How to remove R2U ransomware

R2U ransomware can lock users' files using encryption algorithms for financial gain

R2U ransomware was created to infiltrate users' machines and lock their personal files, like photos, videos, and documents using complicated encryption algorithms.^[1] The developers of such malicious programs seek to gain revenue by asking to be paid for a decryption key.

Once the ransomware enters the system, it immediately starts the encryption process which changes the file names and appearance. If a file was previously named picture.jpg, after encryption it would look like this – picture.jpg.R2U. The icons are also changed to white pages so thumbnails are unavailable. The affected files cannot be opened or used.

The ransom note

The R2U ransomware generates a ransom note with a file name ReadMe.txt. Generally, ransomware developers use the note to explain all the instructions. They typically tell victims that they have to pay money in order to get their files back. The most common choice of payment is cryptocurrencies,^[2] and more specifically – Bitcoin.

Hackers choose this form of payment because it provides anonymity. Once you make a cryptocurrency transaction it is irreversible, and it is impossible to get the tokens or coins back once you send them to another wallet. It is very risky to pay the ransom to cybercriminals because they cannot be trusted.

Many previous ransomware attack victims have come forward and shared their experiences. A lot of people never heard back from the threat actors once they sent the money. You are also in a way encouraging and funding this malicious activity.

Although it may be painful to lose your files, remember that you take a huge risk by paying shady individuals. You might be simply scammed. We recommend backing up all your important files to prevent data loss in the future. In this guide, you will also find a third-party solution that has helped some people.

How is ransomware spread?

Criminals use clever social engineering tactics to persuade people to download infected email attachments. Sometimes they do extensive research on their targets to make the email seem as legitimate as possible. That is why it is best not to open random email attachments.

If it is sent from a person you know, double-check with them through a different platform to see if it was really them who sent it. The file can be delivered in a variety of formats, including a ZIP file, PDF, Word document, Excel spreadsheet, and more. 

Another channel commonly used by ransomware developers to spread the malicious programs is Torrent sites. Pirated software is an easy way for ransomware to enter the system. We urge you not to use peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms^[3] as they are full of malware.

One of the most important things when it comes to keeping your system safe is keeping it updated. This includes the operating system itself and the software. Hackers like to use software vulnerabilities^[4] to deliver malicious programs. Developers regularly release important security patches that should be installed if you want to prevent your machine from getting exploited.

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. Disconnecting the ethernet cable or disabling the Wi-Fi should do the job for home users. 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 R2U 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, 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 R2U 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.