ERIS Ransomware – Guide to remove file virus from system

Guide to Remove ERIS Ransomware

While the computer users are finding pernicious DJVU Ransomware variants a hard cookie to crack, another devious file-locking virus is spreading its wings on the web.

This brand-new menace has been named as ERIS Ransomware as it renames the encrypted files by appending .ERIS Extension to the file-names. It surfaced to the lime-light for the first time on 4th July 2019.

According to the research, malvertising spam campaigns using a RIG exploit kit are the best used method for .ERIS file virus to spread its infection.

Once the system is infected, it scrutinizes the entire system for targeted user & system files. When found, it encrypts them & makes them unreadable.

You might wonder, what are the possible ways for removing this destructive file virus from your system? How can one stop ERIS Ransomware from infecting from system? Read on to find answer to such questions.

Threat Summary of ERIS Ransomware 

Threat Behavior of ERIS Ransomware

The devious ERIS Ransomware is the latest addition to the giant family of Ransomware. Just like most of the Ransomware-infections, ERIS file virus is spreading its infection through malvertising spam campaigns.

The nasty activities of ERIS Ransomware begin with encrypting the files of the infected system. The research revealed that ERIS Ransomware uses highly-complex cryptography methods such as Salsa20 and RAS (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) Encryption algorithm to encrypt the files.

The file extensions of the encrypted files are changed by appending .ERIS Extension to the filenames. A file named “image.jpg” might be renamed as “image.jpg.eris” after encryption.

Some of the file extensions that are at the target of the malicious ERIS Virus are:

• Document files (.docx, .doc, .odt, .rtf, .text, .pdf, .htm, .ppt)
• Audio Files (.mp3, .aif, .iff, .m3u, .m4u, .mid, .mpa, .wma, .ra, .avi, .mov, .mp4)
• Video Files (.3gp, .mpeg, .3g2, .asf, .asx, .flv, .mpg, .wmv, .vob)
• Images (.jpg, .jpeg, .raw, .tif, .gif, .png)
• Backup Files (.bck, .bckp, .tmp, .gho)

Details of the Ransom Note & Ransom Amount for .ERIS File Virus

Once the targeted files are encrypted, ERIS Ransomware drops a ransom-demanding note, a text document, on the victim’s desktop.

This note is named as “@ READ ME TO RECOVER FILES @.txt”. It contains a ransom message & instructions for obtaining ERIS decryption tool from the hackers.

The Encryption Algorithms, Salsa20 & RAS not only encrypt the files, but also generate unique private key for each infected system. This key is stored on the hacker-controlled server.

The hackers demand a hefty ransom amount of $825 in Bitcoins in exchange of the unique key & ERIS decrypter tool. The .ERIS file virus developers accept ransom amount in Bitcoins only.

Fake Claims by the hackers

In addition to that, the hackers offer to decrypt one file without any cost; in order to take the users in to thinking that decryption of files is possible. The victims are asked to contact the hackers on the e-mail- [email protected] & attach one encrypted file to it.

The decrypted file is sent back to the victims. Along with the file, the hackers provide further instructions to the victims concerning the payment of the ransom amount.

The ERIS developers claim to send the ERIS Decryption tool & unique key after receiving the ransom amount. However, most of the cyber-criminals do not keep their promise.

The analysis shows that victims stop receiving response from the hackers after paying the ransom.

Therefore, the victims should never pay ransom to the hackers, regardless of the amount. Paying the ransom encourages the hackers to spread the infection & extort money from the victims.

The victims should act smart in these situations. They can download ERIS Ransomware removal tool or remove malicious ERIS virus from their system with manual removal guidelines.

Distribution Techniques of ERIS Ransomware

ERIS Ransomware infection mainly spreads through Malvertising Spam Campaigns using RIG Exploit Kit.

This file-virus enters the system without the knowledge of the user. It gets installed on the system when a computer user visits a malicious website & triggers a payload dropper.

