Remove REIG Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .reig FILES)
REIG ransomware illegally encrypts all files on victim’s computer
Contents
REIG ransomware is a malicious file-encrypting computer virus that is the 285th version of STOP/DJVU malware family. The aim of this virus is to encrypt all files on the target system using RSA algorithm, thus making them impossible to open. During the attack, ransomware appends .reig extensions to original file names and drops _readme.txt ransom notes in every folder. As a consequence, file that originally was called 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.reig after the modification. The ransom notes inform the victim that all data has been locked and can be decrypted by criminals if victim pays the required sum of money to them. They demand a ransom worth $490 in Bitcoin (if victim contacts the attackers in 3 days) or $980 later. On top of that, this ransomware installs AZORULT, a password-stealing Trojan on the computer.
REIG ransomware virus is designed to delete Volume Shadow Copies from victim’s computer to prevent one from recovering file copies for free. In addition, the virus maliciously modifies Windows HOSTS file to block a list of domains for victim. In other words, this malicious program does everything to prevent the victim from restoring files any other way than paying the ransom to the criminals. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, the Trojan it installs can steal various sensitive information, such as login details, saved credit card information, cryptocurrency, browser cookies and more.
The ransomware tends to display a fake Windows update screen (winupdate.exe process) during the encryption procedure to force the victim to believe that sudden system slowdown occurs due to ongoing operating system updates.
Ransom note explains criminals’ demands
The only message left by the REIG ransomware developers can be found in _readme.txt file. The copy of it can be detected in every infected data folder on the compromised computer. This note assures the victim that one can still return all of the files. Although all files such as pictures, documents and other important files are encrypted with strongest encryption, the victim can decrypt .reig data using unique decryption key and software that the criminals suggest purchasing.
The criminals also suggest testing their decryption tool – in order to do so, the victim has to send one small encrypted file to the criminals along with the personal ID that is provided in the ransom note. This ID is assigned to victim’s computer so that the crooks could identify which decryption key belongs to victim.
The criminals promise to respond with a decrypted file version. However, we do not recommend paying the ransom under any circumstances because there are many reasons not to do so, such as:
- The criminals might not decrypt your files even after receiving the ransom. Even if they try to, it might be impossible due to modifications/other reasons risen on your or their end.
- There are cases when criminals started extorting the victim after receiving the first ransom.
- By paying the ransom, you support cybercrime industry, which is wrong on many levels (keeps the criminals motivated and encourages them to distribute the ransomware even more aggressively).
- Paying a ransom is illegal in certain countries.
If you have been infected with this ransomware, the best idea would be to remove REIG ransomware virus safely (use instructions below) and restore your files using data backup or tools recommended at the end of this article. To repair virus damage on the system, we highly recommend scanning with RESTORO.
Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
| Name | REIG Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Previous versions | VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD, EYRV, UIGD, VLFF (find full list here) |
| Version | 285th |
| Extension | .reig |
| Damage | The ransomware encrypts all files using RSA algorithm and install AZORULT malware on compromised computer. Additionally, the virus gets rid of Volume Shadow Copies and maliciously modifies Windows HOSTS file. |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
| Distribution | Hides in torrent downloads, typically software cracks, keygens or tools like KMSPico. Once run, downloads and runs the ransomware on the system |
| Detection names | Trojan:Win32/Glupteba (Microsoft), Glupteba.Backdoor.Bruteforce.DDS (Malwarebytes), TR/AD.InstaBot.ysgps (Avira), HEUR:Exploit.Win32.Shellcode.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Variant.Midie.79167 (B)(Emsisoft), see all detection name variations on VirusTotal |
| Removal | Remove the ransomware virus using AV or AM software of your choice. After that, download and run a full system scan using RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files. |
Learn ransomware distribution ways to avoid getting infected again
REIG ransomware virus typically hides in various illegal downloads, such as Adobe Photoshop, game, video editing software cracks. Such downloads can be found on many torrent-sharing websites and downloaded to computer via torrent agent. However, attempts to bypass premium software subscription fee can result in a severe computer infection, and costs to repair damage after it will be much higher than obtaining the software legally. If you are interested in specific software, make sure you get it from official software developer or distributor only. It is always a better idea to support legitimate software developers rather than cybercriminals.
Distributing ransomware via illegal cracks is extremely successful technique because many computer users tend to open such files even if their security software warns them not to. In many cases, users believe that these security alarms are false positives. This misleading belief contributes to a high number of computer infections worldwide.
Criminals also like to spread malware, including ransom-demanding viruses via malicious email spam. They create a convincing email subject along with a message that kindly asks to view attached file and respond immediately. In short, such emails are designed to spark the victim’s curiosity and also create a feeling of a rush, as the message says there is a missing/pending payment or important invoice that needs to be reviewed ASAP. In other cases, criminals pretend to be someone from the victim’s company, stating that there is a problem with hosting or email client. Such messages always include a malicious attachment or a link that can lead to a ransomware download.
Computer users should be extremely careful around email attachment nowadays, because the attackers tend to send messages on relevant topics. For example, lately they’ve been using parcel delivery tracking theme, sending fake documents or links. Therefore, we do not recommend opening such email, especially if you didn’t order anything. The attackers tend to present themselves as DPD, DHL, UPS or other delivery companies. Moreover, even if the sender’s email address looks legitimate, you should know that it can be spoofed and it is a good idea to learn how to recognize these.
Finally, criminals like to disguise spyware or malware in a form of fake software updates. To be precise, they mostly push unwanted downloads via fake Adobe or Java updates. These deceptive ads can be encountered while browsing on untrustworthy websites (mostly adult-only, gambling or sharing illegal content) that collaborate with shady ad networks. So if you ever notice that a webpage redirected you to a domain that presents a suggestion to install these, do not download anything from it! Make sure you get software updates from official sources only.
Remove REIG ransomware virus and recover encrypted data safely
The primary thing you need to do is to remove REIG ransomware virus and other malicious remains from the system safely. Although theoretically it is possible to delete malware manually, it required advanced IT skills and time. Therefore, we recommend you to wipe unwanted threats using automatic malware removal program. You can use any software of your choice. We recommend repairing virus damage to Windows OS files using RESTORO.
Once REIG ransomware removal is complete, follow the guide provided below to repair or decrypt your files (if you do not have data backup). Additionally, we recommend changing all your passwords for websites saved in your browser, and reporting cybercrime to responsible institution in your country.
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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
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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REIG ransomware virus Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove REIG ransomware virus 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, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.
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 8/8.1/10/11 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 REIG ransomware virus 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 security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
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RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.
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 8/8.1/10/11 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.
Decrypt REIG files
Fix and open large REIG files easily:
It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
- Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
- Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the REIG extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
- In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
- Try opening the file.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. REIG ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD, EYRV, UIGD, VLFF (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.
Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.
In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt REIG files, follow the given tutorial.
- Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
- Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
- Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
- In UAC window, click Yes.
- Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
- The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work. - Click Decrypt to start restoring REIG files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.
Meanings of decryptor's messages
The REIG decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:
Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]
This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.
No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.
Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your REIG extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of REIG ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
- In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
- In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
- In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
- In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
- In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
- In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
- In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.
If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.
Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can only open REIG files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official REIG decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.
Beware of fake REIG decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.
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.
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