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.
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:
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.
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:
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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:
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 –
Continue to follow steps 4 & 5 of Method 2 to restore the System Files and settings.
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