RackCrypt ransomware – a dangerous threat to your personal files
RackCrypt virus, which is also known as an MVP Locker, is a malicious Trojan that can enter your computer pretending to be a safe file. Once it is inside of your computer system, it places its files on the Temp folder, adds malicious registry keys, and replaces your desktop wallpaper with a rack.com image, which includes instructions on how to recover your personal files that were encrypted by RackCrypt.
Meanwhile, this malicious computer threat activates its malicious program, which scans the computer system and searches for various personal records. It looks for images, documents, music, videos, presentations, archives, and numerous other file types. It usually targets files that have such extensions:
.doc, .docm, .docx, .jpe, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .m3u, .m4a, .menu, .mov, .mp4, .mp3, .pptx, .psd, .ptx, .qic, .raw, .sav, .tor, .wmv, .wmo, .zip, .xls, .xlsm, .wall, .srf, .svg, .layout, .txt, .pdf, .mddata and many others.
When it detects these files, it uses a powerful AES-256 encryption algorithm to lock them. You can recognize that the files were affected by RackCrypt malware by the extensions that will be added to the infected files – this virus adds .rack extension to the filename.
For instance, a file.mp3 will be changed to file.mp3.rack. It is impossible to open the encrypted files without the decryption key, and that is why RackCrypt Ransomware demands the victim to pay the ransom in order to get this particular key. However, computer security experts claim that cyber-criminals hardly ever give the decryption key even if the victim DOES pay the ransom.
You can delete the malicious files that belong to this virus using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or another reputable anti-malware software; alternatively, you can get rid of RackCrypt malware manually, although it is not recommended for regular computer users. You might miss some malicious files or damage ones that belong to Windows operating system. You should also employ FortectIntego to begin the fix of the Windows operating system.
Ransomware distribution techniques
RackCrypt Ransomware is spread using a Trojan horse technique. It is mostly distributed via malicious emails that are sent to target users. Ransomware usually aims to attack big companies because this virus can easily encrypt tons of important files on peer-to-peer computer networks. To prevent the infection of a ransomware virus, we recommend avoiding opening suspicious emails that come from unknown senders.
You should also be attentive when you download torrent files – cybercriminals often spread infected torrent files, including viruses, so be careful not to download such ones. You should rely on popular and well-known download websites only; do not wander through high-risk websites that are filled with tons of ads or provide more than one ‘Download’ button. According to our experience, such websites might promote questionable or even infectious programs, so it is better to stay away from them.
RackCrypt removal techniques
You have the option to pay the cyber-criminals and support them this way, but we do not recommend doing so because there is no guarantee that they will give you the decryption key.
It is important to remove RackCrypt virus as soon as you notice its existence; this might stop the encryption process if it is not too late yet. We have prepared a manual removal guide below this text, although it is highly recommended not to deal with this virus on your own. If you are an inexperienced computer user, you should assign this task to a professional malware removal tool.
File recovery options
Computer users must be careful while browsing the Internet because it is full of various cyber risks and threats wandering around. Needless to say, cybercriminals are working hard every day to find people who would fall into their traps.
Recently, computer security specialists have spotted that the number of ransomware attacks has significantly increased – the cybercriminals have probably noticed that this particular kind of virus can illegally generate huge profits because people get scared and frightened when someone steals their files and usually pay money in return for them. If you ever face a ransomware virus, we warn you – do not pay the ransom!
Unfortunately, there are no 100% working ways to decrypt the files affected by RackCrypt ransomware. You should keep a backup of your files stored on an external drive in case such virus attacks you; we do not recommend keeping your files on online cloud storage as some viruses are capable of accessing them via your Internet connection and wreaking havoc there as well. If you have not backed up your files in the past, the chances to recover them now are very low. However, you can try one of the following programs to decrypt some of the files: Kaspersky virus-fighting utilities, Photorec, or R-Studio.
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