Ogre ransomware / virus (Decryption Steps Included) - Virus Removal Instructions
Ogre virus Removal Guide
What is Ogre ransomware virus?
Authors of the Ogre ransomware might be preparing to launch a new cyber attack
Ogre is an in-dev ransomware virus that asks only 20 euros for data recovery. Nevertheless, the ransom is little; dealing with cyber criminals and following their orders is never recommended. This crypto malware uses a strong encryption algorithm to lock various files on the targeted computer. It appends .ogre file extension and runs a program window with a ransom-demanding message. Authors of the Ogre ransomware in a poor English language informs that malware encrypted critical files. In order to scare people even more, hackers claim that turning off the computer may lead to the damaged device. However, no one should believe in these words. It’s just a psychological terror to convince people into paying the ransom. However, if malware attacks your device, you employ FortectIntego or another reputable malware removal program and run a full system scan. It will help to remove Ogre from the PC and recover your files from backups safely.
The virus arrives on the system as an obfuscated OgreRSMWRE.exe file. Once executed, Ogre might initiate changes in Windows OS, create Registry entries, and install numerous malicious files to the computer. However, the main task of the ransomware is data encryption. It aims at the most popular file types such as various picture, text, audio or video files, databases, documents, etc. However, it stays away from the crucial system files that are necessary to run the computer. Compared to other file-encrypting viruses, Ogre ransomware asks a small amount of money for data recovery. Indeed, it might be the reason why people might be willing to risk and transfer the money. Losing 20 euros may not be the biggest problem. Using a decryption software may lead to another malware attack, or you might be threatened into paying even more money. Thus, dealing with cyber criminals should never be under consideration.[1] It’s better to focus on Ogre removal and look up for other ways to recover your files.
Ransomware distribution methods and ways to avoid the attack
At the moment of writing, Ogre hasn’t started spreading widely. However, malicious spam email campaigns might soon start distributing this cyber infection. It’s the most popular distribution method. People receive an email with obfuscated malware payload, and if they are tricked to click the attached file or the included link, malware enters the system. Thus, before opening files received from unknown senders, make sure that it’s actually safe to open.[2] If an email looks suspicious, delete it immediately. Ogre ransomware virus might also be relying on malvertising and deliver malicious ads on various websites. Keep in mind that malware-laden ads might also show up on legitimate sites as well. The virus might also be presented as a useful program or crucial update in various online sources. Thus, you should choose credible sources for software downloads and install updates only from official publisher’s site.
Ogre removal should be performed using professional malware removal program
Ogre belongs to the group of dangerous cyber infections. Thus, you should not try to remove it manually. It might have installed numerous malicious files, started dangerous processes and made complex system modifications. Thus, to terminate all these components entirely and safely, you have to employ a professional malware removal program. For Ogre removal we firmly recommend choosing one of these tools: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. We can assure that these three programs are credible and can complete this task efficiently. However, malware may prevent from installing the program or scanning the system, but you can disable the virus by following the instructions below. Rebooting the computer to the Safe Mode with Networking helps to remove Ogre automatically. Once it’s done, you can restore your files from backups or try alternative recovery methods presented below.
Getting rid of Ogre virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Rebooting the computer to the Safe Mode with Networking helps to disable the virus and run automatic removal.
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
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.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove Ogre using System Restore
It's another option to disable the virus in order to scan the system with a reputable malware removal program.
-
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 Ogre. 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 Ogre from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If Ogre malware takes your files to the hostage, backups become crucial. It's the only safe and free way to recover all your files. However, if you have never backed up your important documents and photos, please try our suggested additional recovery options. We cannot assure that they will help to recover all the data, but hopefully, the most important ones will be rescued.
If your files are encrypted by Ogre, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro might restore your files automatically
This tool has been created to restore files that were accidentally deleted or corrupted after system damage. However, it was also updated and now helps victims of the ransomware to restore at least some of the 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 Ogre ransomware;
- Restore them.
Recover the most important files using Windows Previous Versions feature
If System Restore function was turned on before Ogre ransomware attack, you might be able to access the most important files by following these steps:
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Try ShadowExplorer in data recovery
If Ogre has left Shadow Volume Copies on the system, the ShadowExplorer might be helpful. Give this tool a try by following these instructions:
- 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.
Ogre Decryptor
Buying decryption key from cyber criminals may end up with serious problems, such as money loss or malware attack. Thus, we want to discourage you from having business with cyber criminals. The safe decryption tool is not available yet. Once such software will be released, we will update the information. Be patient!
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Ogre and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Graham Cluley. FBI: No, you shouldn’t pay ransomware extortionists. WeLiveSecurity. News, views, and insight on cyber security.
- ^ Estelle Derouet. 10 Tips On How To Identify A Phishing Email. Proofpoint Blog. Threat Insight Blog.