Revenge ransomware - How to remove

Revenge crypto-virus is a fresh variant of ransomware that surfaced this spring. Its ransom note contains 4 versions of the same text, simply translated into separate languages. English, Italian, German, Polish and Korean variants are included into the # !!!HELP_FILE!!! #.TXT. This means that Revenge ransomware targets multiple countries and can expand its radar. The virus places its payload either in AppData or in ProgramData locations and initiates certain commands. According to the currently known facts, Shadow Volume Copies are going to be deleted so the encrypted data would not be easily restored. Every victim will be marked with a unique ID number which and hackers encourage to send them this code to three different email addresses: [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected]. Since somewhere along the way of its activity Revenge virus manages to contact its C&C server, the ID number will be determine the amount of the ransom.

Points to mention about Revenge ransomware

Besides focusing on file encryption, Revenge virus will aim for more. It can initiate a number of procedures that are not yet completely specified. However, one thing is clear: this variant can steal sensitive information about users. It collects this data from users’ browsing activities and the data they use on the Internet (for instance, logging into accounts). Other affairs that Revenge engages in are pretty common when it comes to ransomware infections. It will make modifications to Windows Registry Keys which will allow the payload to automatically launch during convenient moments.

It is discovered that Revenge virus is distributed in a vob7ubl7.exe file. It could be noticed as an attachment in fake emails. Upon its arrival, the activities we have already discussed will take place. However, we seem to have still to discuss the file encryption that Revenge virus manages to start. It is evident that this sample is not selective and can corrupt hundreds of different types of files, which means that finding appropriate data will be a piece of cake. Files will be encoded using a combination of RSA-1024 and AES-256 algorithms which will be applied to make sure that file-decryption without the private key would be close to impossible.

Older CryptoShield or CryptoMix variants seem to be somehow related with the Revenge ransomware. The latter variant choose to append encrypted data with .REVENGE extension, but that is not the only modification, made to the ruined data. This virus appears to transform files and make them unrecognizable. After encryption, the files are supposed to be constructed in the following order: [Victim’s ID][encrypted-file-name][random-string][encrypted-file-name].REVENGE.

Ways of restoring files that Revenge ransomware tampered with

People can learn more about payment requirements from hackers. After contacting them via provided email addresses, victims will be informed about the fee for decryption key. It can depend on the amount of files that have been corrupted. Paying the ransom is not an action you should choose to go with. Crooks can be deceitful and disappear after their instructions are complemented. Even though currently we cannot provide you with a free decryption tool, security researchers release such tools every once in a while. However, if you have stored you files in backup locations, then it is about time to retrieve data from them. After eliminating the ransomware infection, of course.

What tactics will Revenge ransomware select for its distribution?

Revenge ransomware was detected because security analysts detected traffic from Rig Exploit Kit, spreading this variant through EITEST. Everythingcebu.com was the website, determined to be used as the primary source. Exploit kit tampered this domain so users would be redirected to Dfg.stickneylodge.com which will then run a malicious script, infecting people with ransomware. It is possible that infection will use other strategies, like malicious spam campaigns, but now, the main distribution method is via the exploit kit.

If you are infected with this ransomware, we are here to offer support. Below you will find guidelines for manual removal, file-recovery and other useful tips. Nevertheless, removing ransomware might not be as easy and mistakes can make matters worse. For this reason, we also suggest you to consider the option of removing Revenge ransomware with an anti-malware tool. Spyhunter or Malwarebytes will certainly help you stay safe from malware.

How to recover Revenge ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before Revenge virus has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Revenge ransomware

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to Revenge virus. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Revenge ransomware affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually Revenge virus tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover Revenge ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.