How to remove Ranion Ransomware and decrypt .ransom or .r44s files

What is Ranion Ransomware

Ranion is a malware group that develops and spreads ransomware infections. Its recent version is called R44s, which encrypts data using strong cryptographic algorithms and then demands money for its redemption. Victims can spot their files have been encrypted by visual means. First versions of Ranion Ransomware discovered in Novemver, 2017 used .ransom extension. Now the virus assigns the plain .r44s extension to all compromised pieces. Here is a quick example of how files will look after successful encryption – 1.pdf.r44s, 1.jpg.r44s, 1.xls.r44s, and so forth depending on the original file name. Right after this encryption process ends, R44s creates an HTML file named README_TO_DECRYPT_FILES.html.

This file contains recovery instructions and other details regarding your data. Cybercriminals say victims have 7 days to pay the 1 BTC ransom, otherwise, their decryption key will be erased and no longer existent. After completing the payment of 1 BTC to their crypto address, victims should notify extortionists with their personal ID (written in ransom note). Unfortunately, since R44s is totally new, there is almost no chance you can decrypt data without the cybercriminals’ help. Paying the ransom is also an option, but not everybody can afford to spend 1 BTC on file decryption. Plus, there is always ambiguity on whether cybercriminals will recover your data after paying the indicated ransom or not. Sometimes they become inactive and no longer interested in sending your files back. If you actually have valuable data and would like to avoid spending money, the best and reliable way is to recover your files using backups copies. These copies should be stored and created prior to the infection on external devices. If you do not have such copies available, you can try some third-party recovery tools we mentioned in our tutorial below. Keep in mind that you should remove the ransomware infection first before moving on to trying recovery options.

How Ranion Ransomware infected your computer

Most ransomware infections are famously spread by hacking unprotected RDP configuration, via e-mail malspam, fake program or update installers, botnets, exploits, trojans, malicious ads, web injectors, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), free file hosting websites, unofficial websites, and other suspicious channels. According to statistical data, the majority of people end up infected with ransomware infections after interacting with files like .docx, .pdf, .zip, .rar, .exe, and .js that conceal various infections. Such content is usually spread via e-mail from ostensibly legitimate firms. Cybercriminals disguise their letters as delivery companies, local authorities, and other institutions potentially trusted by users. Therefore, many users get curious and open files or links prompting the installation of malware like Ranion Ransomware. In general, ransomware and other infections reach successful installation thanks to users’ negligence and inexperience. Some download fake updates or software via ads claiming their PC to be outdated or even infected. Most uneducated believe it and fall into such traps. Thus, it is hyper-important to stay careful and armed with protection tools to avoid potentially dangerous content on the internet. You can find all the necessary information on that down below.

1. Download Ranion Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .ransom or .r44s files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Ranion Ransomware

Ranion Ransomware files:


README_TO_DECRYPT_FILES.html
{randomname}.exe


Ranion Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .ransom or .r44s files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .ransom and .r44s files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .ransom or .r44s files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Ranion Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .ransom or .r44s files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Ranion Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Ranion Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro