RansomWarrior — a malicious ransomware virus which is already decryptable
RansomWarrior is a ransomware-type cyber threat which manages to break through the system's backdoors to encrypt victim's files. According to security experts, this malware is hailing from India and, having in mind that it is using the “1.0” numbers in its name, we can expect to see more versions in the future. Once inside the computer, the virus causes changes to Windows Registry. Such modification is needed for the virus to start its activity as soon as the victim reboots the computer. Once active, RansomWarrior 1.0 starts encrypting user's files and marks them with the .THBEC appendix. Once files are corrupted, the virus drops a ransom note that announces the secret invasion and offers a decryption tool in exchange for a certain amount of money. This ransomware had an active month. However, in September 2018 security experts presented the RansomWarrior decryption tool, so don't even consider making the payment for virus owners.
| Name | RansomWarrior |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| version | 1.0 |
| Appendix | .THBEC file extension |
| Cipher used | AES-256 |
| Who is responsible for virus distribution | According to Malware Hunter Team, it's Indian hackers |
| Distribution | Spam messages, corrupted websites, malicious ads and links |
| prevention | Install antivirus protection, avoid dubious sites |
| decryption | You can find the Decryption Tool here |
| Deletion process | Use FortectIntego |
The amount of ransom asked by hackers who are spreading RansomWarrior differs each time. Usually, cybercrooks urge people to use cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, Monero, etc. This is done to stay safe from being tracked. However, we strongly recommend not paying the demanded ransom because there is a free ransomware decryptor presented by security experts. Besides, hackers are also offering their victims to try their decryption service by recovering two files. However, we should warn you one more time that having contact with cybercriminals can lead you to serious consequences.
However, before you start the encryption procedure, follow recommendations of malware experts[1] and get rid of the ransomware at first. For that, download FortectIntego or any other similar program that can help you remove RansomWarrior virus from your computer system. This should be done as soon as you spot the symptoms of ransomware on your computer to avoid further loss of your data.
According to the latest analysis, some ransomware[2] viruses have a feature helping them to continue files' encryption during the time. One of such examples is Rapid ransomware. It is still unknown whether this ransomware is capable of doing that. However, this is just another reason to perform the RansomWarrior ransomware removal as soon as possible.
If you want to avoid a possibility of having your data damaged by such a virus as RansomWarrior ransomware, you need to store your most important files (business documents, science data, even art) in a safe place. One of the best options would be to keep these files on an external hard drive, USB key or iCloud. Information will become reachable only for you, e.g. its owner.
Avoid ransomware attacks in the future by applying safety tips
Most commonly, ransomware infections are spread through phishing messages which cybercrooks tend to send straight to victims' email boxes. Such email messages come looking like they are truly legal or even useful notifications from a well-known company. They might look like recommended updates, executable files, etc. However, if you receive spam[3] – be quick to get rid of it to avoid possible harm.
To continue, always be careful while browsing the web, do not visit any dubious sites, or click on unrecognizable links. Scan your whole computer system with an antivirus program once in a while, just to make sure that no harmful content managed to break through the security system unnoticed.
September 2018 comes with the decryption tool for RansomWarrior ransomware
The virus was discovered at the beginning of August and, after a month of attacking, it has become defeated. Thanks to Check Point, the decryption tool for RansomWarrior 1.0 was presented within such a short period of time. However, it seems that the main reason why experts managed to find the keys is inexperienced virus developers who left the executable file with the extension .NET not protected or packed in any way.
Because of this fact, Check Point's team was able to extract the keys in the following way:
As a result, the Check Point Research team has been able to extract those keys, and, as the key’s index is saved locally on the victim’s computer, provide the correct keys to the Ransomware itself in order to unlock the files. Below is a Decryption Tool available for download, along with a usage guide, for anyone infected by RansomWarrior.
Delete RansomWarrior virus before recovering your files
To remove RansomWarrior virus from your PC system and prevent further possible damaging consequences, you need to download and install anti-malware. We recommend using FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Also, you can feel free to use any other trustworthy anti-malware tool if wanted. Don't forget to update the program before running a scan on your computer. Check if all virus-related components are permanently erased.
After you carry out the RansomWarrior ransomware removal, use the official decryptor to recover your encrypted data. Finally, be sure to do some system backups to save your most important files from ransomware infections in the future. You can save your most important data on external drives, clouds, and similar locations.
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