How to remove .RE78P file virus ransomware and recover encrypted files

Delete .RE78P file virus ransomware from the system

RE78P or otherwise called .RE78P file virus ransomware is a cryptovirus belongs to Matrix family. It is designed to extort a ransom fee from its victims. This is why, it is developed to scan drives for certain type of files and encodes them using two sophisticated encryption algorithms. A file encrypted by this ransomware will receive .RE78P extension. For example, a file named 1.jpg would appear something similar to 1.jpg.RE78P. Afterward, the ransomware drops the file RE78P_README.rtf that contains a ransom message by the hackers.

The text message presented in RE78P_README.rtf informs users about the ransomware attacks and the files encryption as a result of the infection. Further text tries to create to a situation to the users that make them start to believe that there is no other option to recover the files than to purchase decryption tool from the crooks behind it. The note states, the .RE78P file virus ransomware developers have the unique decryption key/code that is needed to be used to get the data back. To purchase the tool, the users are recommended to contact to the crooks via the provided email address.

Prior to the payment, the users are offered free file encryption as well – the users can send up to 3 encrypted files, less than 5 MB in aggregate and must not contain any valuable information – as a test of the capability of the decryption. The ransom note also presents a warning to the users that if they use any third party tools or try to rename the encrypted files, they will lose the files permanently. For the communication purpose two email addresses are provided with the second one as the alternative email that is to be used in case the users receive no answer as a response within 24 hours of the contact is made from the first one. Here is the full text presented on the RE78P_README.rtf file created by .RE78P file virus ransomware:

SHIT HАPPENS!

WE HАVE TО INFОRM YОU THАT АLL YОUR FILES WERE ENCRYPTED!

PLEАSE BE SURE, YОUR FILES АRE NОT BRОKEN!

Yоur filеs wеrе еnсrуptеd with strоng сrуptо аlgоrithms.

* Plеаsе nоtе thаt thеrе is nо wау tо dесrуpt уоur filеs withоut uniquе dесrуptiоn kеу аnd spесiаl sоftwаrе. Yоur uniquе dесrуptiоn kеу is sесurеlу stоrеd оn оur sеrvеr.

* Tо dесrуpt уоur dаtа уоu nееd оur spесifiс аutоmаtiс dесrуptiоn tооl аnd уоur uniquе dесrуptiоn kеу.

* Аll уоur filеs wеrе rеnаmеd but аftеr dесrуptiоn prосеss filеnаmеs will bе rесоvеrеd tо оriginаl stаtе. Dаtа struсturе will nоt сhаngе.

* Plеаsе bе surе thаt аll thе аttеmpts tо rесоvеr уоur filеs bу уоursеlf оr using third pаrtу tооls саn rеsult in irrеvосаblе lоss оf уоur dаtа!

WHАT DО YОU NEED TО DО?

First оf аll уоu hаvе tо writе us bу е-mаil:

Оur first е-mаil:

Оur sесоnd е-mаil:

Оur third е-mаil:

АTTENTIОN!

If уоu wаnt tо rесоvеr уоur dаtа plеаsе writе us tо аll оur е-mаil аdrеssеs!

It is rеаllу impоrtаnt bесаusе оf dеlivеrу prоblеms with sоmе mаil sеrviсеs!

Plеаsе bе surе wе аrе аlwауs in tоuсh аnd rеаdу tо hеlp уоu!

If уоu will nоt rесеivе оur аnswеr in 24 hоurs, plеаsе rеsеnd уоur mеssаgе!

Plеаsе аlwауs сhесk SPАM fоldеr!

* Writе оn English оr usе prоfеssiоnаl trаnslаtоr

In subjесt linе writе уоur pеrsоnаl ID: –

Fоr уоur аssurаnсе уоu саn аttасh up tо 3 smаll еnсrуptеd filеs tо уоur mеssаgе. Wе will dесrуpt аnd sеnd уоu dесrуptеd filеs fоr frее.

* Plеаsе nоtе thаt filеs must nоt соntаin аnу vаluаblе infоrmаtiоn аnd thеir tоtаl sizе must bе lеss thаn 5Mb.

