I wrote this article to help you remove RIP File Extension Ransomware. This RIP File Extension Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
RIP file extension ransomware is the descriptive name of an encryption virus called KillerLocker. An alternative name is used for some win-lockers which append a distinguishable suffix to the encrypted files. There are two theories on the origins of RIP file extension ransomware. The ransom note of the win-locker is written in Portuguese which points that it has been developed in a Portuguese-speaking country. From another perspective, it cannot be denied that RIP file extension ransomware resembles Jigsaw ransomware, a notorious win-locker which has been plaguing PC users for the better part of a year. Researchers speculate that RIP file extension ransomware is an adaptation of the virus, directed towards Portuguese speakers. Both assumptions are equally as plausible.
RIP file extension ransomware deploys AES-256 encryption algorithm to lock files. The clandestine program targets documents, spreadsheets, presentations, images, videos, audios, archives, databases and other formats. The infected objects have the .rip suffix added to their names. The vulnerable file types include the following: .doc, .docx, .txt, .pdf, .odt, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .asp, .aspx, .html, .eml, .raw, .js, .sql, .rtf, .sct, .cer, .csv, .png, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp, .psd, .bin, .dat, .qic, .bdf, .arw, .zip, .rar, .wsc, .pak, .dng, .eps, .cdr, .mp3, .wav, .wma, .ogg, .mid, .flac, .tif, .tiff, .m3u, .m4a, .wps, .bat, .exif, .reg, .ini, .crw, .bkp, .avi, .wmv, .mp4, .mov, .mkv, .flv, .mpg, .mpeg, .php, .lnk, .pfx, .bin, .xml, .sys, .vb, .ai and others.
The ransom note explains that RIP file extension ransomware has encrypted your files with a unique 32-character password. The password is generated using the AES cipher. An individual ID number is assigned to every infected device. A decryption key is required to unlock the targeted files. Users are instructed to follow a set of guidelines. First, they have to download the Tor web browser. This client has been developed to protect people’s anonymity on the Internet. It has since been misused by cyber criminals. Upon installing the program, you have to visit a payment page. Only then will you receive the full details. The amount of the ransom is not listed in the ransom note. The means of payment has not been mentioned, either. In all likelihood, you will have to pay via bitcoins. This cryptocurrency is preferred by most win-locker developers because it guarantees their anonymity.
The owners of RIP file extension ransomware try to pressure people into paying the ransom by using common scare tactics. They state that you would not be able to access your private files again, if you fail to meet their demands on time. The hackers claim that the only way to perform the encryption is with the key the win-locker has created. It is stored on a remote server for a period of 48 hours. After this point, it will be deleted automatically. You should not resort to paying the ransom. Cyber thieves cannot be trusted. There are many documented instances of renegade developers swindling PC users. They can collect the payment and cease the correspondence without completing their end of the deal. You should look for an alternative way to decrypt RIP file extension ransomware.
If you are wondering how your computer contacted the infection, we can explain. RIP file extension ransomware is spread through Trojans. Of course, they require a host of their own. In most cases, the Trojan comes with a spam email. The person behind the bogus letter will try to convince you that the message is a genuine notification from a certain company or institution. Spammers can misrepresent the national post, established courier firms, social networks, banks, shopping platforms, government branches and the local police department. The Trojan will be hidden behind an attachment which you will be directed to. Before accessing files or following instructions from an electronic letter, confirm the sender’s reliability. Check his email and other contacts he has provided.
The carrier for RIP file extension ransomware can also travel with a software utility. The parasite will choose an unlicensed program. The options are freeware, shareware and pirated copies of paid tools. The secluded program will be included as a bonus tool. To protect your machine from intruders, you have to locate the option for extra programs and deselect all instances. We advise you to always take the time to read the terms and conditions of the software you intend to install to your computer. Note that you need to select the custom or advanced installation mode to have all options shown.
RIP File Extension Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, RIP File Extension Ransomware deletes all shadow copies, stored in your computer. Luckily, the ransomware is not always able to delete the shadow copies. So your first try should be restoring the original files from shadow copies.
- Download ShadowExplorer from this link: http://www.shadowexplorer.com/downloads.html.
- Install ShadowExplorer
- Open ShadowExplorer and select C: drive on the left panel
- Choose at least a month ago date from the date field
- Navigate to the folder with encrypted files
- Right-click on the encrypted file
- Select “Export” and choose a destination for the original file
Method 2: Restore your encrypted files by using System Restore
- Go to Start –> All programs –> Accessories –> System tools –> System restore
- Click “Next“
- Choose a restore point, at least a month ago
- Click “Next“
- Choose Disk C: (should be selected by default)
- Click “Next“. Wait for a few minutes and the restore should be done.
Method 3: Restore your files using File Recovery Software
If none of the above method works, you should try to recover encrypted files by using File Recovery Software. Since RIP File Extension Ransomware first makes a copy of the original file, then encrypts it and deletes the original one, you can successfully restore the original, using a File Recovery Software. Here are a few free File Recovery Software programs:
