Reco ransomware is now decryptable
Contents
Reco ransomware is a decryptable variant of the STOP/DJVU virus. The purpose of this malicious program is to infect as many computers on the target network as possible and encrypt all files with AES/RSA ciphers. The virus marks encrypted files with .reco file extension, then deletes Volume Shadow Copies and creates a ransom note called _readme.txt in every folder affected by the cyber attack. Files locked by this virus can be recovered (at least partially) using DJVU Decryptor.
In other words, the malicious program locks your files using unbreakable algorithms and sends out the private cryptography key to the criminals’ servers. This key is the only thing that can recover .reco file extension files, however, criminals are not willing to give it away for free.
As usual, this variant of DJVU ransomware informs the victim that all files have been encrypted (including photos, documents, databases, and other relevant files) and that the only way to restore them is to pay the attackers a ransom. In the _readme.txt ransom note, they suggest testing the decrypter by sending the attackers 1 file for free decryption.
However, to decrypt all locked files, one must purchase a decrypter. The attackers suggest a 50% discount if the victim contacts them within 72 hours. In such a case, the .Reco decrypter costs $490. Otherwise, the ransom price goes up to $980.
The victim can contact the ransomware developers via one of the provided email addresses – [email protected] or [email protected] Unlike Phobos ransomware, this one doesn’t change its contact methods and they stay the same throughout every version of STOP/DJVU virus – .BORA, .NESA, .BOOT, .KUUB, .NOOS and other variants.
You can decrypt files locked by Bora ransomware for free. Check this tutorial on how to do it.
If you have been affected by the described crypto-virus, we kindly recommend you to remove Reco ransomware virus as soon as you can. It can be a challenging task to do even if you have an antivirus, so please follow the instructions given at the end of this post.
Threat Summary
| Name | Reco file extension virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-Trojan; File Locker |
| Encryption | AES/RSA combination |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom demand | From $490 to $980 |
| Decryption tools | Use STOP DJVU Decrypter by Emsisoft |
| Distribution | Malicious spam, infected downloads |
| Removal | Can be removed using antivirus in Safe Mode |
STOP/DJVU attack vectors, or how did you get infected
STOP/DJVU ransomware variants like Reco have been circulating around the globe with a help of malicious spam, infected downloads (such as keygens, cracks, free games, software, etc.), fake software updates, unofficial software installers, download managers, and other untrustworthy files.
Most of the ransomware victims get their files compromised only because they do not have real-time protection, data backups, or simply are curious or impatient and accidentally click on dangerous links online.
When it comes to ransomware, there are many ways for it to reach your computer, however, there are only a few general tips that can help to prevent it – keep all your programs as well as Windows up-to-date (in other words, install updates or enable automatic ones), have a good antivirus with real-time protection on at ALL times, and create a data backup just in case.
Best way to remove RECO ransomware and decrypt your files
The best way to remove Reco ransomware virus is to boot your computer in Safe Mode and run antivirus from there. You can choose from paid or free software options, just make sure you are using a trustworthy and an up-to-date one.
As soon as Reco ransomware removal is complete, you can start decrypting your files using a free tool from Emsisoft released on October 18, 2019.
Please, if you have been infected with ransomware – inform your friends and family about ransomware protection methods and do not forget to follow them yourself. Only general knowledge about these kinds of cyber attacks can prevent criminals from corrupting private data in the future.
RECO ransomware Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in Safe Mode with Networking, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to start Windows in Safe Mode:
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove RECO ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable antivirus program. Update and use the security program you already have or choose a new one. If you wish, you can check the security software reviews on our site.
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
Thank you very much Norbert Webb. This helped me recover my files. I wish more people get to solve their problems with this ransomware.
That is so good to hear. I’m glad you managed to recover your files!
Hello bro,
Thanks for the information about reco…
Hola la verdad no me funciona… Además ya me infectó el antivirus también asi que ya no sé que hacer … No puedo restaurar el sistema por qué no tengo punto de restauración anterior…
hello i am david my files infected by djvu ransomware
i found my id end with (3WiMbhz7c) .reco
and triyed to use system restore but didnt find any date …..any help please its very important work file please help ?
Dear David, no recovery options at the moment are available. Please use data backups for important files!
Hi,
Thanks for the information. I tried the above solutions. I restored my system to get rid of this virus.
As I am using windows 8.1 so I can’t restore files with windows previous versions.
I tried to run data recovery software but it only recovered deleted files. I couldn’t find a way to recover the files that are affected by .reco extension.
Is there any data recovery tool that can help to recover affected files that are not deleted and still the computer?
Regards,
Umair
Dear Umair,
At the moment there is no way to recover .Reco file extension files. However, one an OFFLINE key will be known, you might succeed in restoring at least part of it.
None of third-party data recovery tools can restore your data as all that it usually does is recover deleted files. These tools cannot break military-grade encryption algorithms.
I suggest checking for updated information regularly. I’ll update the post as soon as new info will be known.
In the meantime, you can create a backup for your encrypted files. Have you tried collecting some lost files from sources like your email or other platforms where you possibly shared them? It is something to start with.
Hi Norbert,
Kindly send me update once you have the tools to decrypt .reco. Need to recover a lot of files. 🙁
Hello. All my files were corrupted by a ransomware virus which added .reco file extensions. This happened today (2019.10.10). Is there a way to recover files? The attackers left gorentos(@)bitmessage.ch or gerentoshelp(@)firemail.cc emails to contact them. I don’t have money for a ransom but I NEED my files back! Please help…
hello i didnt know about ransom and by mistake i have reinstalled windows. so what should i do about restoring point date?
Dear Sir,
Please help me please please please.. my all files goes RECO. 🙁 🙁
Please help me out.
Regards
Saif Khan
Plz help me files are important kindly any solution to restore my data.kindly help me i have money.
Dear Nadeem, please invest your money in external data storage devices in the future. Developing a habit to backup data regularly is also a good idea. It’s the best thing you can do to protect important data against ransomware attacks.
Currently there are no decryption tools, no one can recover them for you at the moment.
my system was affected by .nesa ransomware . im tried all methods there’s no restore point available in my system plz help me sir.
Hello Nobert, I am infected with the .reco ransomware virus with the onlie key because my parameterid behind it is not t1.Please tell me the information about the file decryptor tool with the online key. To decryptor files with the offline key I have found the decryptor tool
No decryption options for those encrypted with online key, and only small possibility to decrypt if offline key is used, but only if experts manage to extract the offline key.