RansomMine ransomware (Free Guide) - Decryption Methods Included

RansomMine virus Removal Guide

What is RansomMine ransomware?

Authors of the RansomMine created malware for fun

Ransom note by RansomMine ransomware

RansomMine ransomware is a more a joke than a file-encrypting virus. The crypto-malware targets Korean computer users and encrypts files with AES cryptography. However, instead of demanding to pay the ransom, developers ask to play Minecraft for an hour in order to unlock files with .RansomMine file extension.

The malicious program spreads in RansomMine.exe file and might be delivered in the form of fake software update or download, malicious email attachment or using any other traditional ransomware distribution method.

Once inside, RansomMine virus might make several modifications to the system in order to run on system startup and start data encryption procedure. However, security experts claim that current variant of the virus is decryptable and there’s no need to follow hacker’s demands.

The RansomMine delivers a pop-up window, where it says in the Korean language that users can get back access to their files if they play Minecraft 1.11.2 for at least an hour. The translation of the ransom note:

Warning
Caution All external files are encrypted.
1. What is this?
Your videos, photos, documents, etc. have been encrypted. The program uses a powerful algorithm and cannot be recovered without this program.
2. How then do I?
It is very simple. You must have at least 1 hour play time for MineCraft. (Only version 1.11.2 should be used.) Then it will be decoded automatically.
And the key is fixed, but it does not mean that it can be recovered even if it is turned off like a hardware warship!
[Encrypted file lease]
– the other phase –
MineCraft does not run

'The program is only for jokes, and it is not responsible for any problems you have encountered using this other program.

Differently, than other crypto-viruses, this one is not used for swindling the money. Nevertheless, it is used just for fun; you should still remove RansomMine. Well, if you’re a Minecraft player, you can try to follow crooks’ instructions. But once your files are recovered, don’t forget to uninstall a malicious program.

RansomMine removal is performed with reputable malware elimination program. We recommend using FortectIntego, but you can choose your preferred program too. If you encountered some difficulties with ransomware elimination, look up for removal guide below the article.

Image of RansomMine ransomware virusRansomMine ransomware promises to decrypt files if victims play Minecraft for an hour.

Learn how to avoid file-encrypting viruses

Data encoding malware usually use different strategies to infiltrate computers. These methods usually include phishing emails,[1] malvertising, bogus updates, illegal downloads, exploit kits, etc. Thus, you should not only protect your PC from viruses by installing antivirus software but also follow these security tips:[2]

  • Do not open spam emails and stay away from email attachments if you do not know the sender or the letter seems suspicious.
  • Use only legitimate download websites for software downloads and updates.
    Install all available updates in order to prevent malware from exploiting security vulnerabilities in outdated software.
  • Avoid visiting high-risk websites, such as gaming, gambling or adult-themed.

However, malware research team from Bedynet.ru[3] notes that creating and updating data backups is also important in ransomware prevention. File-encrypting viruses might be aggressive and still find the way to your PC. Thus, backups will be crucial in this situation.

Termination of the RansomMine ransomware virus

Even though this example of malware is not the most powerful ransomware on the web, it still has to be eliminated correctly. It means, you have to employ FortectIntego, Malwarebytes or another anti-malware software to remove RansomMine from the system.

If you cannot install, update or run security software, please follow the guide below. It will help to disable the virus and perform the automatic RansomMine removal. Please, do not try to eliminate malicious files manually because it may lead to irreparable damage to the system.

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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 RansomMine virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

If you have problems with virus removal, follow this guide:

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 RansomMine using System Restore

If a previous method did not help, follow these steps:

  • 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 RansomMine. 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 RansomMine removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove RansomMine 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 RansomMine, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro might help to restore missing files

If malware did some damage to your files and you cannot restore them the decryptor, Data Recovery Pro might be handy.

  • 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 RansomMine ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Windows Previous Versions feature helps to restore single files

If you need to restore only a few files and system restore was enabled before the ransomware attack, do not waste your time and follow this guide:

  • 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”.

Take advantage of ShadowExplorer

If ransomware did not delete Shadow Volume Copies, you should try ShadowExplorer for the recovery too.

  • 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.

RansomMine decryptor

Malware researcher Micheal Gillespie offers to decrypt files. Though, victims of malware should contact him in order to obtain a decryption software.

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

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Access your website securely from any location

When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.

If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.

 

Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks

While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.

Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection. 

 

About the author
Lucia Danes
Lucia Danes - Virus researcher

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