Spora ransomware. How to delete? (Removal tutorial)
Spora ransomware started spreading worldwide
At the beginning of 2017, malware researchers spotted a new file-encrypting virus – Spora ransomware. It started spreading in Russian-speaking countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and others. It seems developers had tested the grounds and now started spreading this piece of malware worldwide. Recently, ransomware started attacking computer users living in the Netherlands, Austria and Saudi Arabia. One of the main reasons why Spora virus is supposed to be a dangerous cyber threat is that it does not need the Internet connection for data encryption. After infiltration it scans the system looking for targeted file types and encrypts them using RSA algorithm. During the encryption process, malware generates two keys – public and private. Malware uses the public key for data encryption, and the private key is necessary for decryption. It would be standard encryption strategy; however, developers decided to encrypt the private key with AES cipher. In the ransom note, left after the encryption, developers of the Spora malware offers victims to purchase the private key and restore damaged files. Sadly, it may seem like the only option for those who does not have data backups. Additional data recovery methods may not be effective because ransomware deletes Shadow Volume Copies, disable Windows Startup Repair, and even changes BootStatusPolicy.
Following data encryption, Spora virus drops a .html and .KEY files in each folder that includes encrypted files. The HTML file is a ransom note, where hackers explain about data encryption and suggest visiting the payment website. Indeed, hackers worked harder and made an advanced payment website that offers several services. Usually, victims are just asked to transfer particular amount of money. However, this time people can choose what services they want: Spora removal, data recovery, immunity for the ransomware attacks or a full package of the services. The prices and the size of the ransom may vary from victim to victim according to the importance and amount of the encrypted files. When malware started spreading worldwide, the payment website was updated with new pages and functions. Now victims can find a ‘Help’ page, public communication window and the list of transactions. Hackers want victims to trust them, so they allow to test the decryption software and restore two files for free. However, we do not recommend trying this tool and paying the ransom. It may be just a trick to swindle more money from you. That’s why we recommend you to remove Spora from the computer even if it means you lose your personal files. For virus elimination, you will need a reputable anti-malware software, such as Reimage, and our prepared instructions at the end of the article.
Choose 'Safe Mode with Networking' option
Choose 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking' option
Choose 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt' option
Choose 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt' option
Type 'cd restore' without quotes and hit 'Enter'
Type 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and hit 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' wizard comes up, click 'Next'.
Choose a preferable restore point and click 'Next'
Hit 'Yes' and start system restore
How can I get infected with ransomware?
Spora ransomware virus mainly spreads via malicious spam emails which include an obfuscated .docx file. When people open it, they receive and error message. Users may think that this Word file is simply damaged or corrupted after downloading. However, it’s just a little performance. The malicious email includes the HTA file, and when users open it, they execute and extract JavaScript file. Once this ‘closed.js’ file is dropped and executed on the system, the data encryption process starts.
What to do after Spora ransomware attack?
Spora malware is a dangerous and complicated virus, so it must be treated properly. Therefore, trying to remove it manually is not recommended. Instead of malicious files, you can delete important system file. This complex cyber parasite can hide under various file names and file types, so it’s nearly impossible to remove Spora manually. However, we do not mean that you should take your PC to the IT specialist. It’s enough to rely on professional malware removal tool, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes Anti Malware or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus. Install one of these programs, update it and run a full system scan. However, automatic Spora removal may not be smooth. Malware can prevent you from accessing security tools. In this case, follow the instructions below.
Manual Spora Virus Removal Instructions:
Eliminate Spora using Safe Mode with Networking
Ransomware developers work hard to create dangerous and powerful viruses, so their elimination might be tough. Malware can prevent you from accessing security tools and performing the automatic removal. To install, update or run malware removal tools you may need to reboot your PC to the 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 Spora
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 Spora completely.
If your ransomware does not allow you to access Safe Mode with Networking, please follow the instructions provided below.
Eliminate Spora using System Restore
If you cannot start automatic Spora removal and previous Safe Mode with Networking method did not help, follow these steps:
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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 Spora 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.
Bonus: Restore your files
Using the tutorial provided above you should be able to eliminate Spora from the infected device. novirus.uk team has also prepared an in-depth data recovery guide which you will also find above.If you do not have data backups, you can try additional data recovery methods that may help to get back at least some of your files.
There are a couple of methods you can apply to recover data encrypted by Spora:
Data Recovery Pro – automatic data recovery option
Data Recovery Pro is a professional tool that can help to retrieve the most important files. Follow these steps to use it:
- 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 Spora ransomware;
- Recover the data.
Data Recovery with ShadowExplorer
If Spora ransomware virus failed to delete Shadow Volume Copies of the targeted files, follow these steps to retrieve some of your files using ShadowExplorer:
- 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.
It is strongly recommended to take precautions and secure your computer from malware attacks. To protect your PC from Spora 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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