Ada ransomware can damage users' files permanently if they cannot decrypt them
Ada ransomware locks users' personal files as soon as it enters the system
Since the first incidence of ransomware in 1989, which is known as the AIDS Trojan, the threat of ransomware has increased, thanks to technological advancements and globalization. US officials are telling businesses and organizations to take extra precautions this Thanksgiving because of multiple attacks during previous holiday periods. File-locking malware affects home users as well, so you should not ignore the warning. It is especially devastating for those, who have not backed up their data because the chances of recovery are quite low.
Ada virus is one of the most recent strains of Void Ransomware. It starts locking peoples' personal files, like photos, videos, and documents as soon as it enters the system. Typically, ransomware encrypts as much of the victim’s data as possible using the public key, which can only be decrypted private key[1] which only the threat actors have. So after the encryption process is done, if a file was previously named picture.jpg, it would be named picture.jpg.[Kixonw@gmail.com][ID].ada.
So not only the .ada extension gets added, but the contact email of the cybercriminals and a unique victim ID as well. Normally, after that is done, a ransom note read-me.txt is generated on the computer, where crooks threaten and demand money from the victim. The most common threats include deleting the victim’s data if they do not cooperate within a specific time frame, damaging the device, or releasing the data to the public.
If no backups are available, recovering data is almost impossible. We list alternative methods that could help you in some cases below
MALWARE REMOVAL
Scan your machine with anti-malware software to eliminate the malicious files; this will not recover your data
SYSTEM FIX
Malware can seriously tamper with Windows systems, causing errors, crashes, lag, and other stability issues. To remediate the OS and avoid its reinstallation, we recommend scanning it with the FortectIntego repair tool
New ways ransomware is spread across the globe
Ransomware is often spread through phishing[2] emails that contain malicious attachments or links. The method is called drive-by downloading and it occurs when a user unknowingly visits an infected website and then malware is downloaded without the user’s knowledge. These malicious links can also be spread on social media platforms, messaging applications.
Cybercriminals can also purchase ad space that is linked to an exploit kit.[3] The ad has to draw users' attention, so it often contains some form of clickbait. The ad might have a provocative image, message, or a very good offer for some type of software. This method is called malvertising and it is becoming an increasingly popular ransomware delivery technique.
When people click on such an ad, the exploit kit scans the system for information about the software, operating system, browser details, etc. If the exploit kit detects a vulnerability, it tries to install ransomware on the user’s machine. Many major ransomware attacks spread through malvertising, including CryptoWall and Sodinokibi.
The ransom note Ada ransomware can be very devastating for those that do not have backups
The full Read-me.txt ransom note read as follows:
All Your Files Has Been Encrypted
You Have to Pay to Get Your Files Back
1-Go to C:\ProgramData\ or in Your other Drives and send us prvkey.txt.key file
2-You can send some file little than 1mb for Decryption test to trust us But the test File should not contain valuable data
3-Payment should be with Bitcoin
4-Changing Windows without saving prvkey.txt.key file will cause permanete Data loss
Our Email: kixonw@gmail.com
in Case of no Answer: kixonw@tutanota.com
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 ransom note contains all the instructions from hackers. Often they use various scare tactics to make people act based on their emotions and make the payment as soon as possible. Cryptocurrencies provide a safe mechanism for threat actors to be paid while reducing the likelihood of authorities being able to track the money. That is why most ransomware developers ask for the payment to be made with Bitcoin.[4]
There are also geopolitical safe havens[5] that allow governments to turn a blind eye to their citizens’ cybercrime activities as long as the cybercriminal does not target domestic companies or people. Russia and China are the most notable countries in the cybercriminal sector since they are notorious for not pursuing recognized cybercriminals for cyberattacks that they commit or assist in on a global scale.
Of course, we do not suggest you pay the ransom because hackers cannot be trusted. They are not required to keep their promises and provide you with a decryption key. Many ransomware victims say that they never heard back from threat actors after they have done everything they have asked for.
All of this adds up to the skyrocketing numbers of ransomware attacks and people have to start educating themselves about it because it is unlikely to stop. With time, cyber-attacks are expected to become even more sophisticated and dangerous, so you should not put off learning about precautionary measures.
Start the removal process
The important thing to do is disconnect the affected machine from the local network as we talked about the dangers of that previously. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have instructions for corporate environments at the bottom of this post.
If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have experience. Manual removal of ransomware is extremely complicated and is suitable for people with advanced IT skills.
Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes 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 does not let you use antivirus in normal mode, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:
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.
Click Restart.
Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Repair corrupted system files
Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required, are nothing unusual after malware infection. These types of viruses can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software cannot fix it.
Manual troubleshooting of such damage is also very complicated and can take a long time. This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could prevent yourself from having to reinstall Windows completely.
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.
Try recovering data with third-party software
Only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up previously, there is a good chance that you will never get them back. You can try using data recovery software, but keep in mind that third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. Whatever the situation may be, we suggest at least trying this method. Before you proceed, copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another external storage device. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the Ada ransomware.
