RussianRoulette ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
RussianRoulette virus started attacking computer users and encrypting their files
Recently discovered RussianRoulette ransomware virus a little bit reminds us of Stampado and Philadelphia viruses, which also uses Russian roulette principals. Sadly, malware developers often are inspired by each other success and creativity. This new file-encrypting malware is still under investigation. However, there’s no doubt that it encrypts files using a strong algorithm that can’t be broken. After infiltration, RussianRoulette virus starts scanning the system, encrypts targeted files and delivers a ransom note. Victims, who do not have data backups, may find paying the ransom the only possibility to rescue their files. However, if you still haven’t encountered the virus, you should backup[1] all important documents, pictures, and other files. In the case of ransomware attack, you will be able to concentrate on virus elimination. Bear in mind that it’s important to remove RussianRoulette as soon as it steps inside the system with a help of Reimage or other reputable malware removal tool.
Questions about RussianRoulette ransomware virus
In the ransom note developers inform about data encryption and provide the deadline to complete their instructions. After RussianRoulette ransomware attack victims lose all their files: images, videos, music, texts, databases and other important files. For data encryption malware used “a secret key” that is held on hackers’ servers. Purchasing this key may be the only way to rescue encrypted files; however, we do not recommend doing that[2]. Hackers demand 0.3 Bitcoins and ask victims to transfer them to the particular Bitcoin Wallet. When the transaction is made, they have to enter their transaction ID and click “Click to Check” button. Then, follow other instructions how to decrypt their files. Sadly, there’s no guarantee that decryption tool, provided by the developers of RussianRoulette virus, will restore damaged files. Transferring the money may end up with the money loss and another malware infection. Security experts always remind that in case of ransomware attack, you should never pay the ransom. Moreover, the number of file-encrypting malware attacks keeps growing[3], so you should be prepared for the worst and make data backups. However, with you were unfortunate and got infected, you must concentrate on RussianRoulette removal. It won’t help to recover your files; however, if you do not have data backups, you can try additional data recovery method or backup encrypted files and wait for the decryption software.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
How can I get infected with ransomware?
RussianRoulette malware is pretty new and still under investigation. However, the primary ransomware distribution method is malicious spam emails. There’s no surprise that it’s an effective way to attack inattentive and naïve computer users who tend to open any suspicious emails[4] and their attachments. However, some of innocent looking Word or PDF files might include malware executables. What is more, RussianRoulette ransomware might be spreading via malware-laden ads, fake software updates, and downloads or using exploit kits. Hence, you should be browsing the Internet and avoid suspicious places. Avoid high-risk websites and do not trust online ads, especially the ones that warns about low computer’s performance or various errors. It’s nearly impossible to be 100% protected from ransomware; however, you can take all precautions[5] to reduce the risk of the attack. Installing reputable antivirus software is one of the online security tips.
RussianRoulette removal
Bear in mind that it’s nearly impossible to remove RussianRoulette from the computer manually. Ransomware may be hiding under safe-looking files and folders, and you may accidentally delete necessary system components. Therefore, you have to remove malware using reputable and professional tools. We recommend installing Reimage, Malwarebytes Malwarebytes or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareNorton Internet Security and with the help of one of these programs delete ransomware from the computer. Automatic RussianRoulette removal requires scanning computer’s system with up-to-date software; however, malware can prevent you from doing this. If it happens to you, you have to restart your computer to the Safe Mode and try again. Detailed instructions how to reboot your PC and initiate automatic removal are presented below.
To remove RussianRoulette virus, follow these steps:
Remove RussianRoulette using Safe Mode with Networking
If malware prevents you from automatic removal, follow these steps to reboot PC to the Safe Mode.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove RussianRoulette
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete RussianRoulette removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove RussianRoulette using System Restore
If you cannot remove RussianRoulette ransomware virus automatically, follow these steps to get access to the security tools.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of RussianRoulette. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove RussianRoulette from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If you do not have data backups, try these additional data recovery methods. They might help to restore at least some of your files.
If your files are encrypted by RussianRoulette, you can use several methods to restore them:
Method 1. Data Recovery Pro
Data Recovery Pro is a professional tool that may help to restore some of your files automatically. Follow these steps to use this tool:
- Download Data Recovery Pro (https://www.2-spyware.com/download/data-recovery-pro-setup.exe);
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by RussianRoulette ransomware;
- Restore them.
Method 2. Windows Previous Versions feature
If you have enabled System Restore function before RussianRoulette ransomware attack, follow these steps to restore individual files:
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Method 4. ShadowExplorer
It’s unknown if RussianRoulette virus deletes Volume Shadow Copies of the targeted files or not. If not, ShadowExplorer tool might help you to recover some of the files:
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
About the author
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References
- ^ Casey Morgan. Top Five Reasons Why You Need to Backup Your Data. StorageCraft. StorageCraft Backup and Disaster Recovery Blog.
- ^ Jason Murdock. Ransomware: Cyber criminals have locked your computer but should you pay up?. International Business Times. Latest Breaking News.
- ^ Warwick Ashford. Encryption hiding malware in half of cyber attacks. Computer Weekly. Information Technology and Industry news.
- ^ Mark Brunelli. Five ways to detect a malicious 'phishing' email. Carbonite. Online Backup, Cloud .
- ^ Ransomware on the rise: Norton tips on how to prevent getting infected. Norton. Internet Security Center.