Rooe ransomware: what it is and how to remove it

From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since

Rooe ransomware - file locking malware that deletes Shadow Volume Copies to prevent easy recovery

Rooe ransomware is a new Djvu/STOP virus variant that was first spotted in mid-February 2020.

Just as its predecessors, the malware uses software cracks to penetrate the machines of random users and then encrypts all pictures, music, videos, documents, databases, PDF, and other files with the help of a secure RSA encryption algorithm.

As a result, users cannot access their files, each of which is a marked with .rooe extension; although hackers offer a deal - pay $490 within the first 72 hours of infection, and you will get the Rooe ransomware decryptor. After that, the requirement doubles, and victims are asked to pay $980 in Bitcoin.

Rooe virus also drops a ransom note _readme.txt, which also includes contact details of the attackers - datarestorehelp@firemail.cc and datahelp@iran.ir. However, if you fell a victim of ransomware, you should not hurry and pay the ransom - there are several other methods that might be able to save your data, e.g., Emsisoft's decryptor for STOP Djvu. However, before performing Rooe ransomware removal, you should backup all the encrypted files

Rooe ransomware and its forerunners have deep roots within cybercrime scene: the initial release of malware was observed in December 2017; since then, it became one of the most prolific ransomware families that target regular users. Previous versions of the family include .bboo, .alka, .repp, .btos, and many others (the total number of variants, each using a different extension, exceeds 200).

To battle this extensive malware, security researchers developed tools like STOPDecrypter that has helped thousands of victims to recover files for free, although it only worked for users whose data was encrypted with an offline ID.

Luckily, security experts at Emsisoft delivered a decryptor which works for all variants released prior to August 2019; another decryption tool works only with offline IDs as well. While not immediately, users can expect the decryptor to work in some cases, even with the Rooe ransomware encrypted files.

From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since

Rooe ransomware distribution is simple yet effective - illegal installers

One of the main reasons why this ransomware family is so successful is its simple yet efficient distribution tactics.

Malicious actors operate on various shady software crack and pirated software websites, where they upload booby-trapped installers. Users who are willing to install software and bypass the licensing process, often resort to torrent and similar websites. Unfortunately, it is a hub for malware, and Rooe ransomware is just one of many infections that victims could catch there.

It is important to notice that crack tools will most certainly be marked as malicious by almost all security vendors - this happens because of the core principle of the operation, as cracks are designed to break a code within other applications.

Therefore, there is no way to verify whether the installer actually holds the malware inside, or it would simply crack the software. Without a doubt, you should stay away from malicious installers that might result in permanent loss of personal data help on a computer.

Nevertheless, maliciosu actors always seek to expand their campaigns, and other distribution methods may be employed at any time. Therefore, stay safe by following these precautionary measures:

• Backup all your files regularly - this would potentially save you from all negative ransomware effects;
• Employ comprehensive anti-malware software with web protection enabled;
• Make sure you update Windows OS along with all the installed programs on the patch day;
• Use strong passwords for all your accounts (and never reuse them);
• Do not use the default Remote Desktop Protocol port and protect it with a password consisting of alphanumeric characters, i.e., not easily predictable one;
• When dealing with unsolicited emails, watch out for malicious attachments or hyperlinks (documents that ask you to run macro function are especially dangerous);
• Enable firewall, use VPN with RDP, and protect your browsers with ad-blockers.

From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since

Rooe ransomware might install data stealing modules and modify Windows hosts file

Rooe virus targets all the latest versions of Windows machines (Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10) that use either 64 or 32-bit architecture.

One the malicious executable, which is usually named randomly, is launched, the malware creates an entry inside %AppData% and %User% folder and then begins the infection routine. There are several changes that Rooe ransomware needs to perform within the system in order to run a successful encryption process.

For example, Rooe ransomware is programmed to disable Windows Startup function and delete Shadow Volume Copies to prevent quick recovery. For persistence, it also modifies the Windows registry database, which allows it to run each time the computer is booted.

There are few distinctive characteristics that relate to Rooe ransomware, as well as other Djvu variants, which include:

Once the necessary preparations are done, Rooe will proceed with file encryption. At this time, users may see a Windows update window - this is done deliberately in order to prevent victims from interrupting the process. A ransom _readme.txt will be presented right after that, it reads:

As previously mentioned, paying cybercriminals behind the Rooe ransomware virus is definitely not an optimal solution, as you may end up losing your money along with your already compromised files. Remember that you are dealing with criminals, and these people cannot be trusted. If you decide to pay the ransom, do it at your own risk.

As an alternative method, you can employ the decryption tool from Emsisoft, or use third-party solutions - we provide the detailed guide below.

Important note: you should backup all the encrypted data before you perform any changes to it, as you may damage it permanently, and then even hackers won't be able to decrypt it. Keep in mind that removing Rooe ransomware will not recover your files, as these two processes are not related.

Regardless if your files can be saved or not, you should also take care of the infected system. If, after Rooe virus removal, your system is unstable, use to fix the broken registries and other system files.

• Ransomware may place a data-stealing module into web browsers, which would allow hackers to collect sensitive information that is entered by victims; this information can later be used for money theft or can be sold on the dark web's underground forums;
• During the infection routine, the virus modifies Windows hosts file in the background by including all the security-focused website addresses. As a result, victims are unable to connect to these sites that would help them to remove Rooe ransomware from their systems and possibly recover files using alternative methods;
• Djvu ransomware was observed incorporating additional malware payloads during its infections process - one of such examples includes the notorious AZORult banking Trojan.

From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since

Rooe ransomware: a correct removal process

In many cases, Rooe virus infection comes as a surprise to users, as most never had to deal with ransomware before.

While it is true that file locking malware can be exceptionally devastating not only for corporations but also for regular users, it is important not to panic and perform Rooe ransomware removal steps correctly.

Employ , , or other reputable software for the purpose. However, if you do not possess backups, you need to make a copy of your locked files first and only then remove Rooe ransomware from the system. Depending on your personal situation, you may recover all, some, or none of your data using alternative methods listed below.

After you complete Rooe ransomware termination, you should go to the following location on your machine and delete the hosts file in order to be able to access security-related websites once again:

[GI=method-1]In case Rooe ransomware is tampering with your security software, access Safe Mode with Networking:

[GI=method-2]You may also try to get rid of the malware by using System Restore:

While it is not designed to decipher ransomware-encrypted data, it may help you retrieve at least some of the copies from within your hard drive.

Make use of Windows Previous Versions feature:

If you had System Restore function enabled before the malware attack, you could try this method.

ShadowExplorer may be able to recover all files under some circumstances

Try ShadowExplorer - it may be capable of recovering all files in case certain bugs occurring during the encryption process by the Rooe virus.

Try Emsisoft's decryptor

While there are few methods to check whether ransomware used an online or offline ID for your files, you should simply not bother and try the decryptor instead. You can download Emsisoft's decryptor here. Additionally, you may also ask Dr.Web to assist you, although the help is not free.