Remove RRCC Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .rrcc FILES)

remove RRCC ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .rrcc extension (free guide)

RRCC ransomware seeks to lock all of computer user’s files using encryption

Contents

RRCC ransomware seeks to lock all of computer user’s files using encryption
How ransomware-type threats are distributed
Remove RRCC Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files
Decrypt RRCC files
Frequently Asked Questions

RRCC ransomware is a newly discovered malicious computer virus variant. It is associated with the STOP/DJVU cybercriminal gang which releases new versions regularly. After landing on the target system, the ransomware encrypts all computer-stored files. This malware variant is distinguished from .rrcc extension it appends to names of the files it infects. To illustrate, files originally named 1.jpg or 2.docx will appear as 1.jpg.rrcc or 2.docx.rrcc after the cyberattack.

The aim of RRCC ransomware is to make victim’s files unusable by encrypting them. This way, the data stored on victim’s computer becomes inaccessible, or in other words, taken hostage by the ransomware operators. In order to access data again, the victim has to obtain a specific decryption tool along with a unique decryption key. The cybercriminals offer to sell it for a particular price.

This is nothing else but extortion, as the cybercriminals demand a ransom payment after illegally corrupting victim’s files. The crooks explain their conditions in _readme.txt ransom notes that are dropped in each computer folder respectively.

What’s explained in the ransom notes

The ransomware drops identical copies of _readme.txt file throughout the computer system. These notes explain that all of victim’s files were encrypted with the strongest encryption and unique key, and in order to recover the data, the victim has to pay a ransom.

The amount of money demanded depends on how quickly the victim writes an email to the ransomware operators – if this is done within 72 hours, the crooks promise a 50% discount on the demanded amount, which would be $490 in this case. If the victim delays writing the message to the criminals any longer, they will demand $980 for RRCC decryption software and unique key required to unlock the data.

The ransom note also includes two of the cybercriminals’ email addresses – support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc. The note instructs to write to these emails and insert the victim’s personal ID (a unique string assigned to the infected computer) and attach one sample of encrypted file for test decryption. This test file should not include any relevant information or the attackers might refuse to decrypt it.

After contacting the criminals, victims discover that the threat actors only accept payments made using cryptocurrency. This helps to ensure that the attackers’ identities cannot be revealed or traced down by law enforcement agencies.

For those wondering whether it is worth listening to the criminals’ demands, we advise checking these official FBI guidelines for ransomware victims. Paying the ransom rarely guarantees successful data recovery, besides, it helps the cybercriminals to continue their attacks and employ more people (such as malware developers and distributors).

Additional details regarding the ransomware attack

Malware analysts point out that versions of STOP/DJVU such as RRCC virus are usually distributed in tandem with dangerous information-stealing Trojans such as VIDAR or AZORULT. These threats can be controlled remotely to perform a variety of illegal actions on the compromised host, such as:

Steal browser-saved passwords, cookies and browsing history;
View, delete files or download additional malware;
Steal cryptocurrency wallets;
Steal in-app passwords (Steam, Telegram, Skype).

Access to such information can open many opportunities for the cybercriminals to blackmail the computer user. For this reason, it is important to get rid of all malware from the computer as soon as possible and ensure it gets properly protected.

We recommend you to remove RRCC ransomware virus using guidelines provided below this article. You should start by booting your PC in Safe Mode with Networking and then run your chosen antivirus solution. Afterwards, you may want to download RESTORO to initiate a system scan and identify virus-damaged Windows OS files. Then you can use this tool to repair virus damage to these files automatically.

Ransomware Summary

Name	RRCC Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	QLLN, EWDF, UIHJ, ZFDV, RRBB, RRCC, RRYY (find full list here)
Version	492nd
Extension	.rrcc
Cybercriminal emails	support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc
Additional malware dropped	Azorult or Vidar Trojan
Damage	The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .rrcc extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico.
Known software cracks to contain this malware	Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends.
Detection names	Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.PAL!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Crypt (A) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.47850419 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link).

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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.

Files encrypted by this ransomware can be distinguished from blank icons and new extensions added to their filenames as shown in the folder screenshot below.

How ransomware-type threats are distributed

Ransomware-type threats usually await either in illegal downloads or in phishing email attachments. These distribution channels are the most common when it comes to targeting home computer users, because when it comes to attacks targeted at large companies, cybercriminals tend to use more planned and sophisticated attack methods.

The vast majority of STOP/DJVU variants including RRCC ransomware virus are distributed via illegal downloads such as pirated software versions. Threat actors upload fake downloads to rogue warez sites or torrent listings claiming they’re providing “100% working free and full premium software versions” while in reality they’re spreading ransomware in disguise. Computer users who have a habit of searching for pirated software versions are at extremely high risk of infecting their computers with this ransomware strain. We always recommend visiting official software websites to download legitimate and secure copies of desired software. After all, a legitimate software license almost always cost less than the decryption tools that cybercriminals demand purchasing to recover encrypted data.

Another popular ransomware distribution method relies on email spam. Cybercriminals create convincing messages accompanied by malicious attachments that usually come in popular document formats such as DOCX, PDF or XLS. The attackers often impersonate legitimate and well-known companies and claim to be sending files such as invoices, order summaries or waybills that are filled with scripts used to download and execute ransomware from an external source. If the victim falls for this bait and opens the malicious attachment, the computer gets compromised by a file-encrypting malware.

For this reason, computer users are advised to practice caution when checking the email and avoid interacting with URLs or attachments sent by someone they don’t know or don’t have any kind of business interactions with. Moreover, if you can sense that the sender urges you to review attached email contents and reply soon, it is most likely a trick to make you open a malicious file.

Finally, victims of ransomware should be very careful and avoid websites offering solutions for online-key encryption victims of STOP/DJVU. If you want to learn about confirmed methods to decrypt/repair files altered by this ransomware strain variants, you should see this guide about tools developed by Emsisoft and DiskTuna.

Remove RRCC Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files

Our team has prepared a comprehensive guide on how to remove RRCC ransomware virus and protect your computer. Follow the steps outlined below to understand how the malware elimination procedure should be executed.

As an additional step, we recommend downloading RESTORO and scanning your computer to identify virus damage to Windows OS files. The said software has proved efficiency to repair virus damage to operating system files without the need to reinstall the OS at all.

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Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

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

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RRCC 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 RRCC 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 RRCC 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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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

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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 RRCC files

Fix and open large RRCC 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 RRCC 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. RRCC Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like QLLN, EWDF, UIHJ, ZFDV, RRBB, RRCC, RRYY (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 RRCC 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 RRCC 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 RRCC 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 RRCC 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 RRCC 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

✓ How can I open .RRCC files?

You can only open RRCC files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

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.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official RRCC 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).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

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.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake RRCC 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

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.