Do you know what Usr0 Ransomware is?
It is high time we talk about a ransomware-type infection called Usr0 Ransomware because it seems that it has been wreaking havoc for a few days now and users have been struggling to remove it. Not much is known about it, and our malware researchers have yet to test its sample. However, they have gathered information from all over the web, and it seems that this application is no different from the hundreds of other ransomware and is designed to encrypt most of the files on your PC. It encrypts them so that it could offer you to purchase the decryption key that is in possession of this ransomware’s developer. In short, it is a money extortion scheme. To find out more about it, please read this whole article.
By far the most noticeable difference about this ransomware is the fact that it is Russian-made. We are not positive that it definitely was developed in Russia as its developers are unknown, but all of the information presented by Usr0 Ransomware is in the Russian language only. So we think that it was developed by a Russian seeking cyber crook that intended to disseminate it in countries such as Russian, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and so on. However, that may not always be the case as this ransomware is distributed via email spam. So we think that its developer obtains email addresses from a source that has many Russian speakers, but if you have registered on a shady website, then that is how you could get Usr0 Ransomware.
Our malware researchers have received information from various users that this ransomware’s dropper file is attached to malicious emails. The emails are said to contain a self-extracting file archive or a regular file archive that contains a JavaScript file or a Microsoft Word Document with macros. In the case of a self-extracting file archive, if you open it then it will extract the main executable to %AppData%, %Roaming%, %Temp%, %Local%, %SystemDrive%. In the case it features a JavaScript or Word with macros file, then it will download malicious DLL file and execute it using Rundll32.exe. The infection occurs in the background, so you will not notice it.
Once on your computer, this ransomware will run automatically and scan your computer for encryptable files because it will not encrypt all of them. However, it can encrypt many file formats, such as .PNG, .PDF, .XLR, .XLS, .DOC, .DOCX, .GIF, .JPG, and .CRX. In short, it is set to target images, videos, audios, documents, applications, and other files that may contain valuable information for which you would be willing to pay the outrageous ransom. Researchers say that this ransomware is set to demand 1.24 BTC (an approximate 50000 RUB or 750 USD.) Clearly, it is a significant sum of money that may not be for everyone’s pocket, and there is no way of knowing whet your files will be decrypted after you pay it.
Once the encryption is complete, this ransomware will create a non-malicious text file named Важная информация.txt which basically says that your files were encrypted and that you need to contact the developer via the email address usr0@riseup.net. Furthermore, it will change the extensions of the encrypted files to the .usr0 extension and delete Shadow Volume Copies with the command "vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet". So that covers all of the things related to this ransomware’s functionality. Unfortunately, since we do not have its sample, we do not know what encryption method it is set to use and whether it can be decrypted for free. In the meantime, we suggest that you get rid of Usr0 Ransomware and wait for the decryption tool to be developed.
Malware researchers say that you can remove its executable manually. However, we want to inform you that it is named randomly and may be difficult to identify. If you experience difficulties with identifying the ransomware, then using our featured anti-malware tool called SpyHunter to detect it, but it can delete it as well if you choose so.
Removal Guide
- Hold down the Windows+E keys.
- In the File Explorer’s address line, enter the following paths.
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %Local%
- %SystemDrive%
- Find the randomly named executable and delete it.
- Delete Важная информация.txt
- Empty the Recycle Bin.
In non-techie terms:
Usr0 Ransomware is a typical ransomware designed to encrypt your most valuable files and demand money to decrypt them. At present, there is no way to decrypt the files for free so you can either risk losing your money by paying the ransom or decide to wait for a free decryptor to appear. If you go for waiting for the free tool to appear, then you should remove it using the guide above.