How to remove R4bb0l0ck ransomware virus

R4bb0l0ck creators base the malware on HiddenTear code

R4bb0l0ck virus is another HiddenTear-based ransomware which developers have used the script of this educational software ^[1] to create their own version of a fraudulent, ransom-extorting parasite. The jumble of numbers and letters that constitute ransomware’s title actually are the leet speak way of spelling “RabboLock” which is another name this malware is known by. Regardless of how you call it, you must remove R4bb0l0ck from your PC if you want to be able to use your device properly again.

This virus is a top-notch example of a malicious ransomware which locks victim’s documents with a strong encryption algorithm, appends filenames with .R4bb0l0ck extensions and drops a document called LEES_MIJ.txt to demand payment for the data recovery.

The text in this ransom note is Dutch, though the native speakers can’t help but notice that the language is butchered ^[2] which suggests that the creators of the virus are not Dutch and may only be targeting Dutch-speaking users. Here is the transcript of the note, in case you are interested:

Bestanden zijn encrypted met RabboLock.
Stuur me een email (naar: 7xeqjs+1scf2q9c551an4gpw@guerrillamail.com) en voldoe aan deze voorwaarden:
Ik wil staf privileges op het account dat ik zal doorgeven
bovendien wil ik 5000 kronen en 5000 diamanten op hetzelfde account + 5000 rares naar keuze verdeeld over andere accounts
Veel succes
PS: contacteer me binnen het uur anders is het te laat!

Another proof that the ransomware is targeted towards the speakers of this particular language is the fact that the extortionists demand the ransom to be paid in Danish Krones. The sum reaches around 750 dollars which may seem quite a hefty amount of money if you only have a few files stored on your computer.

Even if your computer is stacked with more important files, paying the criminals is highly unrecommended: you may be left without the decryption key after you pay the ransom. Besides, it is quite common for malware experts to come up with free data recovery tools, so you can expect one to be invented in the future and restore your files for free. Thus, you should run a system scan with some professional antivirus like FortectIntego and wait for the R4bb0l0ck removal to be finished,

After the antivirus is done eliminating the ransomware, you may try out a few alternative data recovery solutions we have prepared at the end of this page.

Ransomware takes advantage of obfuscated email attachments to get inside PCs

Infectious links, malware-laden ads, malicious software downloads or fake updates are common techniques which ransomware developers use to drop these malicious parasites on the victims’ computers. Nevertheless, there is no distribution method more successful than system infiltration via fraudulent spam emails.

R4bb0l0ck may infiltrate your PC after you download an infected attachment and open it on your PC. Such attachments typically took like legitimate documents sent from various reputable institutions or organizations. Users get massively infected with ransomware because it is tough to tell if some parcel delivery notice carries a malicious script or not.

Some of these documents may feature obfuscated files which feature PDF or Word extensions but actually hide the malicious .exe file inside. Be careful not to get infected with R4bb0l0ck and don’t trust everything that turns up on your inbox!

Perform R4bb0l0ck removal with professional anti-malware

R4bb0l0ck removal should only be performed using powerful anti-malware. Otherwise, you may permanently damage your files beyond repair. Please keep in mind that free or low-cost security software are not designed for the elimination of serious computer infections like ransomware. Thus, you should invest in a reputable antivirus utility such as FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner to make sure you remove R4bb0l0ck virus from your PC properly. We have prepared a couple of data recovery suggestions at the end of the article in case you want to try restoring some of your important files after the virus disposal.