Remove RansomPlus ransomware / virus (Virus Removal Instructions) - Decryption Steps Included
What do we know about RansomPlus ransomware so far?
Every week we get to know new ransomware viruses[1], and this week starts with RansomPlus virus. This file-encrypting Trojan horse falls into ransomware category, as it wants to extort money from victims by making their personal files useless. As soon as the infection hits the computer system or the entire network, it converts all files into useless pieces of data by encrypting them. Encryption strength is currently unknown, and although we cannot promise, it is likely that a free decryption tool might be created by malware researchers soon. Until then, victims of RansomPlus ransomware are advised to remove RansomPlus malware using anti-malware tools such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego, and, if possible, recover files from backups.
Our expert shows the ransom note by RansomPlus virus and also files encrypted by RansomPlus. The virus adds .encrypted extensions to encrypted data.
Questions about RansomPlus ransomware virus
When RansomPlus ransomware steps into the target system and encrypts files, it also adds .encrypted file extensions to all of them and finally leaves a ransom note on the desktop. It is a short text document called YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED!!!.txt. The virus leaves the following message:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED!!!
To restore (decrypt) them you must:
1. Pay 0.25 bitcoin (btc) to address [deleted]
You can get BTC on this site http://localbitcoins.com
2. After payment you must send Bitcoin Transaction ID to E-mail: andresaha82@gmail.com
Then we will send you decryption tool.
This is a typical ransom message when criminals ask the victim to show the transaction ID to prove that the victim made the transaction and paid the ransom. As you can see, authors of this virus want victims to contact them via andresaha82@gmail.com email address. However, we must remind you that there is no point to trust cybercriminals. They can lie to you, promise you to give you a decryption tool even if they do not have it, or, in the worst case, send you a decryption tool along with some malicious programs such as Trojans[2] or spyware-type viruses. Therefore, a thorough RansomPlus removal is required in order to protect your computer from additional attacks. As you probably understood, we do NOT recommend you to pay the ransom!
How did I get infected with this ransomware?
Ransomware viruses are made to look trustworthy at first sight. For example, Locky virus[3] was probably the first one to use an obfuscation technique based on Microsoft Word. Authors of this infamous ransomware managed to insert malicious scripts into Word documents, which only needed to be activated via Macros to start carrying out malicious procedures on the target system. Nowadays, this ransomware distribution method is still one of the most efficient ones. Remember that scammers tend to deliver viruses via email, so we advise you to stay away from all shady-looking emails, and in case you receive an unexpected letter from Amazon or Paypal, do not rush to open it. It might be a phishing email[4], professionally designed by malevolent individuals. Have data backups and protect the system with anti-malware software for multi-layer protection[5].
How can I remove RansomPlus virus from my PC?
In case RansomPlus virus managed to encrypt all your files, and you do not have a backup, then you have two choices – pay the ransom and expect criminals to have mercy, or remove RansomPlus ransomware and start recreating your files from the very beginning. Although the second option sounds like a much more painful choice, at least you won’t risk losing your money. Besides, you can try these data recovery methods provided right below RansomPlus removal instructions. These instructions are meant to help you to deactivate the virus and successfully run the anti-malware program.
To remove RansomPlus virus, follow these steps:
Remove RansomPlus using Safe Mode with Networking
If you cannot start your antivirus or anti-malware software without no reason, RansomPlus virus might be trying to block it. In such case, you must carry out these instructions.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove RansomPlus
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete RansomPlus removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove RansomPlus using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of RansomPlus. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove RansomPlus 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 RansomPlus, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro
If you do not have backups, we highly recommend using Data Recovery Pro. This advantageous tool is extremely helpful when it comes to dealing with lost/corrupted/encrypted 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 RansomPlus ransomware;
- Restore them.
ShadowExplorer
Some viruses fail to eliminate Volume Shadow Copies from the system, which means the victim can use them to restore encrypted files. ShadowExplorer can easily find these copies and restore entire folders using them. Just carry out these instructions.
- 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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from RansomPlus and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
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. It is a hassle when your website is protected from suspicious connections and unauthorized IP addresses.
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 server or network manager that need to monitor connections and activities. This is how you bypass some of the authentications factors and can remotely use your banking accounts without triggering suspicious with each login.
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. It is better to clock the access to your website from different IP addresses. So you can keep the project safe and secure when you have the dedicated IP address VPN and protected access to the content management system.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer various losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Software issues created by malware or direct data loss due to encryption can lead to problems with your device or permanent damage. When you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work.
It is crucial to create updates to your backups after any changes on the device, so you can get back to the point you were working on when malware changes anything or issues with the device causes data or performance corruption. Rely on such behavior and make file backup your daily or weekly habit.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware occurs out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the system restoring purpose.
About the author
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References
- ^ Michael Mimoso. Sage and Satan Ransomware, Double Trouble. Threatpost. The first stop for security news.
- ^ Crimeware: Trojans . Norton Blog. A blog about computer security.
- ^ Locky Sends You an Invoice and Makes You Pay. Security Intelligence. Analysis and Insight for Information Security Professionals.
- ^ How to recognize phishing email messages, links, or phone calls. Microsoft Safety .
- ^ 22 Ransomware Prevention Tips. Tripwire. IT Compliance and Advanced Threat Protection.
January 30th, 2017 at 8:55 am
Files are freezed and I cannot open them anymore. Someone should have the decryptor. If someone paid the ransom and have the decryptor, please share it with other victims!
January 30th, 2017 at 8:56 am
It isnt going to help you in any way. Scammers make sure that each victim gets an individual encryption/decryption codes.
January 30th, 2017 at 8:57 am
oh goddamit! Seems like I am not going to get my hands on my OWN files ever again. It pisses me off!
January 30th, 2017 at 8:57 am
Im also infected with this virus…