Recme ransomware (Removal Guide) - Recovery Instructions Included
Recme virus Removal Guide
What is Recme ransomware?
Recme ransomware – yet another version of an infamous Scarab ransomware
Recme is a ransomware-type virus which is related to the Scarab virus family. There is a huge possibility to get infected with this virus via spam as all viruses from Scarab group have been spread via Necurs botnet. Once Recme ransomware is fully downloaded to the system, it initiates files' encryption by using symmetric or asymmetric encryption codes.[1] The virus is using .[hexadecimal_number].recme extension to mark affected files and make them worthless. Additionally, it places a copy of HOW_TO_RECOVER_ENCRYPTED_FILES.TXT ransom note in every folder which informs the user that the computer system is infected and that files are encrypted. To recover everything back, the victim is required to pay the ransom.
| Name | Recme ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| Danger level | High |
| Extension name | .[hexadecimal_number].recme |
| Ransom note name | HOW_TO_RECOVER_ENCRYPTED_FILES.TXT |
| Ransom currency | Cryptocurrency (e.g. bitcoin) |
| Elimination | You can get rid of this virus by using FortectIntego. |
The price for the decryption of files encrypted by Recme ransomware can differ. However, each of its victims is required to use bitcoin currency as the developers of the ransomware are actively trying to keep themselves anonymous. However, we do not recommend sensing such payments to ransomware developers because people often are scammed after they transfer their money to buy the decrypter. Keep in mind that these scammers are trying to make their business profitable, so be careful and clear-minded while making decisions – do not let the criminals achieve their goal! According to specialists from Untanvirus.se,[2] at the moment, there is no legitimate decrypter for Scarab ransomware and its versions.
Decryption keys, which are needed to unlock blocked files, are typically saved on a remote server which belongs to virus developers. As we have mentioned, the virus is using two different encryption codes, so there is no chance to guess these keys or find them on the Internet. If you think you are infected, the first thing you should do is Recme ransomware removal. Additionally, if you don't have backups of your encrypted files, try methods that we provided below.
To remove Recme ransomware from your PC, you need to install an anti-malware program, for example, FortectIntego, and run a full system scan to find all suspicious components on your computer. This is a trustworthy and safe way to perform ransomware removal on your system without eliminating useful system components. Additionally, try Windows Previous Versions feature, Data Recovery Pro, and similar apps to recover locked data.
Ransomware usually sneaks in through spam messages
One of the main techniques that ransomware-type viruses are spread is by using spam emails. Once opened, these kinds of messages download their malicious content to the system and it gets infected. However, we should also warn you that P2P sites,[3] such as eMule or Torrents, can also lead you to ransomware infiltration.
The easiest way to prevent ransomware-type viruses on the system is installing reputable security software and keeping it up-to-date. However, you should also pay attention to safe browsing practices if you want to avoid viruses and data loss. Here is some guidance on how to stay safe and avoid ransomware:
- Opt for Custom or Advanced installation mode and deselect all suspicious attachments of the software if using third-party installers or if visiting third-party download websites;
- Use only trusted sources for downloading software, and avoid clicking on indirect downloading links;
- Be cautious while opening spam emails. If they look dubious to you, send them to the trash section;
- As we have mentioned, install an anti-malware tool and regularly check if it is up-to-date. It will scan your computer system and detect all infections possible.
Most important – ALWAYS be cautious while surfing the Internet. Better slower but safer.
Recme ransomware removal guidance
To remove Recme ransomware from the system, download an anti-malware tool, for example, FortectIntego, Malwarebytes, or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. Serious help is needed as this cyber threat can do a lot of damage to your computer system and data which is kept on it. You can not only lose your documents, photos, and similar files but can also become the victim of identity theft.
Nevertheless, we should also warn you that Recme ransomware removal can become a complicated task as as the virus might try to prevent its removal by blocking anti-virus software. To overcome this issue, we recommend turning Safe Mode with Networking on or trying System Restore. Remember, DO NOT pay the ransom because there is a 99% possibility that it will not solve your problems.
Getting rid of Recme virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
To get rid of Recme Ransomware, access Safe Mode with Networking at first. For that, follow this guidance:
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
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
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:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- 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).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- 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 Recme using System Restore
If the first option was not helpful, try to restore your system by doing these steps:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Recme. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
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 Recme 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 Recme, you can use several methods to restore them:
Use Windows Previous Version feature to recover your data
This method should help you restore important files to their starter positions. Notice that this option will work for you only if you had System Restore function enabled on your computer.
- 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”.
Recover your encrypted files by using ShadowExplorer
If Previous versions feature did not help, try using ShadowExplorer. It should help you to break through your locked documents.
- 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 Recme 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.
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- ^ Description of Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption. Microsoft support.
- ^ UtanVirus.se. UtanVirus.
- ^ P2P Definition. TechTerms.