How to remove Roga ransomware virus

Roga ransomware: what should you know about this file-encrypting virus?

Roga ransomware^[1] virus is an updated version of Free-Freedom ransomware which is known for locking the files instead of encrypting them. However, the newest version of the creation of the 13-year-old decrypts files and demands to pay the ransom. If we believe that the child has created this malware, we can also call the ransom childish. The hacker requires only 30 dollars by buying Play Store Gift Card^[2]. Even though the ransom is small, we do not recommend paying it and encouraging hacker to develop a more serious project. Received gift cards is a motivation to work harder on the illegal works. If your files have been encrypted, you should remove Roga from the computer right now. Of course, malware elimination won’t bring back your personal files, but this process is crucial for keeping your computer safe. Perhaps, you have data backups stored in some external device? In this case, data recovery is simple. If not, we advise you to check additional data recovery methods below. Keep in mind that data recovery is possible only after Roga removal. Therefore, run a full system scan with FortectIntego, get rid of the infection, and retrieve your files.

After infiltration, Roga ransomware does not specifically encrypt data, but modifies targeted files’ extensions and appends a new one – .madebyadam. Then, it delivers the lock screen where victims learn that all their pictures, documents, and other files are encrypted. If they want to use their records ever again, they should follow the instructions. However, there’s no need to visit provided website and pay the ransom for data recovery. Malware researchers have already found the way how to get rid of the lock screen. You just need to enter the password “adamdude9.” The previous version of the Roga virus had active “Decrypt my Files” button, so after entering the password, users were able to restore their files automatically. This variant also has it, but it is not working. However, you can restore corrupted files manually without paying the ransom.

Can I avoid ransomware?

Roga malware, as well as its predecessor, is not the real cyber threat; however, many real ransomware viruses are spreading all around the Net^[3]. We want to take advantage of this situation and tell you some tips and tricks how you can avoid ransomware. Probably, you have heard that many computer users get infected with file-encrypting viruses after opening a malicious email attachment^[4]. Indeed, it’s the most popular way to spread malware, so you should be careful with received emails and double check information before opening any attached document. Keep in mind that even safely looking Word or PDF files might hide a Trojan horse. Malware executables or exploit kits might also be hiding under malicious ads. Malvertising is quite popular malware distribution technique that allows adding infected advertisements on the regular and safe websites. This fact surprises many computer users because it is still believed that dangerous ads are placed only on high-risk sites^[5]. It’s old news! Furthermore, visiting suspicious or questionable Internet sites is not recommended as well. Also, do not get tricked by fake pop-ups that warn about outdated programs or offers installing questionable software. Never trust them!

Guidelines for Roga ransomware removal

If you got infected with Roga virus, you should not worry. If you read the first part of the article carefully, you should know that it’s not very dangerous computer infection. Therefore, you can easily get rid of it and restore your files. It’s still a ransomware virus, so we do not recommend trying to delete it manually. We suggest automatic Roga removal method. Using this method you have to install anti-malware program (e.g. FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes) and run a full system scan. Don’t forget to update the program first! The outdated program might not be able to remove Roga from the PC. If you have some difficulties with virus elimination, check our prepared step-by-step guide below.