How to remove Rijndael ransomware virus

Ransomware newcomer Rijndael virus uses well-established techniques to execute attacks on victims

Rijndael virus (a.k.a. DN Ransomware) is a new crypto-ransomware ^[1] that the computer users should be aware of. The malware is named after the encryption algorithm that it employs to encrypt victims’ data and demand for a hefty ransom later. This particular cipher was created by Belgian cryptologists in 1998 and, a few years later, was acknowledged as the Advanced Encryption Standard ^[2]. Undoubtedly, the well-established technology and virtually impossible decryption have become the primary reasons why hackers tend to choose AES scripts as their preferred way of encrypting victims’ data. It is interesting that the hackers behind Rijndael virus introduce this encryption as a novelty while, in reality, it has been around for nearly 20 years. While there is no denying that this encryption code is really an unbreakable one, extortionist goal is to increase the scare factor to the maximum and coax the victims into paying for their files. These strategies eventually boiled down to the ransom note you can see below:

Your Computer files is encrypted
all files is encrypted with extremely
powerfull new RIJNDAEL encryption

that no one can break except you have
a private string and IVs

To Decrypt Your File, You Should Pay Me
0.5 BTC (864.98 USD)
Contact Me:
Riptours01(@)gmail.com

insert your code here:
[Decrypt!] – button

The worst part is that the cyber criminals, who call themselves Deathnote Hackers, are telling the truth, and the only way to truly get back the access to the files encrypted by Rijndael is by using a private code purchased from the hackers. Unfortunately, paying hackers the 0.5 BTC they demand does not guarantee anything. The crooks will surely take the money, but they will not necessarily hand the decryption key to you ^[3]. At the end of the day, you will most likely lose both, your files and your money. The ransomware attack will result in less damage if you remove Rijndael before even attempting to communicate with the victims. Just remember to use proper tools for the virus elimination and don’t even try eliminating the virus yourself! Employ FortectIntego, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or similar software to banish this malware from your computer and expert recommendations to recover at least some of your data.

Apart from the threatening ransom note, there are other ways you can tell the device has been infected with this undesirable cyber infection. The most obvious are, of course, the audacious “.fucked” extensions that the virus appends to every encrypted file, document, media file or archive. These extensions will remain installed even if the virus is eliminated from the computer which may be rather annoying. Another factor that gives the ransomware away is the Rijndael.exe process running in the Task Manager. Even if the virus blocks you from accessing this tool, you should be aware this process will most likely be running in the background of the system anyway and be able to create, read and modify system settings. You can never know what the virus creators will come up with next, that’s why Rijndael removal should not be put on hold for long. Besides, the faster you eliminate the malicious script from your computer, the more files you are likely to save.

Main channels of ransomware distribution

Rijndael virus is currently distributed rather sluggishly and we should be happy about that. Nevertheless, the application of spam, phishing campaigns ^[4], drive-by downloads, exploits, Trojans ^[5] and bunch of other techniques for the virus distribution can surely expand the scope of the virus prevalence online. There are numerous channels for the virus to get through and system vulnerabilities such as outdated software or unsupported operating system that does not receive security updates can increase the chances of infiltration quite significantly. If you care about your files and your computer’s wellbeing, please make sure you regularly update and keep backup copies of important files somewhere safe.

How to dispose of Rijndael recover your files?

Before anything, you should concentrate and carefully remove Rijndael virus from the hijacked system. Antivirus scanners will help detect and eliminate the malware to its last malicious file, so you could get started with system recovery without the risk of encountering some leftover ransomware files. When you are sure Rijndael removal has been successful, you may then proceed to the recovery procedures. Remember that you may have to try out several techniques to achieve the best results, but don’t expect too much. These recovery methods can be found below the article.