How to remove EpsilonRed Ransomware and recover encrypted files

Complete tips to delete EpsilonRed Ransomware and restore data

EpsilonRed Ransomware is a rogue pieced of software that operates by encrypting stored files and then demanding ransom payment for decryption. During the encryption process, the filenames of each of the encrypted files are appended with .EpsilonRed extension. For example, a file 1.jpg would appear as “1.jpg.EpsilonRed”, “2.jpg” as “2.jpg.EpsilonRed”, “3.jpg” as “3.jpg.EpsilonRed” –upon encryption.

Following to the completion of the files encryption process, the ransom drops ransom note with the tilted “HOW_TO_RECOVER.EpsilonRed.txt” –on each folder containing encrypted data. The malware is so severe that it can perform deletion of Volume Shadow Copies and Windows Event, modify the windows firewall, remove processes of antivirus, backups and databases services, office applications, email clients and conduct many other malicious actions.

Through the .txt, EpsilonRed Ransomware puts ransom demands in front of the victims. It firstly informs them that their files have been encrypted and to restore them – decryption keys/ tools must need to be purchased from the crooks behind it. It states that the sensitive details like accounting, executive sales, customer support and marketing data has been ex-filtrated from system. If the victims refuse to meet the ransom demands, all their data will be publicized.

To initial the recovery process, the victims are asked to communicate with the crooks via the provided website link or email. In place of guarantee that the decryption is visible, it offers users free file recovery of one encrypted file of their choice. However, the files should not contain any valuable information. The ransom message ends with a warning to the users that modifying the compromised data, using third party tools or antivirus software will result into permanent data loss.

In most of the cases with system attack with ransomware type infection, the decryption is not possible without the interference of the crooks behind it. It may be when the ransomware is at its initial stage or has certain bugs/ flaws in them. Whatever the case, it is strongly not recommended to contact/ pay to crooks. Despite paying, victims often do not receive the decryption tool. Hence, they suffer financial loss and have their files remain in encrypted form.

The best way to deal with this case is to remove EpsilonRed Ransomware and recover the files using existing backups. The malware removal is necessary to prevent further files encryption and avoid major damages. Below the post, you will find complete step-by-step guide to perform the ransomware removal. After successfully removing the ransomware, use the existing backup and restore the files. Next to this, use the backup and restore the files. Since Volume Shadows are initially detected in this case, you have to rely on third party data recovery tools for the files recovery if no backups are available.

How did EpsilonRed Ransomware intrude in?

Ransomware and other malicious malware are often disguised as or bundled with ordinary software and ten distributed via untrustworthy download channels such as unofficial and free file hosting sites, p2p networks and other third party downloaders. Illegal activation tools and fake software updaters are prime examples of that. Cracking tools infect systems instead of activating licensed software. Fraudulent updaters cause system infections by abusing the weaknesses of outdated software and/or by installing malicious software rather than the updates.

Scam campaigns can be used to spread malware too. The term scam campaign is used to describe a mass-scale operation during which thousands of spam emails are designed and delivered. The letters have infectious files or links for such files in them. Virulent files can be in any forms including Microsoft Office documents, archives, executables, JavaScript and so on. When these files are executed, run or otherwise opened- the malware download/ installation process is triggered.

Text presented in EpsilonRed Ransomware‘s text file (“HOW_TO_RECOVER.EpsilonRed.txt”):

[+] What’s Happened? [+]

Your files have been encrypted and currently unavailable. You can check it. All files in your system have “EpsilonRed” extension. By the way, everything is possible to recover (restore) but you should follow our instructions. Otherwise you can NEVER return your data.

[+] What are our guarantees? [+]

It’s just a business and we care only about getting benefits. If we don’t meet our obligations, nobody will deal with us. It doesn’t hold our interest. So you can check the ability to restore your files. For this purpose you should come to talk to us we can decrypt one of your files for free. That is our guarantee.

It doesn’t metter for us whether you cooperate with us or not. But if you don’t, you’ll lose your time and data cause only we have the private key to decrypt your files. time is much more valuable than money.

+] Data Leak [+]

We uploaded your data and if you dont contact with us then we will publish your data.

Example of data:

– Accounting data

– Executive data

– Sales data

– Customer support data

– Marketing data

– And more other …

[+] How to Contact? [+]

You have two options :

1. Chat with me :

    -Visit our website: hxxp://epsilons.red/support/NegotiationArea/aqsc.com5749132212/

    -When you visit our website, put the following KEY into the input form.

    -Then start talk to me.

   

2. Email me at : [email protected]

KEY:

–

!!! DANGER !!!

DON’T try to change files by yourself, DON’T use any third party software or antivirus solutions to  restore your data – it may entail the private key damage and as a result all your data loss!

!!! !!! !!!

ONE MORE TIME: It’s in your best interests to get your files back. From our side we ready to make everything for restoring but please do not interfere.

!!! !!! !!

How to prevent ransomware intrusion?

It is recommended to always download from official and verified sources. Additionally, all software products should have to be updated/ activated using the tools/ functions from official software developers only. To avoid the system infection from spam emails, it is advised against opening any suspicious and irrelevant emails –especially the provided attachment files and links in them. It is paramount to have a reputable antivirus tool installed and updated. Also, use this tool for regular system scans and to remove any detected threats. If EpsilonRed Ransomware already infiltrated inside, run a full system scans using any such tool and perform its removal right away.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove EpsilonRed Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete EpsilonRed Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove EpsilonRed 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 EpsilonRed Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with EpsilonRed 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 EpsilonRed 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 EpsilonRed 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 EpsilonRed 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 EpsilonRed 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 EpsilonRed 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 EpsilonRed 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 EpsilonRed 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 EpsilonRed 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.