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 – 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
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.
OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND
Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software.
REMOVE THREATS WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
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.
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.
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 the said mode, 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 do it:
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 malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
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%system32restorerstrui.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.
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 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.
Dito says
Dear Sir,
help me plz …..
my all files goes by .RECO
i already try any trick but cannot working
all my file broken so far
but I already reinstalled windows from Win7 to Win10.
but my files that are in another directory are still affected by reco
please help me, what should i do
Dito-Indonesia
Dileepa Jayakody says
My PC is infected with .reco virus.I haven’t installed an antivirus on my PC.So is there any way to install it and remove that virus to use decryption tool ? What is the best antivirus to remove this virus ? Help please I have a lot of important files in it.
Sankalpa Jayakody says
I haven’t installed an antivirus on my PC and I got .reco virus.Can I just remove it and decrypt all files by installing an antivirus now while the ransomware is in my PC? If I cant,what should I do?
Sadiq says
Hi,
I see that this .RECO virus is lethal malware, am also affected and till date i have tried almost all decryptors suggested, but to no avail.
I am also in dire position of recovering my files(images, docs, videos etc).Pls if by anytime solutions are available i would be most grateful.
Thanks
Norbert Webb says
Only victims affected by offline .reco key can recover their files.
EDUARDO DE SOUZA says
Good afternoon, my documents have been infected by the .RECO virus recently and I have used all the methods and so far nothing, one day we will be able to decrypt the files, they are mostly family photos.
Dito says
help me plz …..
my all files goes by .RECO
i already try any trick but cannot working
all my file broken so far
kasun says
plz help i did this all step in correctly. but not working
zaki says
Hi
The above information is very useful bu tits only help 30% to resolve the issue So Kindly Sir Is there any data recovery tool that can help to recover affected files that are not deleted and still on the computer? All data including docx, pdf, mp3, mp4 have reco. extension and still no updation to resolve the remaining 70% issue. Kindly suggest and help
Choirul Anam says
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
Norbert Webb says
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.
Gowtham says
my system was affected by .nesa ransomware . im tried all methods there’s no restore point available in my system plz help me sir.