Red ransomware – a cryptovirus that encrypts personal data by using AES encryption algorithm
Red ransomware is a cryptovirus which uses an AES code to encrypt important data and make it unusable. Red ransomware is another cryptovirus which emerged from the infamous Scarab ransomware family. It encrypts files using AES encryption algorithm[1] and adds .Red extension to every document that it locks up. For example, if you have a file named look.zip, it turns to look.zip.red. The virus places HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES ransom note into each of the affected folders soon after encryption. In the message, hackers ask victims to contact them via BM-2cTzz6rwtd8d7qd1wVegH6sZ44GbNPV8Li@bitmessage.ch email address and pay ransom in Bitcoin cryptocurrency.
Unlike some of its previous versions, a Scarab-Red virus is still not decryptable. Nonetheless, paying ransom is not recommended. As usual, these criminals might simply take your money and send no decryption key in return. This way, you will end up with locked up files and lost money. Therefore, instead of contacting cybercriminals you should remove Red ransomware and then try to recover your data in other ways.
The file locking virus can inflict various damage to your PC, such as:
Make personal files Inaccessible;
Remove Shadow Volume Copies;
Alter Windows Registry;
Block security software;
Open a path for other viruses to infiltrate the system.
.red ransomware-type virus is often distributed through links inside spam emails or their attachments. They are often disguised by using legitimate-looking names, such as “invoice.pdf,” or “restore account.html” and similar. Victims are sometimes easily tricked into opening these attachments, as the from address usually looks genuine, as well as logos and styling of official companies are used.
Ransomware is one of the most persistent and devastating computer infections which should not be underestimated. Cybercriminals often create new versions of popular viruses merely to extort money out of victims. And, even though as little as 2-4% of victims pay the ransom, it is usually enough to make a (at least a small) fortune, especially if the virus is wide-spread.
As we mentioned above, do not pay a ransom. Even if Scarab-Red ransomware encrypted our files, you still have a hope to restore them. First of all, if you have a back-up, you are safe! Just make sure you do not connect to your backed up data before you perform Red ransomware removal, regardless if it is remote cloud storage or an external device.
If you do not possess a copy of your data, it can still be saved by using Shadow Volume Copies, as the virus might fail to remove them in some cases. Additionally, you can use third-party software which could help you with file recovery (although chances are quite low).
Remember, deleting severe infections like ransomware is not recommended! Only IT professionals can execute that task, as malware's code is extremely complicated. Therefore, unless you are a programmer or a hacker yourself, stick to anti-virus software. Out team suggests using FortectIntego or Malwarebytes – these programs are designed to fight malware.
Red virus is a member of the Scarab family and benefits from desperate users by urging them to pay a ransom in order to get a decryption key for their locked files. Keep your important files safe by avoiding ransomware
According to the research of IT professionals[2], a cryptovirus usually comes hidden inside a phishing email. If you received a spam email – better delete it permanently. Ransomware is usually hidden within a deceptive hyperlink or is attached directly to the email. The attachments usually come in .doc, .pdf, .html, .zip, .exe or other file types.
Free programs shared online can infect your computer with dangerous malware as well. Even if the application is legitimate, hackers may inject its executable with malicious code and upload it on a file-sharing website. This practice has been noted in torrent hosting sites.[3]
Additionally, make sure you download and install an antivirus tool. It will help you deal with most cyber threats that you might encounter online. Most importantly, always keep it up-to-date, as virus database is updated almost on a daily basis.
Rely on professional tools in order to get rid of Red ransomware
You should definitely proceed with the Scarab-Red ransomware removal no matter how long the process will take. Without getting rid of the cryptovirus, you will not be able to use your PC properly.
For file decryption, check our last section below. You will find an array of tools you can use to attempt file recovery, as well as descriptions of how to use them. If you have a backup, get your files from there.
Compatible with Microsoft Windows
Compatible with macOS
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.
Reboot your PC to Safe Mode in order to get rid of the cryptovirus:
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 Red using System Restore
Try using the System Restore feature in order to disable the harmful activity. After that, perform some system scans:
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 Red. After doing that, click Next.
Now click Yes to start system restore.
Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Red removal is performed successfully.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Red from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.
Now you are going to read data recovery methods which are provided by tech security experts. As your PC is occupied by a serious ransomware-type virus, be sure that professional help is required.
If your files are encrypted by Red, you can use several methods to restore them:
Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Red ransomware;
Restore them.
Try Windows Previous Versions feautre
This is another professional tool which should help you get your important files back. Notice, it only will work if the System Restore function was activated before the cyber attack.
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”.
Restore your files with ShadowExplorer:
This program will recover individual files. However, it will work only if the cyberthreat did not manage to erase the Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted files.
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.
There is no official Red decryptor yet.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Red 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.
Alice Woods
- Likes to teach users about virus prevention
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