How to remove Duck ransomware

Duck ransomware encrypts users' files and demands a ransom to be paid for decryption

Duck ransomware locks users' personal files, like photos, videos, and documents using complicated encryption algorithms. This variant belongs to the Phobos ransomware family. Such an infection can result in permanent data loss. The affected files become impossible to open, view and use.

The file-locking malware appends the files with the .duck extension, along with the victim's ID, and supprecovery@torguard.tg email address. So if a file was previously named picture.jpg, after encryption it would look something like this – picture.jpg.id[victim-id].[supprecovery@torguard.tg].duck.

The main goal of cybercriminals is to get paid. They demand that victims pay money in return for a decryption tool. It is extremely important to keep backups of important data to save it in case of malware infection. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to decrypt the data without the threat actors' help.

The ransom note

After the encryption process is done, Duck ransomware generates two ransom notes on the machine. The full info.hta ransom note reads as follows:

All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail: supprecovery@torguard.tg
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail:samrecoveryfiles@onionmail.com
Write this ID in the title of your message –
Or text in the messenger Telegram: @supprecovery
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

The malicious program also drops a shorter message info.txt:

!!!All of your files are encrypted!!!
To decrypt them send e-mail to this address: supprecovery@torguard.tg
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail:samrecoveryfiles@onionmail.com
Our online operator is available in the messenger Telegram: @supprecovery

Cybercriminals want the ransom to be paid in cryptocurrencies, more specifically – Bitcoin^[1] because it provides anonymity. The ransom amount is not specified in the note which means it is most likely negotiated privately. We strongly advise you to not contact the threat actors or pay them because they cannot be trusted.

Many previous ransomware victims say that they never received the promised decryption tools after sending the payment. Besides, it is impossible to cancel a cryptocurrency transaction once you send it to another wallet. There are no refunds and no disputes. Although decryption is rarely possible without the key^[2] that only cybercriminals hold, there are third-party recovery tools that help in some cases.

Distribution methods

Cybercriminals use multiple methods to spread ransomware. The most popular method is including ransomware in software “cracks”^[3] distributed on Torrent websites and peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms. They look very attractive because users can get software that typically costs money for free. However, this activity is illegal and unregulated. It is impossible to know if the package you are downloading does not contain any malicious files.

Another common way that users get infected is through email. Threat actors use their social engineering^[4] skills to create convincing letters that look like urgent messages. Usually, they use the names, and brandings of well-known companies to appear legitimate and trustworthy.

To protect your devices from malicious files it is a good idea to have professional security tools installed. It's also crucial to keep the operating system and software updated. Hackers can use software vulnerabilities to deliver ransomware. Software developers regularly release security patches to prevent this from happening.

Use professional security tools to eliminate malicious files

The thing that you have to do immediately is to disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable or disabling the Wi-Fi should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have separate instructions for you at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. Malware can also encrypt your files the second time if it is not eliminated first. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have excellent IT skills.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware can prevent you from using antivirus software, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing the 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.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find the Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Fix system errors to prevent Windows reinstallation

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a complete Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of viruses can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other functions, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software will not able to repair it.

This is why FortectIntego was developed. This powerful software can fix a lot of the damage caused by Duck ransomware. Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

File recovery options

Many people think that they can fix their files with anti-malware tools, but that is not what they are designed for. All the security tools can do is detect suspicious processes in your system and eliminate them. The truth is, that the files can be restored only with a decryption key or software that only the cybercriminals have.

If you did not back up your data previously, it might be possible that you will never get them back. You can try using data recovery software, but we have to note that third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the Duck ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are essential while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.