RSA-4096 Ransomware (Removal Guide) - Jun 2018 update

What is RSA-4096 Ransomware?

RSA-4096 ransomware is a file-locking virus that uses strong encryption algorithm to take victim's files hostage

RSA-4096 is the encryption algorithm used by different ransomware to encrypt target files.

RSA-4096 ransomware^[1] is a malicious crypto-virus that relies on RSA cipher while trying to encrypt victims' files and convince them into paying the ransom. Previously, security experts reported that this malware is related to TeslaCrypt which had been spreading around since 2015 but was shut down by its developers in May 2016 when they released the decryptor^[2] However, the virus has inspired several malware developers who have started using “All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-4096” message after encrypting targeted victim's files. This encryption model is very popular and can be used by any ransomware virus to lock down files and make them unusable.

Initially, RSA-4096 ransomware was targeting video games – saved games, player profiles, custom maps and similar data was put into danger. Newer variants that rely on the same encryption method are targeting all kinds of data and are asking around $500 or more in bitcoins for files' decryption. Victims are typically informed about the requirement to pay the ransom via the ransom note which is saved in each of the affected folders.

RSA-4096 ransomware typically enters targeted machine via contaminated spam email attachments or malicious links, downloaded from hacked sites or fake updates, or can be brute-forced via poorly protected RDP configuration. The malware was also spread via the Angler Adobe Flash exploit.^[3] All these entry methods are preventable, as long as you are attentive enough.

Further functionality of the virus

As soon as the virus enters the machine, it executes its payload and makes certain changes to system files, including registry entries. This allows it to boot up every time Windows is started. Then, ransomware scans the machine for files, including .pdf, .doc, .gif, .mp3, .txt and others. Program and system files are not touched. Unsurprisingly, the malware uses RSA-4096 encryption algorithm to encrypt files and hold them hostage. The public and private keys are generated.

The data is encrypted by a public key and needs the private key to be encoded. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are hiding these keys on a secret server which is accessible only to them. Hackers abuse this situation and urge users to pay up for the decryptor. However, we do not recommend contacting crooks, as they can trick you into installing other malware, as well as ignore you completely, even after the payment is processed. Simply proceed with RSA-4096 ransomware removal, and then decode your files using official decryptor or third-party software.

Of course, the most secure way to recover files is by getting them back from a backup. It does not matter if the backup is virtual (cloud services, such as Dropbox or OneDrive) or an external drive can be used. Note that external drive should not be connected to the compromised machine before the virus is removed, as all files from a backup will be contaminated as well. Nevertheless, if you got infected, we suggest you remove RSA-4096 using reputable anti-malware software, such as FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner.

The dropped ransom notes usually come in HTML or PNG formats and display a lengthy message. The following reads:

NOT YOUR LANGUAGE? USE https://translate.google.com

What happened to your files ?
All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-4096.
More information about the encryption keys using RSA-4096 can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)

How did this happen ?
!!! Specially for your PC was generated personal RSA-4096 KEY, both public and private.
!!! ALL YOUR FILES were encrypted with the public key, which has been transferred to your computer via the Internet.
Decrypting of your files is only possible with the help of the private key and decrypt program, which is on our secret server.

What do I do ?
So, there are two ways you can choose: wait for a miracle and get your price doubled, or start obtaining BTC NOW, and restore your data easy way.
If You have really valuable data, you better not waste your time, because there is no other way to get your files, except make a payment.

For more specific instructions, please visit your personal home page, there are a few different addresses pointing to your page below:
[Link]

If for some reasons the addresses are not available, follow these steps:
1. Download and install
2. After a successful installation, run the browser and wait for initialization.
3. Type in the address bar:
4. Follow the instructions on the site.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Your personal pages:
[Link]

As we already mentioned, do not pay attention to any of these taunts and proceed with RSA-4096 ransomware removal immediately.

RSA-4096 ransomware was previously a part of TeslaCrypt virus which was discontinued in 2016. Now the algorithm is used by other ransomware viruses.

Ransomware spreads using spam mainly

Even if you take precautions and do not visit suspicious websites, malware, such as ransomware, can get executed on your computer by using clever social engineering tricks, such as phishing emails. Indeed, while some of the scams look fake and cheap (poor grammar and spelling, no logos, questionable email address, etc.), some of the spam emails distributed by bots hackers employ might be pretty convincing.

Thus, do not be too trustful when it comes to suspicious emails. Always check the “From” address carefully, and generally do not open any attachments, such as pdf, txt, doc or other files. If you really need to know if the email is genuine, merely contact the company the alleged email is sent from and ask if it is legitimate.

Other distribution methods of ransomware include:

• Poor passwords
• File-sharing sites
• Fraudulent downloads
• Fake updates
• No RDP protection
• Exploit fits

Simply take care extra precautions, and you should be safe. Nevertheless, there is no 100% way to protect yourself. However, you can always improve your chances of avoiding malware by employing a security program, updating software on time, bypassing suspicious sites, and backing up your files frequently.

The ransom note of this kind of virus says: "All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-4096."

RSA-4096 ransomware removal requires special knowledge

Technically, there is a way to remove RSA-4096 virus manually. However, most people have no technical knowledge or skills to proceed with such operation. Keep in mind that this encryption algorithm is very complicated and cannot be solved without twi different keys: the public and private one. If you are a regular computer user, do not try guessing numbers yourself because there is almost no possibility that you will find the code that you need.

Nevertheless, you should also avoid contacting ransomware developers while trying to end up with RSA-4096 ransomware removal. Ransomware is a dangerous virus that is extremely prevalent. Thus, the anti-malware tool is the most reliable way while trying to get rid of malicious files. For that, we recommend installing FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner that is capable of detecting all malicious files. If your anti-virus is blocked by malware, you can try booting the machine in Safe Mode with Networking (as explained below) or use System Restore. Then, run a full system scan.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT try to recover your files before you are finished with malware elimination, as all your files will get encrypted again.