GUIDE TO REMOVE REKTWARE RANSOMWARE

Rektware Ransomware is a crypto-virus that has been added to the family of Ransomware recently. The pursuit of Rektware Ransomware was first reported on 14^thSeptember 2018 by Serbian Security researcher GrujaRS. The relatively smaller Sample size of Rektware Ransomware as compared with other large scale ransom attacks signifies the ongoing development & spread methodology.

The identifiers signifying the surrender to this crypto-virus are:

• Inaccessible Files
• Random extensions .CQScSFy and .2PWo3ja
• Numerically Renamed Files

The origin & distribution location of this malicious newly discovered virus is still vague. However, it is known to be developed by a team of remote hackers with the sole motive to mint illegal money through innocent users. It has infected millions of systems across the world so far. It can smartly plunder all the versions of Windows Operating System.

Following the invasion, it encrypts all the files in the system and demands a ransom to purchase a decryption key. The ransom note is a FIXPRZT.PRZ file. The amount is to be paid within next 48 hours in the form of bit coins, which can be quite expensive. The ransom note is pursued by a threat that inability to pay the demanded amount can lead to permanent deletion of the files.

Threat Behaviour and Distribution of Rektware Ransomware

This malign virus seizes the system by sneaking in with a clump of other vicious software/applications that users download unintentionally by clicking on “alluring advertisements”. Lack of understanding and careless attitude of users towards the security of their system are the culprits behind this accidental installation.

Several other techniques through which Rektware crypto-extortionist invades the system are:

• By visiting malicious sites
• Spam phishing campaigns (it constrains the users to think that the notification is received from a legitimate site)
• Updating freeware program (a software that is available to download free of charge)

Following this pernicious invasion, Rektware Ransomware will first block the Windows Firewall, Task Manager, Control Panel and current Antivirus program. Secondly, it encrypts all the saved data and files in the system by adding its own extensions, hence making it inaccessible to the users. It renames the files with certain numbers followed by the extensions .CQScSFy and .2PWo3ja.

Successful encryption of the files will be followed by a ransom note, which states that all the data in the system has been encrypted. The data can only be restored after paying a ransom of 500 US Dollars in the form of Bit coins.

Moreover, the smart behavior of Rektware will leave the users astonished, as it is also able to add malign extensions to popular browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer. In this way, Rektware may trace user’s search queries, to bombard the screen with thousand irrelevant ads based on the preferences.

Rektware can further invite many unwanted guests on your PC like adware, malware or even Ransomware!

Targeted Files

Rektware Ransomware uses strong cryptographic algorithm to encrypt files by renaming them and adding its own extension to the end of the files. The sole motive of this crypto-extortionist is the swindle the victims by persuading them to pay decryption fee to its developers.

The files targeted by the Rektware Ransomware include:

• Archives
• Backups
• Databases
• Images
• Videos
• Audios
• Games
• MS-Word, MS-Excel, MS-PowerPoint

Threat Summary

Name: Rektware

Targeted Operating System: Windows

Category: Ransomware, Cryptovirus

Symptoms: A strong cryptographic algorithm encrypts the files in the user’s system. The infected files are renamed with certain numbers followed by the vicious extensions .CQScSFy and .2PWo3ja, making them inaccessible to the users. A ransom note appears on the victim’s system demanding a ransom of 500 US dollars in the form of Bit coins. Ransom note if followed by a threat that inability to pay the amount will lead to permanent deletion of data.

How to remove Rektware Ransomware from the System:

STEP A: Remove the services installed by Rektware Ransomware from the System using Safe mode with 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:

1. Type the command “sc delete Rektware Ransomware” in the command prompt and press Enter.
2. Type “exit” to exit the command prompt and restart the system in safe mode with command prompt.

STEP B: Restore your system files and settings

Tips to prevent your computer system from getting infected –

1. Keeping the Operating System Updated- In order to remain protected and avoid such infections, it is recommended to keep your Operating System updated by enabling the automatic update on your system. The systems with outdated or older versions of Operating System become an easy target for the attackers.
2. Resist clicking on spam emails – One of the major techniques used for malware distribution is forwarding spam emails to the user. The system gets infected as soon as the user clicks on the attachment. These mails appear to be genuine, so be aware and resist falling for these tricks.
3. Keep an eye on third party installations- It is quite important that you take due care while installing any third party applications for they are major source of such infections. Such malware programs come bundled with the free applications thereby requiring the user to remain cautious.
4. Regular periodical backup- In order to keep your data and files safe, it is recommended to take regular back up of all your data and files either on an external drive or cloud.
5. Use Anti-Virus Protection- We strongly recommend the use of antivirus protection/internet security in your PC like BullGuard and Sophos so that it remains safe.
6. Enable the Ad Blocker/Popup Blocker in your browser- Enabling the popup blocker/ ad blocker in your chosen browser will help you to stay protected from annoying adware.

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