Onion ransomware virus. How to delete? (Removal tutorial)
Onion ransomware renews its activities
Onion virus is a name of a malicious computer program that encrypts files and appends MW_ or KK_ prefix to the filenames. Currently, known ransom notes used by this ransomware can be entitled either MW_IN FILES.txt or KK_ IN YOUR DOCUMENTS.txt. The virus usually advises the victim to pay a ransom in Bitcoins to get data recovery tools, and then get in touch with ransomware authors via one of the following email addresses: nown@ruggedinbox.com or ttk@ruggedinbox.com. This ransomware strain got its name because of usage of anonymous Tor network (also known as Onion Router) to hide identities of the attackers. The malicious virus is often associated with infamous ransomware viruses such as CryptoLocker or CTB-Locker, although its name can easily confuse ransomware victims infected by .onion file extension virus. This ransomware virus first emerged in 2015 and was recognized as one of the most greedy ransomware viruses. However, it seems that new versions of this ransomware appear from time to time, so victims are advised to protect their computers to prevent ransomware infiltration. To remove Onion virus, anti-malware programs must be used. Our team typically recommends Reimage or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareNorton Internet Security software.
The Onion virus sneaks into the system silently and then searches for files to encrypt. It typically targets .xls, .pdf, .ppt, .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .txt, .mp4, .mp3, .doc, .docm, .zip and other files, which, if found, it modified using a public encryption key. This modification can be reversed only with the help of a private key, which is also known as the decryption key. This key is stored in cyber criminals’ servers, and it is impossible to get it without cybercriminals’ permission. That is why these frauds demand a ransom. However, efforts of malware analysts did pay off – there are some decryption tools that can come in handy when dealing with particular ransomware variants. We suggest looking at data recovery instructions provided below the article if you want to try and recover your files without paying the ransom.
Distribution techniques used to disseminate ransomware
Onion ransomware is mostly distributed via exploit kits, mail spam, malvertising, and of course, illegal websites. The ransomware typically arrives in a .ZIP file along with deceptive email messages composed by cybercriminals. This is why it is extremely important to check if the sender is a reliable individual. Scammers often pretend to be employees of legitimate companies, but do not fall for such traps – even if the sender claims to be working at well-known companies or organizations and asks you to open email attachments that are presented as invoices, subpoenas or other documents, do not rush to do it. Opening such email attachments will only infect your PC with malicious programs. It is also advisable to stay away from sites that urge you to install Java, Media Player, or Flash Player updates, because such updates are typically fake. These software updates should be installed only from websites that belong to the official developer of the particular software.
Remove Onion ransomware from the affected computer
You must remove Onion virus as soon as you notice that it managed to sneak into your computer because as long as it stays on the computer system, it keeps it vulnerable and opens a path for additional malware variants to sneak in. Your computer might also become sluggish and fail to complete tasks properly. For Onion removal, you should employ a powerful anti-malware software such as Reimage to wipe all dangerous files, programs, and fix modified registry keys all at once. Before you start, read these tips carefully.
To remove Onion virus, follow these steps:
Eliminate Onion using Safe Mode with Networking
The guide provided below explains how to start the computer in Safe Mode with Networking so that you could eliminate the virus with ease.
-
Step 1: Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Go to Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- As soon as your computer starts, start pressing F8 key repeatedly before the Windows logo shows up.
-
Choose Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Click on the Power button at the Windows login screen, and then press and hold Shift key on your keyboard. Then click Restart.
- Then select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
-
Once your computer starts, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking from the list of options in Startup Settings.
-
Step 2: Remove Onion
Sign in to your account and launch any Internet browser. Download a legitimate anti-malware software, for instance, Reimage. Make sure you update it to the latest version and then run a full system scan with it to detect and eliminate all malicious components of the ransomware to remove Onion completely.
If your ransomware does not allow you to access Safe Mode with Networking, please follow the instructions provided below.
Eliminate Onion using System Restore
-
Step 1: Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Go to Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- As soon as your computer starts, start pressing F8 key repeatedly before the Windows logo shows up.
-
Choose Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Click on the Power button at the Windows login screen, and then press and hold Shift key on your keyboard. Then click Restart.
- Then select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
-
Once your computer starts, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of options in Startup Settings.
-
Step 2: Perform a system restore to recover files and settings
-
When the Command Prompt window appears, type in cd restore and press Enter.
-
Then type rstrui.exe and hit Enter..
-
In a new window that shows up, click the Next button and choose a restore point that was created before the infiltration of Onion and then click on the Next button again.
-
To start system restore, click Yes.
-
When the Command Prompt window appears, type in cd restore and press Enter.
Bonus: Restore your files
Using the tutorial provided above you should be able to eliminate Onion from the infected device. novirus.uk team has also prepared an in-depth data recovery guide which you will also find above.There are a couple of methods you can apply to recover data encrypted by Onion:
Recovering data with Data Recovery Pro
The software we suggest in this data recovery option usually helps to restore modified, deleted, or corrupted files. You should definitely give it a try.
- Download Data Recovery Pro (https://novirus.uk/download/data-recovery-pro-setup.exe);
- Install Data Recovery on your computer following the steps indicated in the software’s Setup;
- Run the program to scan your device for the data encrypted by Onion ransomware;
- Recover the data.
Test ShadowExplorer’s capabilities
If you’re lucky, the ransomware may have left some Volume Shadow Copies on the system, which can come in handy when trying to restore encrypted files. Let ShadowExplorer assist you in finding these copies on the system.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Install Shadow Explorer on your computer following the instructions in the software’s Setup Wizard;
- Run the program. Navigate to the menu on the top-left corner and select a disk containing your encrypted files. Look through the available folders;
- When you find the folder you want to recover, right-click it and select “Export”. Also, choose where the recovered data will be stored.
Use Onion Decryption tool
In case you were infected with Onion ransomware that happens to be Dharma’s spin-off, you should definitely try Dharma Decryptor. Keep in mind that this decryption tool might not work – if so, you should know that your PC was affected by an updated ransomware version.