How to remove RedBoot ransomware virus

RedBoot ransomware can damage your hard drive partitions

RedBoot virus functions as a hybrid behavior of both, file-encrypting virus and a wiper. It encrypts data, appends .locked file extension, and completely overwrites Master Boot Record (MBR). The latter is responsible for how system partitions containing file systems operate. The malware also tends to modify hard drive partitions irrevocably.

Though the virus encodes data, it does not indicate the service where a user can require for Redboot Decrypter. Unless the perpetrator has the tool associated with each victim‘s computer, the decryption process is futile.^[1] The malware also delivers 5 files into the system:

• assembler.exe
• boot.asm
• boot.bin
• overwrite.exe
• main.exe
• protect.exe

Some of the files are used to compile others and, likewise, prepare for the rewriting process of MBR. The mission to do so lies on the overwrite.exe file. Additionally, the malware developers programmed the malware likewise that the users will not interrupt with the activity of the files. Protect.exe file prevents users from launching Task Manager and ProcessHacker.

Despite this, it is necessary to remove RedBoot virus as soon as possible. FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes will assist you in this process. Below instructions will explain how to bypass the intervention of the malware.

Other intriguing features

After finishing necessary preparations, main.exe starts operating. It looks for potentially important files and encodes them. It appends a common file extension used by the felons of multiple ransomware groups.

After finishing the process, the malware reloads the system and displays a red screen instead of ordinary Windows log-in screen. The brief message says:

This computer and all of its files have been locked! Send an email to redboot@memeware.net containing your ID key for instructions on how to unlock them. Your ID key is…

Interestingly, the malware some elements which let IT experts assume that it is a bitcoin miner. In other words, while the detection rate of the malware is still low, but it is now found as Win32.Trojan.Mbrmodifier.Auto, Win32:Malware-gen, etc^[2]. Thus, it is necessary to perform RedBoot removal right away.

Transmission techniques

The malware is likely to fish for new victims via spam emails or infected torrent files. In order to maximize the number of infected emails, the services of a botnet are used. As in the case of Ykcol (Locky) which employs Necurs botnet, RedBoot ransomware might be using this one as well.

Users should also be wary of corrupted apps and browser extensions. Currently, Google Chrome Web Store has been under cyber siege. Thus, besides cautiously installing new apps and extensions, fortify the protection of the PC with multiple malware removal and anti-virus tools. If updated, they will help you escape similar RedBoot hijack in the future.

Eliminate RedBoot malware

You can remove RedBoot virus with the help of malware elimination tool. Regarding the peculiarities of this malware, you likely fail to run the tool in Normal mode. In order to bypass certain functionalities of the malware, you will need to load the device into Safe Mode or even perform System Restore. Note that you can delete the above-mentioned files, but this action will not decrypt the files. Eliminate the threat and attempt data recovery.

Since the malware also meddles with the boot settings, you need to use the Windows installation disk to access Safe mode, and System Restore functions. After you load the computer and Safe Mode, you should be able to complete RedBoot removal. Note that the malware may plague all, whether you live in the UK or Greece^[3], users' computers.

Here are the instructions how to restore MBR settings:

On Windows 7:

1. Insert the Windows 7 DVD.
2. Press any key to launch DVD.
3. Select language and keyboard layout preferences. Click Next.
4. Choose the operating system, mark the Use recovery tools and click Next.
5. Wait for the System Recovery Options screen and select Command Prompt.
6. Type in the following commands and click Enter after each one: bootrec /rebuildbcd, bootrec /fixmbr, and bootrec /fixboot.
7. Eject the installation DVD and restart the computer.

On Windows 8/10 systems:

1. Insert the installation DVD or recovery USB.
2. Select the Repair your computer option.
3. Pick Troubleshoot and select Command Prompt.
4. Type the listed commands one by one and type Enter after one: bootrec /FixMbr, bootrec /FixBoot, bootrec /ScanOs, and bootrec /RebuildBcd.
5. Eject the DVD or recovery USB.
6. Type exit and hit Enter.
7. Reboot the PC.