Remove URSA Ransomware And Access Locked Files

Complete Guideline To Delete URSA Ransomware

URSA Ransomware is a destructive kind of PC threat that has already infected a number of Windows computers all around the world. Once this precarious infection successfully intrudes the target devices, it encrypts users’ crucial files and data stored inside the machine and makes the victims unable to open those files. This hazardous parasite locks images, videos, audios, PDFs, documents, spreadsheets etc. using a strong RSA-2048 cryptography and makes them totally useless or unusable. Ransomware programs usually rename the compromised data after the encryption however, unlike other crypto-viruses, it leaves the infected data unchanged.

Know More About URSA Ransomware:

After completing the encryption process, URSA Ransomware displays couple of ransom notes named “RECOVER_YOUR_FILES.HTML” and “RECOVER_YOUR_FILES.TXT”. It leaves those notes in each folder that contains the encrypted files. These notes inform victims about the unkind situation and also state that to recover the locked files, users need to purchase the specific key and software from the attackers within one week after the attack. Otherwise, all the data will be deleted permanently. The amount of the decryption tools is $350 that has to be paid in BitCoins cryptocurrency and has to be transferred in the provided BTC address.

Should You Pay The Ransom?

Although, files encrypted by URSA Ransomware can’t be accessed without using the appropriate decryption tools. However, you should not make any sort of payment to the hackers under any circumstance. It is worthwhile to mention that these criminals have only one motive in mind- to extort illicit money from the victimized users. There are multiple occasions when crooks just disappeared once the ransom is paid or provided shady application in the name of decryption tool. And hence, never trust these people no matter what situation is and find any alternative ways to recover these files.

What Should The Victims Do?

Here in such precarious circumstance, the first thing any victims require to do is to perform URSA Ransomware removal from the device as early as possible. After that, they can use backups to restore the compromised data that they have saved on any external media drive. In the absence of a proper backup, people can use an effective file-recovery program that can be downloaded right here via the link provided under this article. Remember, paying ransom to attackers is never recommended as there is huge chance of getting scammed and end up with losing both files as well as money. So, never consider doing that.

Threat Summary  

Name: URSA Ransomware

Type: Ransomware, Crypto-virus, File-encrypting malware

Short Description: Dangerous malware which encrypts users’ crucial data and then forces them into paying the attackers an amount of ransom to get the decryption software/key.

Extension:  Files remain unchanged

Ransom Demanding Notes: RECOVER_YOUR_FILES.HTML, RECOVER_YOUR_FILES.TXT, Tor website

Ransom Amount: $350 in Bitcoins

BTC Wallet Address: 1GzM6BKf3kUFzfiqTDF4HiwvWAHHX68dx7

Symptoms: Encrypted files become inaccessible stored inside the compromised PCs, Couple of ransom notes are displayed. Victims are asked to pay an amount of ransom to get the functional decryptor and unlock their encoded data and files.

Distribution methods: Spam emails, peer to peer network sharing, unofficial activation and updating tools.

Damage: All files are encrypted and cannot be accessed without paying ransom, Additional password stealing Trojans and malware infections can be installed along with ransomware infections and other malware.

Removal: To remove this virus from the system, we advise you to use a reliable anti-malware tool. Once malware gets removed, you can recover your files by using existing backup or data-recovery software.

Penetration of URSA Ransomware:

According to the security experts, the most common and popular ransomware distribution source is email spam. Thousands of phishing emails are sent by hackers during a malspam campaign which include the malicious payload in the form of a Microsoft Office documents, PDF documents, executable files (like .exe), archive files (like ZIP, RAR), or JavaScript files. These mails are often disguised as ‘important’ or ‘crucial’ or may pretend to be from some well-known companies or institutions. However, as soon as the attached document is opened, run or executed, it triggers the installation of crypto-malware.

Moreover, ransomware programs also spread via pirated files like software cracks, game cheats, or serial numbers to some security tools, illegitimate license keys. You cannot know the particular source where those files are coming from, so stay away from illegal or careless activities if you want to keep the machine virus-free. So, it is very important to be very careful while surfing the web and avoid interacting with perilous sources to keep the device safe and secured. Never open a suspicious email coming address, especially avoid downloading its attachment. In case you are already a victim of this dangerous parasite, you must remove URSA Ransomware from the computer as early as possible.

Text Presented In The Ransom Notes:

ll your files have been encrypted with URSA 1.0

* What happend to your files?

All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-2048 using Ursa 1.0

More information about the encryption keys using RSA-2048 can be found here: hxxps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)

* What does this mean?

This means that the structure and data within your files have been irrevocably changed,

you will not be able to work with them, read them or see them, it is the same thing as losing them forever, but with our help, your can restore them.

* How did this happen?

Especially for you, on our server was generated the secret key pair RSA-2048 public and private.

All your files were encrypted with the public key, which has been transferred to your computer via the internet. Decrypting of your files is only possible with the help of the private key and decrypt program, which is on our secret server.

* What do i do?

Alas, if you do not take the necessary measures for the specified time then the conditions for obtaining the private key will be changed.

If you really value your data. then we suggest you go directly to your personal page. Do not waste valuable time searching for other solutions, because they do not exist.

Important information.

Your Personal Page: –

1. Download and install tor-browser hxxps://www.torproject.org/download
2. After a successful installation, run the browser and wait for initialization.
3. Type or copy your personal page that you see above, into the address bar.
4. Follow the instructions on your personal page.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

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

Step 2: Delete URSA Ransomware using “System Restore”

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

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