrypting your files and are willing to do it. In some cases, authors of the file-encrypting viruses do not have the power to repair the damage. However, they do not bother to give false promises and take the money. Thus, we highly suggest RedAnts removal as soon as it starts blackmailing you. Elimination of the virus does not help to recover your files; however, it is necessary to protect your computer and privacy from other possible threats. For the removal, you will need additional software. In our opinion, the best tool to remove RedAnts entirely is FortectIntego. Of course, you can choose any other antivirus or malware removal program.

How can I get infected with ransomware?

Developers of the RedAnts virus use various distribution and infiltration methods that help to infect computers effectively. The virus might use exploit kits or drive-by downloads, send malicious and obfuscated JavaScript via emails or launch Dll file attacks^[4]. Thus, you can get infected with the ransomware after opening a suspicious email attachment. Unfortunately, no matter how much cybersecurity specialists talk about it, people are still opening suspicious email attachments that eventually surprise them with malware attach. Please, be careful with received emails^[5] that urge to open attached Word or PDF document; it might be infected. Also, be aware that torrents and file sharing websites are potentially dangerous places to install programs or illegal files. Developers of the malware often include malicious components into these downloads. Thus, always chose safe and reliable sources for downloads and updates.

How can I remove RedAnts from the computer?

Some cyber infections can be deleted from the system manually; however, not this one. For RedAnts removal, you have to employ professional malware removal tools and run a system scan. Programs, such as FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, can locate and delete all ransomware-related files and apps. To do it manually is nearly impossible because file-encrypting viruses might be hiding in the system in every shade and form, and look like legitimate system files. However, you should now that remove RedAnts might not easy even with security tools. The virus might prevent from installing it or block access to them. In this case, you need to reboot the computer to the Safe Mode and try again.