Random6 ransomware / virus (Removal Guide) - Jul 2017 update

Random6 virus Removal Guide

What is Random6 ransomware virus?

Random6 ransomware – a virus which uses BitMessages to reach its victims

The example of Random6 ransomware

Random6 is a ransomware type virus which can encrypt user's files once it infects the system.[1] Files that were affected by this virus as marked by changing their name to a unique characters' combination – [random_characters].[6_character_ID].

Furthermore, Random6 ransomware drops either RESTORE-extension-FILES.txt or RESTORE-[6_character_ID]-FILES.txt document on victim's desktop to warn him/her about the current situation. Typically, victim is introduced with the encryption of files and them asked to pay a specific ransom. It should be sent to filesrestore@tutanota.com together with a specific victim ID.

It is clear that the ransomware assigns specific ID to every infected computer in order to mark its victims. However, there is no guarantee that you, after paying the required ransom to filesrestore@tutanota.com will receive a code that helps you recover your data. We highly recommend ignoring the demands of Random6 virus because there are lots of cases when victims were left with nothing after paying.[2]

At the moment, it is technically not possible to retrieve a decryption code. Nonetheless, daily researches on this ransomware virus raise the chances of data retrieval without paying demanded ransoms. However, before you start the recovery process (you can use backups to get your files back) you should initiate Random6 removal. To speed up the process, use FortectIntego.

Can't get through the email? Use BitMessages

Victims who cannot get through the perpetrators via the indicated email address, should sign up and send the message to the account of the hacker.

The ransom note also mentions payment in bitcoin, however, no actual sum is indicated. The malware is also set to change the computer background into background.png. The threat is set to behave as a screen locker. If you cannot control the computer, press the combination of Alt+F4.

Luckily, the ransomware does not employ an elaborate encryption technique – only Bas64. It suggests that random6/Johnnie malware might be decryptable. The analysis reveals that the malware tends to append these 4 file extension files[3]:

  • RESTORE-.llawex-FILES.txt
  • RESTORE-.dkdfln-FILES.txt
  • RESTORE-.pmxkab-FILES.txt
  • RESTORE-.upzbrf-FILES.txt

Regarding the technical specifications, it seems that the malware via created rather as a joke or a test version. It is worth mentioning that there was another crypto-malware called JohnyCryptor released last year.

Anyway, related or not, you should hurry up to remove Random6 malware. Sometimes, restarting the device helps to interfere with the encryption process.

Ways to distribute crypto-malware

Observing this virus, it is likely to infect users via trojans placed in corrupted torrent files. Alternatively, it is possible to encounter the malware after downloading a fraudulent application or clicking on the link.

More elaborate ransomware threats target netizens via browser extensions or exploit kits. You should not also forget Locky and Cerber distribution campaigns—spam emails. In order to lower the chances of hijack and prevent infiltration of malware, you will not only need an anti-spyware application but retain vigilance. The names of Random6 trojansRandom6 virus does not indicate the ransom amount.

Get rid of Random6virus

Regardless of the complexity of a file-encrypting virus, it does not recommend eliminating it manually. For that purpose, you will require a cyber security tool. If you cannot launch it, then you follow the instructions displayed below and remove Random6.

Rebooting to Safe Mode or performing System Restore will help you complete Random6 removal. These options grant you partial access to system functions. After you remove Random6/Johnnie virus, you can test some of the data recovery programs recommended under Bonus: Recover your data headline. Besides the US, the malware is active in Norway.
You can find more information about malware in the respective language in the Norwegian counterpart of 2-spyware.[4]

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Random6 virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

To remove this ransomware, you might need to disable your anti-virus. For that, Safe Mode comes in handy. Make sure you follow these steps:

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
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. 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.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

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:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

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:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. 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).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. 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 Random6 using System Restore

To remove Random6 with the help of System Restore, you can rely on this guide. Then, make sure you scan your computer with updated anti-spyware.

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Random6. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Random6 removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Random6 from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by Random6, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro method

Only after you eliminate Johnnie/Random6 malware, install this utility and attempt data recovery. So the most effective way to restore files is to use backup copies, this method may retrieve 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 Random6 ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Using ShadowExplorer

There are high chances that this software will recreate your files using shadow volume copies.

  • 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.

Johnnie/Random6 Decryptor

We do not recommend purchasing any tools recommended by hackers. Uninstall every software and tools possibly related to this virus.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Random6 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet. 

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

About the author
Linas Kiguolis
Linas Kiguolis - Expert in social media

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