Eternity ransomware. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Eternity ransomware acts like a serious cyber threat, but it’s not
Eternity ransomware[1] is a crypto-virus that uses AES cipher to corrupt files on the affected computer and demands to pay $1000 for data recovery. The virus makes files inaccessible by adding .eTeRnItY file extension. However, it’s a poorly written ransomware virus.
Created by a hacker from Sri Lanka Sameera-Madushan-Perera, Eternity virus seems to be related to Stupid/FTSCoder malware. However, the virus crashes on the system due to the missing audio file that is supposed to play as soon as ransom-demanding lock screen message is displayed.
Ransomware payload might be dropped on the system if a user opens a malicious email attachment, downloads obfuscated software or update, etc. The malicious program is designed to encrypt the most popular file types, such as:
- Microsoft Office or OpenOffice documents;
- Images;
- Audio files;
- Video files;
- Databases;
- Archives;
- etc.
Following data encryption, Eternity malware shows a ransom note in the lock screen message. The window provides a Bitcoin wallet address where victims are supposed to transfer $1000 in Bitcoins. Additionally, people can contact crooks via a provided form.
However, there’s no need to pay the ransom. Security researchers already know all the information you need. Crooks use unoriginal, and easy-to-guess unlock code – 1234567890. Thus, you can enter it into the lock screen and get your files decrypted for free.
Bear in mind that data recovery does not remove Eternity virus from the computer. Nevertheless, you restore your files; the malicious program will remain on the system. Thus, you have to uninstall it in order to avoid another data encryption and use your computer safely.
Even though it’s a weak ransomware virus, it is still capable of making modifications to the system and makes it vulnerable. Thus, you should opt for automatic Eternity removal to get rid of the malicious program. We recommend choosing Reimage for this task.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
Things to know about ransomware distribution
File-encrypting viruses use similar distribution methods. Therefore, you can encounter Eternity ransomware after:
- opening obfuscated Word, PDF or ZIP file attached to an email;[2]
- downloading bogus software;
- installing fake updates.
Therefore, users are advised to be careful when clicking and downloading content from the Internet. Malware payload Eternity Ransomware.exe might be obfuscated and look like safe to open file or useful program. Thus, you have check each file before you download it to your PC.
However, security experts from NoVirus.uk[3] warn that malware might also infiltrate devices by exploiting security vulnerabilities. Thus, users should not avoid installation of available updates.
Installing an antivirus program and making backups are also important in ransomware prevention. Thus, you should create copies of the most important files and save them in an external storage device, such as USB or hard drive.
Removal of the Eternity ransomware virus
As you already know, there’s no need to worry about data recovery because you can get access to your files by entering 1234567890 passcode. Once your files are restored, you should go for Eternity removal which is done with security software. If you are not sure what tool to choose, try Reimage or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes.
In order to avoid any obstacles and remove Eternity ransomware virus smoothly, you should also reboot your PC to Safe Mode with Networking. The instructions below will explain to you how to do it properly.
To remove Eternity virus, follow these steps:
Remove Eternity using Safe Mode with Networking
Follow these steps to disable the virus and remove it using security software:
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Remove Eternity
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Eternity removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove Eternity using System Restore
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Eternity. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Eternity from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.In order to restore files, you just have to enter 1234567890 password. Then, you should eliminate the virus. However, if some of the files remain corrupted, try methods presented below.
If your files are encrypted by Eternity, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro – alternative recovery methods
Data Recovery Pro might help to recover corrupted files.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Eternity ransomware;
- Restore them.
ShadowExolorer helps to restore files from Shadow Volume Copies
Eternity ransomware is not likely to delete Shadow Volume Copies of the targeted files. Thus, ShadowExplorer might help.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Eternity and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes
About the author
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References
- ^ Chris Foxx. Technology explained: what is ransomware?. BBC. News website.
- ^ Ganesh Umapathy. Evolution of Email Threats: The Rise of Ransomware, Spear Phishing and Whaling Attacks . SonicWall Blog. Cyber security news.
- ^ No Virus. No Virus. Malware database and security news.