How to remove RaRansomware

RaRansomware – a cyberthreat that encrypts users' files, but is not fully developed yet

RaRansomware is a crypto-locker that recently emerged in the cybersecurity scene. The virus uses a combination of AES-128 and the RSA-1028 ciphers^[1] to encrypt data and appends a set of five different letters to each of the affected files. For example, a picture.jpg would be turned into picture.KUAJW or picture.EGENH after encryption. Alternatively, it can add .XVNAW file extension to the target data. However, the ransom note stays the same with both variants – the .html file is called RaRansomware – recovery instructions. It seems like the virus fails to delete Shadow Volume Copies, making the data recovery possible without paying the ransom.

Security researchers noted^[2] that the ransom note initially fails to load correctly. Nevertheless, after the machine restart, victims can read the instructions just fine. The message from RaRansomware authors states the following:

All your files are belong to us!

All your personal files, including, but not limited to: 
Photos, videos, databases and office projects have been encrypted using a mix of two very strong cryptographic algorithms – AES-128 and RSA-1028. Original files have been overwritten, recovery tools and software will not help you.
The only way to recover your files, are to meet our demands.
Be warned, we won't be able to recover your files if you start fiddling with them.
You have 120 hours (5 days) from this moment to send us payment, or you files will be lost in eternity.
To start the recovery process you need to download and install the Tor browser, which is easily done from their own home-page.
Once you have the Tor browser running you need to navigate to hxxp://recovery6m3lvkxg.onion and then input your personal id displayed below. 
Further payment instructions will be given once logged in.

Hackers seem to be familiar with the popular internet meme “All your base are belong to us”^[3] and are gladly using it in their note, which adds a bit of humor to the whole thing. Sadly, not everybody is laughing, as victims whose files are encrypted are in that danger of losing them permanently. Or at least it might seem so… 

If you got your files encrypted by this cyber threat, do not panic. We suggest you remove RaRansomware virus from your computer first and then proceed with the data recovery. As we already mentioned, the malware attempts to delete Shadow Volume Copies but fails, making file decryption possible without paying the ransom.

As the ransom note states, users have only five days to fulfill cybercriminals' demands. According to RaRansomware authors, users should download TOR browser from the official site and navigate to hxxp://recovery6m3lvkxg.onion in order to receive further instructions. 

Cybersecurity experts^[4] noted that the trend of using TOR browser increased over the past few years, as it ads an extra layer of security and anonymity. Additionally, crooks avoid using an email address which, in some cases, might be traced. However, do not associate with bad actors, as nothing good will come out of it. 

Just think about it, RaRansomware ransomware creators managed to lock up your files in deceptive ways, don't you think they might try something fishy again? For example, they might send you a malware-ridden file which will inject your PC with other viruses, such a keylogger or crypto-mining malware. What is more, it indicates that you are willing to pay, and increases chances of future attacks.

All in all, this crypto-virus does lock your files, that has many bugs which make it less dangerous. Nevertheless, we suggest you take it seriously regardless and take care of RaRansomware removal using powerful security software. We recommend using FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, but you can also pick any other legitimate tool of your liking.

Avoid ransomware viruses – be careful online

Ransomware and cryptomining malware have been the most prominent and dangerous malicious software in recent years, capable of destroying not only personal files but also affecting reputable worldwide organizations, such as the British NHS, Cockrell Hill Police Department, and even various international banks, causing millions of dollars in damages and disrupting operation.

Therefore, you should think twice before carelessly opening questionable spam emails, visiting suspicious file-sharing sites or using the same passwords for multiple accounts. The key to online safety is cautiousness, and it is worth investing time and money into it, as it can lead to devastating consequences in some cases. Of course, if none of the information on your PC is important to you, you might as well ignore all the warnings. 

Users should also be aware that crooks often abuse software vulnerabilities to get the malicious payload into the targeted device. Software developers often release updates that patch the weak spots, preventing from hackers to do their malicious deeds. Thus, patching software on time is essential.

Finally, if you do not possess anti-malware software, you need to install it straight away. Without security tools, your machine is extremely vulnerable to various online infections.

Terminate RaRansomware using security software

Ransomware viruses may be tricky to delete sometimes, as they use several evasion methods, such as denying security software operation, deleting its main executable after establishment, etc. Nevertheless, you can bypass malware's evasion techniques by entering Safe Mode with Networking. It is a diagnostic startup mode which only launches the absolutely necessary drivers and services to start the OS, thus, limiting the capabilities of malware.

Nevertheless, the Safe Mode might be not necessary to remove RaRansomware virus (it depends on its capabilities). Therefore, firstly scan your machine in normal mode, and see how it goes.

If RaRansomware removal is successful, proceed with file recovery. Below you will see several third-party programs you can use (we advise to take a great interest into ShadowExplorer, as, if the malware failed to remove Shadow Volume copies, it is a perfect tool to recover your data).