How to remove Russenger ransomware

Russenger – crypto-malware oriented to English speaking users

Russenger virus is malicious ransomware-type malware,^[1] which has been discovered at the end of February 2018. The name of the virus it seems to be a combination of “Russian” and “Messenger,” since it has “Messenger” all over the executable, but later on, experts found out that the hackers borrowed a popular German surname Russenger. The virus spreads via spam,^[2] unprotected RDP configuration, malicious ads, infected software downloads, fake updates, and similar techniques. After successful infiltration, Russenger ransomware encrypts most of the files stored on the system and appends the .messenger-% random% file extension to each of them. The second part of the extension differs for each locked file.

After the successful encryption, the computer user receives a ransom note Инструкция по дешифровке.txt. The .txt file contains a text message that instructs the victim how to pay the ransom for the unique Russenger decryptor.

All your information on this computer has been encrypted.
Encrypted documents have .messenger extensions – ******
For instructions on deciphering, write an email to:
messenger@riseup.net
In the subject of the letter, specify your code for decoding:
***
If you get the answer that the mailing address does not exist:
1. Try to write to us from other emails, mail.ru, yandex.ru;
2. Try writing over time.

Extortionists insist the victim contact them via messenger@riseup.net or mail.ru, yandex.ru in case the first email does not respond. It’s not clear yet what form and amount of ransom criminals demand, but experts consider it to be Bitcoin-related ransomware.

Although Russenger ransomware virus is focused on English-speaking users, the origin of its developer is Russia. The ransom note and other information that the ransomware provides is a direct translation from the Russian language, which is why it contains many grammar mistakes. Besides, one of the main files related to this crypto-malware is 1cv8s32-n.exe. It’s an imitation of the Russian accounting software 1C.

The ransomware cannot be decrypted for free. The only way to decrypt files encrypted by Russenger ransomware is to pay the ransom for a unique decryption key. However, cybersecurity experts from NoVirus.co^[3] warn people about the danger of collaboration with cybercriminals. The latter may not even have a working decryption key, or they may not intend to send it to the victim even after the payment is transmitted. Thus, there’s no guarantee that you will get your files back.
The only trustworthy way to deal with this pest is complete removal. To remove Russenger virus from your PC employ a reputable anti-virus, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Manual ransomware removal is not possible due to multiple malicious files that it injects into system’s folders.

The bad news is that Russenger removal will swipe all encrypted files away. Nonetheless, you can try to decrypt the using alternative methods. You can find all decryption instructions at the end of this article.

Opening spam email attachments poses the highest risk or ransomware infection

While in general there’s a variety of ransomware distribution strategies that cybercriminals employ, spam email with infected attachments if the most widespread way to disseminate viruses. Extortionists distribute genuine-looking email messages via Necurs botnet or other sources, which impersonate well-known companies or governmental institutions. Such email letters may contain a body text, but usually, it’s not professionally written and may contain many grammar or type mistakes.

Such email messages will always contain a .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .png or similar attachment, which may be indicated as an official upgrade, notification or whatnot. More gullible people fall for this trick and open the attachment. Although in most of the cases opening attachments require enabling Macros, experts recently detected a wave of Macro-less spam attachments.^[4] 

In addition to malspam campaigns, people should be careful with RDP configuration, suspicious downloads, and especially legitimate –looking software update offers provided on random websites while browsing on the Internet. Such updates may disguise ransomware executable, so instead of downloading a supposed update, you may enable ransomware.

Find out how to eliminate Russenger file-encrypting virus

The fastest and the only reliable way to remove Russenger malware is to use powerful security software. It will ensure the removal of all ransomware package and other malware that might have come along with it.

Manual Russenger removal is hardly possible even if you are an advanced computer user as you can leave some malicious files intact, which can proceed with file encryption. So all you have to do is to update your anti-virus and run a full system scan with it.

If Russenger virus blocks your anti-virus or prevents you from downloading one, you should reboot the system into Safe Mode with Networking. If nevertheless, you opt for manual removal, you can find a comprehensive guide down below:

Remember that Russenger removal does not decrypt your files. However, there's a couple of methods that can help you to get the most important files back.