RedEye Ransomware Removal Instruction – Virus Removal Guide

What is RedEye?

RedEye Ransomware is a newly discovered malware created by the “iCorex” (a YouTube channel). This author is notoriously known for programming such malware. Annabelle ransomware was also created by iCorex that wreaked havoc early this year and targeted many high profile companies.

Like Anabelle, This infection can also be spread via social networking site Twitter. The malware is programmed to exploit user files by encrypting the data using Rijndael-Algorithmus – AES – 256 Bit encryption algorithm on all the hard drive files to deprive the user from accessing them.  It also targets the Master Boot Record (MBR) of the operating system making it paralytic to take the control.  This is done by downloading the pay load & then by waiting for the next hard boot.

The moment the system is booted or restarted by the user, the entries of this ransomware takes the control and replaces everything with .redeye extension. IT then displays the ransom message to threaten the user for the payment.

The infection is designed with the sole purpose to earn ransom amount in Bitcoin for the alleged restoration of the file.

How does the infection invade the system?

The infection is spread via spam email attachment that contains a media file especially image and audio file. The file size is around 35 MB which is huge.

This email attachment is comprised of three “.wav” files:

1. child.wav
2. redeye.wav
3. suicide.wav

These three audio files play a creepy sound with the intention to scare people.

After successful infiltration and encryption of user data, the users are notified about the encryption through a ransom note stating that a unique decryption key is required to restore files. The note also declares that the victim is entitled to a ransom of 0.1 Bitcoins ($765 USD) within 4 Days to recover the compromised data.

Also, the note threatens the victim to destroy the data if they fail to pay the ransom on time.

How does it affect the computer system?

Ransomwares are designed to serve one ultimate and obvious purpose which is monetary gain.

Just like its predecessor Annabelle, Redeye performs a series of actions to make removal quite difficult. Once infiltrated, the first job of this infection is to disable task manager to prevent its detection. It then hidesthedrives and ceases the access to all the files.

RedEye Ransomware claims to encrypt files securely with AES256 (Advanced Encryption Standard – key length 256 bits). The malware renders the files useless by overwriting files with 0 bytes, and appends the same with “.RedEye” extension.

The Options available in the ransomware include the possibility to:

1. View encrypted files
2. Decrypt them
3. Get support
4. Destroy PC

If the last option i.e. Destroy PC is selected, a GIF is displayed in the background, with two options to select: “Do it” button to proceed with the operation and a “Close” button to close the image.

If “Do it” is selected or when 4 days’ time runs out, the malware reboots the machine and replaces the MBR (Master Boot Record).

How to get rid of this ransomware?

The MBR or the files can be restored if the computer is shut down immediatelyor rebooted to safe mode as soon asthe ransomware is discovered in the system.

However to be on a safer side, you are advised to maintain regular data backup and store them on a remote server or unplugged storage devices.

Threat Summary:

Name: RedEye 

Browsers Affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox

Targeted Operating System: Windows

Category: Ransomware, Crypto virus

Symptoms: The ransomware will encrypt your files with the AES encryption algorithm. All locked files are appended with “.RedEye” extension after the encryption and hence cannot be accessed by the user.

How to remove RedEye Ransomware from the system?

It is necessary that the user deletes the RedEye Ransomware from their system as it can  corrupt  the files. It is important that you follow the RedEye Ransomware removal steps in  order to remove this threat from the system.

Step A: Reboot your system to safe Mode with Networking

To restart the system to Safe Mode with Networking,  if already switched ON then follow the below steps:

STEP B: Restart 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 RedEye” 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 C: Restore the encrypted data via Windows previous version

If the system restore was enabled for both, system and user files, then you can recover your personal data through Windows Previous Version, provided the ransomware has not damaged the backup files. To restore your data follow the instructions given below –

1. Open My Computer and search for the folder you want to restore.
2. As soon as you find it, right click on it and choose the restore previous version option from the new window.
3. This option will display all the previous copies of the folder.
4. Now select restore data and through the options i.e. Open – Copy – Restore. 

Step D: Restore the System Files and Settings through System Restore.

STEP E: Delete the suspicious file from the registry key.

1. Type “Regedit” in search box / Run Box, select it and press Enter.
2. An authorization dialog box will appear, then you just have to click “Yes”. (The dialog box appearance may vary depending on OS used. For Windows 10 the the dialog box looks like the first screenshot and for windows 7 it appears like the second screenshot)
3. In the registry editor, take the backup of the current registry settings before making any changes in case you want to revert to old settings later. For this, Click on File option in the menu and select Export. Save the entry at a known location.
4. From the Menu, Click Edit and Select Find.
5. Enter RedEye and click OK in the search box.
6. Select and delete suspicious  enteries.

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 Hitman pro and Vipre 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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