Geek's Advice

Reco ransomware is now decryptable

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 – gorentos@bitmessage.ch or gerentoshelp@firemail.cc. 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

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.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Norbert Webb

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.