How to remove Vaca ransomware

Vaca ransomware is a cryptovirus that demands to send SMS to hackers to get encrypted files restored 

Vaca ransomware is a cyber threat that encodes files and then displays a ransom note asking to pay for their decryption. In the text file delivered to victim's screen virus developers are stating that they can easily decrypt files having .vaca file extension. For that, the ransom message HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt is demanding to send the text message and contact cybercriminals. It is not recommended because it may lead to permanent money or data loss. Vaca ransomware virus is believed to belong to a notorious family of file-encrypting viruses called Xorist ransomware. At the moment, it has more than 15 new versions released since 2016 where the latest one is known as Mcafee ransomware. Encryption process starts right when the main executable is loaded on the device. To prevent infiltration of ara.exe or similar executable, stay away from suspicious email attachments. Spam is the main technique used to distribute crypto malware.^[1]

Name	Vaca ransomware
Type	Cryptovirus
Related	Xorist ransomware
File extension	.vaca
Ransom note	HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt
Distinct features	Option to send SMS with victims' ID number to a specific contact listed in the ransom note
Distribution	Spam email attachments
Main executable file	ara.exe
Main danger	Can lead to permanent data or money loss
Elimination	Use FortectIntego for Vaca ransomware removal

Researchers like Petrovic and

discovered Vaca ransomware in January 2019 and reported that this is the newest variant of well-known Xorist ransomware that first was released back in 2016. This cryptovirus family focuses on file encryption using XOR or TEA encryption algorithms and demanding for up to 2 Bitcoins from its victims. Nevertheless, the particular version might demand a different amount or use more common RSA and AES encryption. These facts don't make the ransomware less dangerous.

Although there is a decryptor for the virus, it might not work for the newest version. You should remove Vaca ransomware using reputable anti-malware tools and then focus on data recovery using your file backups. However, not everyone has their data backed up, so check our tips below the article and suggestions for data recovery methods. 

When Vaca ransomware infiltrates the system it starts encryption immediately, and when that is done, ransom message is generated in a file HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt that displays the following text:

Attention! All your files are encrypted!
To restore your files and access them,
please send an SMS with the text [victims' ID] to  [number].

You have N attempts to enter the code.
When that number has been exceeded,
all the data irreversibly is destroyed.
Be careful when you enter the code!

The brief message that Vaca ransomware creators deliver to their victims, state about the possibility of file recovery but there is no guarantee that criminals behind this cryptovirus would do so after you pay. In many cases, malware creators ignore their victims when the payment is transferred, so we as many other experts^[2] recommend avoiding any contact with these people. 

You should perform Vaca ransomware removal using anti-malware tools like FortectIntego and try restoring your files using appropriate software or file backups. This is the safest option since there is no official decryption tool developed by malware-fighting experts.

Remember that Vaca ransomware is more dangerous because of the additional changes it can make on the machine. Ransomware-type threats tend to be persistent on the system because of the altered Windows Registry entries or added files. For this reason, you need a full system scan in the device to make sure every file or program is terminated, and the virus is completely deleted from the PC. Check your program suggestions below if you need a trustworthy anti-malware tool. 

The malicious executable loads on the system from spam email attachments 

Security experts often report about different spam email tactics like phishing campaigns.^[3] However, people still tend to pay less attention to emails they get and open on their device. Opening the email itself or even downloading the attached file may lead to more severe damage than you think. 

The most common technique used by ransomware developers — infected spam email attachments. A direct link to a malicious page can be set to download the infection on the device automatically or redirect you to a download website. In-text links or banners on emails may lead to the direct installation of ransomware payload.

Also, file attached to the safe-looking email can be designed to load a RAR or ZIP file on the PC. When you open a macro-embedded document on your computer and enable the malicious content malware script launches ransomware on your PC. You can avoid these instances if you clean your email box and delete suspicious or unexpected emails. Pay more attention to emails you get, especially when they have attachments. 

Eliminate Vaca ransomware and clean the system further to make sure that threat is deleted entirely

You should note that a full system scan is required for Vaca ransomware removal because of the added files and programs. You cannot find the main executable or different files in system folders manually, and it takes a lot of time. But when you choose the automatic virus elimination using FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, you have an advantage and can clean the system in less than 15 minutes. 

However, it is important to double-check if you want to remove Vaca ransomware and all possible threats completely. You can do so by scanning the system again or using a few different tools. This way you can be sure that the machine is malware-free. 

It is especially important because you need a malware-free system when you recover your files. Vaca ransomware virus can encrypt your data again if not terminated. For data recovery, we suggest using your backups stored on the external device, but you can rely on data recovery software. We have a few options below.