Plеаsе dоn’t wоrrу!

Bе surе thаt уоur dаtа саn bе RESTОRED TОDАY!

Wе аrе in tоuсh 24/7 аnd rеаdу tо hеlp уоu!

If уоu nоt rесеivеd оur аnswеr plеаsе rеsеnd уоur mеssаgе tо аll е-mаil аdrеssеs!

Should I pay the ransom fee?

No, you should not. The crooks are as innocent as you. These people are so called cyber criminals. You cannot aspect honesty from them. They might disappear leaving you without your files. In such a case, you experience financial loss and will have the files remain in the encrypted form. Other reason you should avoid paying ransom as this will encourage the crooks to design more such malware that increase the risk system infections with other malware of this kind. Better if, you use data recovery alternatives. Before this, remove .RE78P file virus ransomware from the system so that you will not find any trouble during files recovery. The virus removal is also necessary to prevent further files encryption.

How to get the files back?

The existing backup is the best option to use to get back the files encrypted by .RE78P file virus ransomware. The problem is that not all users have such files that were created before the files encryption and stored on some remote location at the time of the attack. In such a case, they have to switch to some other data recovery option – Volume Shadow Copy. This is an automatically created backup by OS for short time. In some cases with ransomware infection, such files are left untouched -so you must once check whether this option is available for you or not. Other data recovery option is data recovery tool. Nowadays, such tools are designed with special functionality added and so you can anticipate of the data recovery using them.

Threat Summary

Name: .RE78P file virus ransomware

Threat Type: Ransomware

Extension use: .RE78P

Ransom demanding note:  RE78P_README.rtf

Symptoms: Cannot open the files stored on the device, previous functional files now have a different extension. A ransom demand message is displayed on the desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom to for unlocking the files

Additional information: This malware is designed to show a fake Windows Update Window and modify the Windows hosts file in order to prevent users from accessing security websites online

Distribution methods: Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads, unofficial activation and updating tools

Damage: All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing Trojan or other malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection

Malware removal: Use some reputable antivirus tool or follow manual malware removal guide provided below the post to remove .RE78P file virus ransomware from the device

Files recovery: Existing backup is the safe and secure option to get the files back in the original accessible condition. Other data recovery options include Volume Shadow Copy or data recovery tools -check the data removal section below the post for the step by step guide for performing them

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Ransomware viruses are most often distributed via using Trojans, Spam campaigns, illegal activation tools, illegitimate updates and untrustworthy download channels. Trojans are malicious applications that are designed to download and install other malicious programs. Spam campaigns are used to send malicious emails containing dubious content and infectious files or links attached on them, if clicked -the users start initiating malware download and install process on their device. Illegal activation tools cause infection by allegedly bypassing activation key for paid software. Fake updating tools exploit bugs/flaws created by outdated software or directly download malware instead of providing update. Untrustworthy downloading channels such as p2p networks, free file hosting sites and third party downloaders or installers spread malware by presenting it as legit software.

How to prevent ransomware infection?

Suspect and/or irrelevant emails should never be opened, especially any links or attachments found in them – as these are the common sources for potentially system infections. It is recommended to use only official websites and direct links for any software download. Additionally, any products should be activated and updated through the tools/functions presented by official software developers. Third party updates and illegal activation tools must be avoided as these are commonly used to download and install malware. To protect the system integrity and user’s safety, it is recommended to use a reputable antivirus tool and keep it up-to-date. Also, this software must be used for regular system scans and to remove detected threats.

Remove .RE78P file virus ransomware

Manual malware removal guide is provided below in step by step manner. Follow it so that you will not find any trouble during removal process. You can use some reputable antivirus tool to automatically remove .RE78P file virus ransomware from the system.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove .RE78P file virus ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete .RE78P file virus ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove .RE78P file virus ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button. In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete .RE78P file virus ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with .RE78P file virus ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to .RE78P file virus ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove .RE78P file virus ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of .RE78P file virus ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by .RE78P file virus ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like .RE78P file virus ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by .RE78P file virus ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with .RE78P file virus ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove .RE78P file virus ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.