Rijndael ransomware - How to remove

Rijndael crypto-malware is a virus by a hacker that goes by a nickname of humanpuff69. This is not the first creation from this hacker as there appears to be an older variant, comparable with the Rijndael infection. This piece of file-encrypting malware features a screen-locker which prevents users from accessing their whole system. Nevertheless, a weirdly-named Rijndael virus is easily treatable as both the code to escape a locker and the tool for file decryption have been designed. The name Rijndael simply refers to the AES encryption which is presumably the algorithm to be applied to the files that the infection finds suitable for the encoding process. The creator partially does not hide his/her identity and leaves enough evidence to suggest that this ransomware sample is crafted by humanpuff69.

Rijndael ransomware and essential information about it

Rijndael crypto-virus surfaced during the first days of April but was soon solved. It turned out that this infection poses as a Bitcoin Miner application which helps users earn bitcoins and exchange it into real money. A source for a malicious BitcoinMiner.exe might become basically anything: a vulnerable website or an email account. The screen-locker that Rijndael inflicts on users features instructions that victims are to contact hackers behind this infection via [email protected] address. Since bitcoin wallet is not provided on the screen, we are confident that crooks will reveal a bitcoin account which is to receive the ransom.

Victims of Rijndael might feel like they are in a vulnerable position and there is no risk-free way of escaping it. However, getting rid of this ransomware will be a smooth sailing. Security researchers quickly generated that the universal code 83KYG9NW-3K39V-2T3HJ-93F3Q-GT should close the lock-screen and allow victims to access their data. Once they are inside, we do understand that the files will remain encrypted. Therefore, the problem is not fully solved.

However, files that are appended with an ugly extension .fucked are to be decrypted with a unique tool. Do not even think about paying the 0.5 BTC which equals 567.91 US dollars: there is no reason to do this. Presumably, an older decryption tool is supposed to help restore files to their original state. You can download this program by clicking here. Be warned that the download will start automatically.

If you are a victim of Rijndael ransomware, follow these instructions and your system should be back to normal. Nevertheless, the fact that the virus managed to enter a device means that its security measures are in need of some attention. If you wish to see whether more malware has not compromised your computer device, we advise you to run a thorough scan with an anti-malware tool. We offer Spyhunter, Plumbytes and Hitman for the job.

Methods to become immune to Rijndael and any other ransomware

We have already discussed the ways that Rijndael virus is to become a vague memory. However, you should remember that you have to be aware of other methods that can protect you from malware threats. First of all, we suggest you back up your data in storages. If you are not able to obtain your files from the original source, you will be able to get it from the alternative location. If, for some unknown reason, you do not trust online storages, we recommend you to keep data in USB flash drives.

Routes that Rijndael ransomware travels to infect devices

Once an infection becomes ready to complement its main task, hackers will have to decide on the way to distribute it. Rijndael virus can be spotted in bizarre file-sharing facilities, allegedly offering Bitcoin Miner. This application, if downloaded from respectable source, is legitimate. Nevertheless, if you find such an executable in your email inbox or in a pop-up, realize that downloading it from there would be unwise.

How to recover Rijndael 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 Rijndael virus has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Rijndael 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 Rijndael virus. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Rijndael 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 Rijndael 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 Rijndael 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.