Do you know what Rote Ransomware is?
Rote Ransomware is likely to use disguises when entering your operating system. For example, the launcher of this threat could be attached to other applications and introduced to you as a harmless and helpful program. In a different scenario, it could take on the disguise of a harmless-looking document file that you might find attached to a spam email. If you are tricked into executing the infection, you are unlikely to realize it right away. Unfortunately, the threat does not need a lot of time to encrypt all of your personal files, and it can use a clever distraction too. According to our malware research team, when the threat encrypts files, a fake Windows update pop-up appears, and it looks mighty convincing. Unfortunately, if you do not remove Rote Ransomware right away, all important files are corrupted, and then you are introduced to instructions that, most likely, are misleading and set up to scam you.
We know quite a lot about Rote Ransomware because it is a clone of Msop Ransomware, Zobm Ransomware, Grod Ransomware, Mbed Ransomware, and hundreds of other STOP Ransomware threats that we have reported in the past. The same malware code is being used over and over again, and that is why we have an uncountable number of threats that not only work but also look the same. The only unique feature of Rote Ransomware is that it attaches the “.rote” extension to the files it corrupts. Because there are so many threats from this family, malware researchers managed to create a free decryptor, but, unfortunately, it does not work in all cases. For one, it only decrypts those files that were encrypted using an offline key. When we analyzed the threat, it was not yet decryptable, and we cannot tell whether or not it will become decryptable in the future.
Rote Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Just like all clones, Rote Ransomware drops a file named “_readme.txt,” and the message inside is always the same. First, it declares that files can be recovered. Second, it informs that “photos, databases, documents” and other files were encrypted with a strong encryptor. Third, it suggests that a decryption tool and a unique key are necessary for full decryption. Fourth, the message encourages the victim to send one corrupted file to datarestorehelp@firemail.cc or datahelp@iran.ir so that you could be shown that decryption is possible. Fifth, you are informed that the full price for the software you need is $980, but that you can purchase it with a discount of $490 if you pay right away. Even if that makes sense to you, do not contact the attackers and do not pay the ransom because you are unlikely to get anything in return. While your files are truly encrypted, the promise to provide you with a decryptor is likely to be a scam, and that is why we want to focus on the removal.
You might be unwilling to delete Rote Ransomware until your files are restored. If you can successfully use the free decryptor, you are in luck. If you cannot, perhaps you have copies of all encrypted files, and you can use them as replacements. In that case, you must remove Rote Ransomware beforehand because you do not want your backups affected too. If you end up losing files, learn from your mistakes, and make sure you prevent file-corrupting malware from attacking you in the future. It is most important to implement reliable security software, and we suggest installing it ASAP. If you do, the chosen tool will automatically delete Rote Ransomware, and you will not need to find and erase every single element yourself. Also, do not forget to always backup your personal files from now on. That might save you in the future.
Remove Rote Ransomware
- Make sure you Delete the launcher file (unfortunately, it could be located anywhere).
- Simultaneously tap keys Win+E on the keyboard to access Windows Explorer.
- Enter %HOMEDRIVE% into the field at the top to access this directory.
- Delete the file called _readme.txt and the folder called SystemID.
- Enter %LOCALAPPDATA% into the field at the top to access this directory.
- Delete the file called script.ps1.
- Delete the [random name] folder with a malicious [random name].exe file inside.
- Delete the [random name] folder with updatewin.exe and updatewin2.exe files inside.
- Enter %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks\ into the field at the top to access this directory.
- Delete the ransomware-related task called Time Trigger Task.
- Simultaneously tap keys Win+R to access Run and then enter regedit into the dialog box.
- In Registry Editor, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
- Delete a value named SysHelper associated with the file in step 7.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then quickly install a trusted malware scanner.
- Perform a thorough system scan, and if anything malicious is found, perform immediate removal.
In non-techie terms:
When Rote Ransomware slithers in, it encrypts personal files. When they are encrypted, you cannot read them, and that is when the attackers behind the threat start making demands. Their main demand is that you pay a ransom in return for a decryptor, but in order to take this step, you are instructed to contact the attackers via email first. Do not contact them if you do not want to be scammed, and do not pay the ransom if you do not want to waste your money. Hopefully, you can use a free decryptor or replace the corrupted files with backup copies. Otherwise, you might end up losing all personal files. Whatever the outcome is, you need to delete Rote Ransomware from your operating system as soon as possible, and while we can assist you with manual removal, we advise employing legitimate anti-malware software. It will not only eliminate the threat but will also ensure protection in the future.