Remove R3f5s ransomware

Is this a dangerous ransomware

R3f5s ransomware is a nasty piece of malicious software which locks files. Due to its destructive nature, it is very dangerous to get the infection. A data encryption process will be launched soon after you open the file that has been infected. Ransomware targets specific files, and those are files that hold the most value to users. Once files are encrypted, they cannot be opened unless they’re decrypted with a special decryptor, which is in the possession of people behind this malware. Every now and then, malware analysts can crack the ransomware and develop a free decryptor. If you do not recall ever backing up your files and don’t intend to pay, that free decryptor may be your best choice.

Soon after the encryption process is finished, you’ll see that a ransom note has been placed either in folders containing encrypted files or the desktop. The note you’ll find should explain what happened to your files and how much you need to pay to get a decryptor. We are not going to stop you from buying the decryption tool, but that option is not recommended. We wouldn’t be shocked if the hackers just take your money. More malicious software would be created using the money you give crooks. We would recommend you buy backup with some of that demanded money. Simply eliminate R3f5s ransomware if you had created backup.

If you remember recently opening a spam email attachment or downloading a program update from an unreliable source that’s how it managed to gain access into your device. The reason we say you most probably got it via those methods is because they are the most popular among cyber criminals.

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Ransomware spread methods

You can obtain ransomware in a variety of ways, but as we’ve mentioned previously, you likely got the contamination via bogus updates or spam emails. Because of how common spam campaigns are, you have to become familiar with what malicious spam look like. Don’t rush to open all attachments that land in your inbox, you first have to check it is safe. Senders of dangerous spam often pretend to be from notable companies so that users lower their guard and open emails without thinking twice about it. For example, they may claim to be Amazon and say that they have added a purchase receipt to the email. You may check whether the sender is who they say they are without difficulty. Compare the sender’s email address with the ones the company really uses, and if you find no records of the address used by someone real, don’t open the file attached. Furthermore, email attachments need to be scanned with reliable scanners before you open them.

Another method often used is bogus updates. False alerts for updates are usually seen when on suspicious pages, constantly requesting you to install something. Frequently, the false update notifications could appear as adverts or banners. For those familiar with how alerts about updates are pushed, however, this will look dubious immediately. Do not use advertisements as download sources, because you’re unnecessarily endangering your device. When an application of yours needs to be updated, you will either be notified about it through the program, or it’ll update itself without your interference.

What does this malware do

We likely do not need to clarify that your files have been encrypted. File encrypting likely happened without you knowing, right after the contaminated file was opened. If you’re unsure about which files have been affected, look for a specific file extension attached to files, indicating that they have been locked. Since a complex encryption algorithm was used for file encryption, don’t even try to open files. Information about file recovery will be given in the ransom note. All ransom notes follow the same design, they first say your files have been encrypted, demand that you pay and then threaten to eliminate files permanently if a payment isn’t made. Even if the hackers have the decryption tool, there will not be a lot of people advising paying the ransom. You that you would be relying on the people to blame for your file locking to help you. The same criminals might make you a target again because in their belief if you have paid once, you may pay again.

It is possible you could’ve uploaded at least some of your critical files somewhere, so try to remember if that is the case. Our recommendation would be to store all of your locked files somewhere, for when or if researchers specializing in malicious software create a free decryptor. In any case, you will have to uninstall R3f5s ransomware from your computer.

It is essential that you start backing up your files, and hopefully you will learn from this experience. Otherwise, you will end up in the same situation, with probably permanent file loss. Backup prices differ depending in which form of backup you pick, but the purchase is definitely worth it if you have files you want to keep safe.

R3f5s ransomware elimination

It isn’t encouraged manual elimination, unless you’re entirely sure about what you are doing. If you don’t want to end up causing more harm to your system, employing anti-malware program ought to be your choice. If you cannot launch the software, reboot your computer in Safe Mode and try again. Once your computer is in in Safe Mode, scan your system with anti-malware and eliminate R3f5s ransomware. Anti-malware program won’t help you restore your files, however.

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Learn how to remove R3f5s ransomware from your computer

• Step 1. Remove R3f5s ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.
• Step 2. Remove R3f5s ransomware using System Restore
• Step 3. Recover your data

Step 1. Remove R3f5s ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.
• b) Step 2. Remove R3f5s ransomware.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Choose Safe Mode with Networking

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

b) Step 2. Remove R3f5s ransomware.

You will now need to open your browser and download some kind of anti-malware software. Choose a trustworthy one, install it and have it scan your computer for malicious threats. When the ransomware is found, remove it. If, for some reason, you can't access Safe Mode with Networking, go with another option.

Step 2. Remove R3f5s ransomware using System Restore

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
• b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

1. You will need to type in cd restore in the window that appears. Press Enter.
2. Type in rstrui.exe and again, press Enter.
3. A window will pop-up and you should press Next. Choose a restore point and press Next again.
4. Press Yes.

While this should have taken care of the ransomware, you might want to download anti-malware just to be sure no other threats are lurking.  

Step 3. Recover your data

• a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.
• b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions
• c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

While backup is essential, there is still quite a few users who do not have it. If you are one of them, you can try the below provided methods and you just might be able to recover files.

a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro, preferably from a trustworthy website.
2. Scan your device for recoverable files.
3. Recover them.

b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions

If you had System Restore enabled, you can recover files through Windows Previous Versions.

1. Find a file you want to recover.
2. Right-click on it.
3. Select Properties and then Previous versions.
4. Pick the version of the file you want to recover and press Restore.

c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

If you are lucky, the ransomware did not delete your shadow copies. They are made by your system automatically for when system crashes.

1. Go to the official website (shadowexplorer.com) and acquire the Shadow Explorer application.
2. Set up and open it.
3. Press on the drop down menu and pick the disk you want.
4. If folders are recoverable, they will appear there. Press on the folder and then Export.

* SpyHunter scanner, published on this site, is intended to be used only as a detection tool. More info on SpyHunter. To use the removal functionality, you will need to purchase the full version of SpyHunter. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, click here.