It is a ransomware that sneaks into your computer system and encrypts most of the important data over your computer. .AURORA virus ransomware uses RSA-2048 which is an asymmetric algorithm. The malware changes the extension of the files from default extensions to ‘.aurora’ or others after which it is impossible for the user to access the files or folders on his system. A .txt (text) file with the name, ‘HOW_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt’ or ‘!-GET_MY_FILES-!.txt’ on it is created and placed in every folder that the malware encrypts.
What do they want?
Like most of the ransomware, this file opens and threatens the victim to pay the designated ransom or else they’ll not be able to access the information any more. The developers of this ransomware will provide an email that can only be used to make a payment. This payment will let the victims buy a decrypter designed by the developers. Without this decrypter it is impossible to decode the encryption.
The AURORA virus ransomware uses RSA-2048 algorithm to encrypt the files. This algorithm has an attribute to create two keys one is encryption key (public) and the other one is decryption key (private). File restoration is impossible without the second Key. These keys are stored in a secure server at a private location. Victims must pay a sum of $ 100 using crypto-currency. And, even if the victims pay the ransom they are most likely to be ignored afterwards. This is what a scam is! There are no decryption tools to decode the encryption implemented using RSA-2048 encryption.
Threat Summary
Name | AURORA virus |
Type | Ransomware, crypto-virus |
Category | Malware |
Targeted operating system | Windows |
Extension | .AURORA |
Distribution Methods | Spam mails, malicious adware, software bundling, malicious websites |
.AURORA uses RSA-2048 algorithm, so, by the moment it enters your computer via spam mails or malicious sites/adware, it encrypts the important files of the entire system and give them different extension other than the extension given by the system such as .txt, .jpg etc. The main attribute of this algorithm is that when once applied it generates two keys; public and private. The second key can only be used to decrypt the locked files.
The developers of these malwares attach them via bundling to some software. By the moment the user downloads this malicious software, a process runs in background enabling the malware to download itself into the system of the user. Once it gets downloaded into the system of the user, it encrypts most of the files and folders of the user’s system. This encryption can only be decrypted by the keys that the developers promise to provide in exchange of the ransom.
This threat compels the users to pay the ransom in favor of decryption key. There will be a text file created by the developers in each of the encrypted folder. Upon opening this file a message will pop-up on the screen that will let you know about the demands of the cyber criminals. These impacted system folders cannot be decrypted unless a ransom is paid.
It is recommended to the victims not to pay the ransom demanded by the developer as there is a possibility that they might ignore you after the ransom has been paid. This will lead to the loss of your data.
New file extensions
The current versions of this ransomware infect the users’ computers and change the file extensions to following names:
If your PC has been infected by the same ransomware, you may employ the removal guide given below and get rid of the AURORA virus ransomware.
There are many ways by which this malware can enter your system. You must avoid doing the below in order to stop the malware from entering into your system:
The fake updates are the easiest gateways for the malware to enter into the system. This update might also create or induce bugs to the software causing it to crash. So you should be aware of these key paths through which the malware enters and infects the system.
To restart the system to Safe Mode with Networking, if already switched ON then follow the below steps:
5 Click on the username and enter the password (if any).
If starting in safe mode doesn’t help and the extension on files is still there you need to delete its registry key.
After you delete the registry key of .AURORA and the extension is still there! You need to delete the services of .AURORA using Command Prompt.
Once the system starts, ensure to use an account with administrative privilege to access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
After the user enters admin credentials, Command prompt window is displayed wherein you are entitled to enter the below commands:
Even after you’ve deleted the services and extensions don’t go away! The last option now, is to restore your system settings and files to a previous date this will delete the ransomware’s existence from each tech-corner of your system.
OR
OR
Continue to follow steps 4 & 5 of Method 2 to restore the System Files and settings.
The users should first of all avoid the infection methods and must not interact with unauthentic websites or mails. Secondly the user must follow the steps below to prevent system from getting infected:
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