RedBoot ransomware removal – .locked file decryptor

Get the lowdown on the RedBoot ransomware that prevents a host system from booting and additionally encrypts files, speckling them with the .locked extension.

Blackmail viruses like RedBoot have evoked a serious discussion in the IT security circles. These types of cyber-culprits cause much more damage than mainstream ransomware as their adverse effects go beyond personal data encryption alone. The above-mentioned infection, for instance, additionally corrupts the Master Boot Record and skews the partition table to render the machine inoperable. Some researchers argue that perpetrating programs with such a depth of impact make victims highly skeptical regarding their chances for recovery, hence the crooks earn less than they would if the pest simply enciphered files without blocking computers altogether. And yet, the makers of RedBoot don’t seem to care and keep spreading their Petya-ish baddie regardless.

There is scarce information at this point concerning the propagation vectors used by unscrupulous proprietors of the RedBoot campaign. It is most likely, however, that the infection arrives with malspam. What is known for a fact is that the payload is an AutoIT object that, when triggered, adds several more files into the Trojan’s main folder on the target workstation. Each extra module performs its own task. For example, the main.exe binary is responsible for encrypting the victim’s files; protect.exe thwarts troubleshooting by terminating processes like Task Manager; and overwrite.exe deploys the MBR tweaking routine.

The first thing on RedBoot’s ‘agenda’ once it’s inside a computer is to overwrite the Master Boot Record of the machine with a custom bootloader. Then, it will traverse the hard disk for files that are subject to encryption. Unfortunately, the intended list of data formats includes executables along with regular documents, images, videos, databases and the like. This is, per se, a potential risk for the stability of the plagued system.

Every data entry found during the scan gets encrypted. To blemish these files, the ransomware additionally concatenates the .locked extension to each one. This suffix may be iterated so that a sample file named Budget.xlsx assumes the shape of Budget.xlsx.locked.locked. Note that the original filename and extension are preserved, being simply appended with the extra string. After the data encryption phase has been completed, the Trojan issues a command to reboot the infected machine. When it starts back up, the user will see a ransom warning instead of their regular Windows interface. The text on the red screen goes, “This computer and all of its files have been locked! Send an email to redboot@memeware.net containing your ID key for instructions on how to unlock them. Your ID key is [random hexadecimal string].”

In other words, the victim is instructed to contact the threat actors at redboot@memeware.net, and will then supposedly receive a walkthrough to unlock the PC and decrypt files with the .locked extension. A big caveat to recovery, though, is that there is no way to enter the unlock key, which suggests that RedBoot is either too crude at this point, or it’s a data wiper that shouldn’t provide any restoration options in the first place. One way or another, the fix should start with creating and using a bootable rescue CD or USB so that the system actually loads. Stick with the procedure below to do the rest of the fix.

RedBoot ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like RedBoot, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download RedBoot remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

RedBoot ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the RedBoot virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of .locked files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid RedBoot ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download RedBoot removal tool