Before you begin, several pointers are important 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.
Compatible with Microsoft Windows
Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Some ransomware strains aim to infect not only one computer but hijack the entire network. As soon as one of the machines is infected, malware can spread via network and encrypt files everywhere else, including Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. If your computer is connected to a network, it is important to isolate it to prevent re-infection after ransomware removal is complete.
The easiest way to disconnect a PC from everything is simply to plug out the ethernet cable. However, in the corporate environment, this might be extremely difficult to do (also would take a long time). The method below will disconnect from all the networks, including local and the internet, isolating each of the machines involved.
Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
Go to Network and Internet
Click Network and Sharing Center
On the left, pick Change adapter settings
Right-click on your connection (for example, Ethernet), and select Disable
Confirm with Yes.
If you are using some type of cloud storage you are connected to, you should disconnect from it immediately. It is also advisable to disconnect all the external devices, such as USB flash sticks, external HDDs, etc. Once the malware elimination process is finished, you can connect your computers to the network and internet, as explained above, but by pressing Enable instead.
Find a working decryptor for your files
File encryption is a process that is similar to applying a password to a particular file or folder. However, from a technical point of view, encryption is fundamentally different due to its complexity. By using encryption, threat actors use a unique set of alphanumeric characters as a password that can not easily be deciphered if the process is performed correctly.
There are several algorithms that can be used to lock data (whether for good or bad reasons); for example, AES uses the symmetric method of encryption, meaning that the key used to lock and unlock files is the same. Unfortunately, it is only accessible to the attackers who hold it on a remote server – they ask for a payment in exchange for it. This simple principle is what allows ransomware authors to prosper in this illegal business.
While many high-profile ransomware strains such as Djvu or Dharma use immaculate encryption methods, there are plenty of failures that can be observed within the code of some novice malware developers. For example, the keys could be stored locally, which would allow users to regain access to their files without paying. In some cases, ransomware does not even encrypt files due to bugs, although victims might believe the opposite due to the ransom note that shows up right after the infection and data encryption is completed.
Therefore, regardless of which crypto-malware affects your files, you should try to find the relevant decryptor if such exists. Security researchers are in a constant battle against cybercriminals. In some cases, they manage to create a working decryption tool that would allow victims to recover files for free.
Once you have identified which ransomware you are affected by, you should check the following links for a decryptor:
If you can't find a decryptor that works for you, you should try the alternative methods we list below. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that it sometimes takes years for a working decryption tool to be developed, so there are always hopes for the future.
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
One of the many countermeasures for home users against ransomware is data backups. Even if your Windows get corrupted, you can reinstall everything from scratch and retrieve files from backups with minimal losses overall. Most importantly, you would not have to pay cybercriminals and risk your money as well.
Therefore, if you have already dealt with a ransomware attack, we strongly advise you to prepare backups for future use. There are two options available to you:
Backup on a physical external drive, such as a USB flash drive or external HDD.
Use cloud storage services.
The first method is not that convenient, however, as backups need to constantly be updated manually – although it is very reliable. Therefore, we highly advise choosing cloud storage instead – it is easy to set up and efficient to sustain. The problem with it is that storage space is limited unless you want to pay for the subscription.
Using Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a built-in tool that comes with every modern Windows version. By default, you get 5 GB of storage that you can use for free. You can increase that storage space, but for a price. Here's how to setup backups for OneDrive:
Click on the OneDrive icon within your system tray.
Select Help & Settings > Settings.
If you don't see your email under the Account tab, you should click Add an account and proceed with the on-screen instructions to set yourself up.
Once done, move to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, or a combination of whichever folders you want to backup.
Press Start backup.
After this, all the files that are imported into the above-mentioned folders will be automatically backed for you. If you want to add other folders or files, you have to do that manually. For that, open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard, and then click on the OneDrive icon. You should drag and drop folders you want to backup (or you can use Copy/Paste as well).
Using Google Drive
Google Drive is another great solution for free backups. The good news is that you get as much as 15GB for free by choosing this storage. There are also paid versions available, with significantly more storage to choose from.
You can access Google Drive via the web browser or use a desktop app you can download on the official website. If you want your files to be synced automatically, you will have to download the app, however.
Download the Google Drive app installer and click on it.
Wait a few seconds for it to be installed.
Now click the arrow within your system tray – you should see Google Drive icon there, click it once.
Click Get Started.
Enter all the required information – your email/phone, and password.
Now pick what you want to sync and backup. You can click on Choose Folder to add additional folders to the list.
Once done, pick Next.
Now you can select to sync items to be visible on your computer.
Finally, press Start and wait till the sync is complete. Your files are now being backed up.
Report the incident to your local authorities
Ransomware is a huge business that is highly illegal, and authorities are very involved in catching malware operators. To have increased chances of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help with stopping the cybercriminal activities and catching the threat actors. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, examples of encrypted files, or malware executables would also be beneficial.
Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:
If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.
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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