Other common spread techniques that are suspected to be used by the hackers are:

• Exploit Kits
• Unofficial Software Update Tools
• Peer-To-Peer Networks
• Unreliable third-party software download source
• Illegal Software Activation (Cracking) Tools
• Malware Laden Torrent Sites, Torrent Sites

How to remove ERIS Ransomware infection from the system

STEP A: Reboot your system to Safe Mode

To restart the system to Safe Mode with Networking,  if already switched ON then follow the below steps:

Windows 7/ Vista/ XP

1. Click on Windows icon present in the lower left corner of the computer screen.
2. Select and click  Restart.
3. When the screen goes blank, Keep tapping  F8  Key until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
4. With the help of arrow keys on keyboard, Select Safe Mode with Networking  option from the list and press the Enter Key. The system will then restart to Safe Mode with Networking.

5 Click on the username and enter the password (if any).

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Press and hold the Shift Key and simultaneously click on the windows icon present in the lower left corner of your computer screen.
2. While the Shift key is still pressed click on the Power button and then click on Restart.
3. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.
4. When the Startup Settings screen appears which is the first screen to appear after restart, select and click on Enable Safe Mode with Networking. The system will then restart to Safe Mode with Networking.
5. Click on the username and enter the password.

STEP B: Restore the System Files & Folders

Method 1 using Control Panel

1. Click on the ‘Start’ button on the taskbar. This will open the Start menu.
2. Click on the ‘Control Panel’ button in the Start menu. This will open the control panel window.
3. In the Control Panel window, click on the ‘View by:’ button on the top right. Select the Large Icon option
4. In the control Panel window click on the ‘Recovery Icon’. This will open a window that will ask ‘Restore the computer to an earlier point in time’.
5. Click on the ‘Open system restore’ button. This will open the ‘system restore ’window where you need to click on the Next Button.
6.  Select the restore point that is prior the infiltration of ERIS Ransomware. After doing that, click Next.
7. This will open the ‘Confirm your restore point’ dialog box. Click on Finish button. This will restore your system to a previous restore point before your system was infected by ERIS Ransomware.

OR

Method 2 using Command Prompt

1. Type cmd in the search box and click on the command prompt to open the Command Prompt window. box and clicking on it.
2. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.(Ensure that you in the system32 directory of Windows folder in C Drive)
3. Now type rstrui and press Enter again.
4. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of ERIS Ransomware. After doing that, click Next.
5. This will open the ‘Confirm your restore point’ dialog box. Click on Finish button. This will restore your system to a previous restore point before your system was infected by ERIS Ransomware.

OR

Method 3 : Directly type ‘rstrui’ in the search box

1. Type ‘Rstrui’ in the search box present on the task bar. This will open the System restore dialog box.

Continue to follow steps 4 & 5 of Method 2 to restore the System Files and settings.

How to prevent ERIS Ransomware from infecting your system

1. Keeping the Operating System Updated- In order to remain protected and avoid such infections, it is recommended to keep your Operating System updated by enabling the automatic update on your system. The systems with outdated or older versions of Operating System become an easy target for the attackers.
2. Resist clicking on spam emails – One of the major techniques used for malware distribution is forwarding spam emails to the user. The system gets infected as soon as the user clicks on the attachment. These mails appear to be genuine, so be aware and resist falling for these tricks.
3. Keep an eye on third party installations- It is quite important that you take due care while installing any third party applications for they are major source of such infections. Such malware programs come bundled with the free applications thereby requiring the user to remain cautious.
4. Regular periodical backup- In order to keep your data and files safe, it is recommended to take regular back up of all your data and files either on an external drive or cloud.
5. Use Anti-Virus Protection- We strongly recommend the use of antivirus protection/internet security in your PC like Vipre, Kaspersky & BULL GUARD  so that it remains safe.
6. Enable the Ad Blocker/Popup Blocker in your browser- Enabling the popup blocker/ ad blocker in your chosen browser will help you to stay protected from annoying adware.