RAA ransomware virus. How to delete? (Removal tutorial)
Why should you be scared of RAA ransomware virus?
If your computer was infected with RAA ransomware virus, you are in trouble. The virus has already locked your files and installed Pony Trojan that runs in the background and steals your private information. Indeed, problems never come singly. This malware slightly differs from other viruses in ransomware category because of its method of distribution. It is delivered as .js file; however, the majority of ransomware is delivered via an executable file. This malicious file spreads via emails. Of course, victims do not see .js file extension. They believe that it’s innocent and safe Word file. When they open it, they receive a fake Word document that seems corrupted. While users stare at their screens confused, RAA virus is executed and starts file encryption. For data encryption, the virus uses CryptoJS library and lock the files with the AES-256 algorithm. When data encryption is over, the virus puts .locked extension to all the files. If you have encountered the virus, you have to remove RAA until it hasn’t caused more damage. You can quickly and easily get rid of this malware with the help of Reimage.
When RAA virus finishes encoding the files, it delivers a ransom note called ‘!!README!!![Victim’s ID].rtf.’ The message is written in the Russian language. The crooks explain that victims’ files were locked and they have to pay 0,39 Bitcoins (180 GBP) in order to get decryption key. No matter how important and valuable files are, do not consider paying the ransom. First of all, you’ll become a sponsor of the shady and illegal business. Secondly, the crooks might not give you a decryption key. So, you’ll just lose your money. Thirdly, if the hackers provide you a decryption key or software, it might come along with malware. So, you’ll have more computer-related problems. In this case, the only smart decision is to eliminate the virus. Unfortunately, RAA removal won’t restore your files, and you won’t be able to recover the files from the shadow volume copies because the virus deletes Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS). The only way to restore your data is to use backup files. If you don’t have them, you just have to wait and expect that IT specialists will create a free decryption tool.
How can I protect my computer from this virus?
We briefly described that virus spreads via malicious emails that have an attached fake Word file. So, the only way to avoid RAA ransomware and other viruses is to be careful with your emails. You should never open emails that are sent from an unknown sender and, most importantly, stay away from links and attached files. Some users are curious, but probably you all have heard the saying that curiosity killed the cat. In this case, your pictures, music, and other important files might be locked by RAA or other ransomware forever. If you have received a suspicious email where representatives from governmental institutions, banks or other reputable organizations insist opening the attachment, double check information about the sender and contact institution directly. It’s better to take precautions instead of dealing with ransomware removal.
RAA removal and file recovery
We have good and bad news for you. The good news is that you can remove RAA from your computer with the help of professional anti-malware programs such as Reimage. Sometimes ransomware viruses block antivirus programs and prevent from running a full system scan. At the end of the article we provided a step-by-step guide what should you do if the virus blocks your anti-malware program. Now, it’s time to tell you the bad news. RAA removal doesn’t unlock your files. What is worse, there’s no free and safe file decryptor created yet. The only way to restore your data is from backup copies. We hope, you regularly backup your files and store then in external devices. If not, you have learnt the lesson hard way why backups are important.
To remove RAA virus, follow these steps:
Eliminate RAA using Safe Mode with Networking
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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.
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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.
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Once your computer starts, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking from the list of options in Startup Settings.
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Step 2: Remove RAA
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 RAA completely.
If your ransomware does not allow you to access Safe Mode with Networking, please follow the instructions provided below.
Eliminate RAA using System Restore
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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.
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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.
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Once your computer starts, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of options in Startup Settings.
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Step 2: Perform a system restore to recover files and settings
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When the Command Prompt window appears, type in cd restore and press Enter.
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Then type rstrui.exe and hit Enter..
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In a new window that shows up, click the Next button and choose a restore point that was created before the infiltration of RAA and then click on the Next button again.
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To start system restore, click Yes.
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When the Command Prompt window appears, type in cd restore and press Enter.
It is strongly recommended to take precautions and secure your computer from malware attacks. To protect your PC from RAA and other dangerous viruses, you should install and keep a powerful malware removal tool, for instance, Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus or Malwarebytes Anti Malware.
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