Obliterate StuardRitchi Ransomware (Crypto-Malware/Ransomware)

What is StuardRitchi ransomware? And how does it carry out its attack?

StuardRitchi ransomware is a new variant of the notorious GlobeImposter ransomware. This latest addition to the GlobeImposter group assigns a “.crypt” extension to every file it encodes. For instance, if it encrypts a file named “document.docx”, it will now become “document.docx.crypt”.
When it comes to its attack, StuardRitchi ransomware still uses the same tactic which starts by dropping its malicious payload in the system which will establish a connection between the infected device and a remote Command and Control server where it also downloads additional malicious files that helps it in executing its attack. These malicious files also make alterations in the Windows Registry in order to run on every system boot. Once these changes are applied, the search for files to encrypt began. It mostly targets common files like images, documents, videos, audio files, and so on. Once it finds these files, it encrypts them using the same encryption algorithm that other GlobeImposter variants use. After the encryption, it creates a file named how_to_back_files.html which contains the following ransom note:
“YOUR PERSONAL ID
–
ENGLISH
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED!
ALL YOUR IMPORTANT DATA HAS BEEN ENCRYPTED.
To recover data you need decryptor.
The cost of the decryptor is 2500 usd. Payment is accepted only in bitcoin (BTC). You can buy bitcoin at your bank or from private currency exchangers.
If you are interested in buying a decryptor, contact me: [email protected]
As a proof of my capabilities, I will decrypt 1 file. The test file should not have value.
Do not try to cheat, otherwise the price will double.
Attention!
Only [email protected] can decrypt your files
No one in the world can decrypt your data except me. Please do not forget to make a copy before trying to decrypt yourself, otherwise I can not help you
Do not attempt to remove the program or run the anti-virus tools
Decoders other users are not compatible with your data, because each user’s unique encryption key
If you have not received a response within 24 hours, please contact us: [email protected]”
How does StuardRitchi ransomware proliferate?
The malicious payload of StuardRitchi ransomware may proliferate via spam emails that contain an obfuscated attachment or corrupted link. Crooks mostly attach infected files in emails containing malicious scripts used to install crypto-malware like StuardRitchi ransomware in the system. This is why you need to double check the email first before you download and open the attached file as it could be a harmful one that could cause damage to your computer.
Eliminating StuardRitchi ransomware from your computer wouldn’t be that easy so you need to follow the removal guide provided below.
Step 1: The first thing you need to do is to obliterate the process of StuardRitchi ransomware by opening the Task Manager – simply tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard.
Step 2: After that, switch to the Processes tab and look for any suspicious-looking process that takes up most of your CPU’s resources and is most likely related to StuardRitchi ransomware and then end them all.

Step 3: Now that the malicious processes are eliminated, close the Task Manager.
Step 4: Next, tap Win + R, type in appwiz.cpl and click OK or tap Enter to open Control Panel’s list of installed programs.
Step 5: Under the list of installed programs, look for StuardRitchi ransomware or anything similar and then uninstall it.

Step 6: Then close Control Panel and tap Win + E keys to launch File Explorer.
Step 7: Navigate to the following locations below and look for the malicious components of StuardRitchi ransomware like the file named how_to_back_files.html, and [random].exe as well as other suspicious files it has created and downloaded into the system and then delete all of them.

%LOCALAPPDATA%
%APPDATA%
%TEMP%
%WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Templates\
%USERPROFILE%\Downloads
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop

Step 8: Close the File Explorer.
Before you go on any further, make sure that you are tech savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you the trouble and time, you can just use [product-name] this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then by all means go on to the next steps.
Step 9: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.

Step 10: Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

Step 11: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by StuardRitchi ransomware.
Step12. Close the Registry Editor and empty the Recycle Bin.
Try to recover your encrypted files using the Shadow Volume copies
Restoring your encrypted files using Windows’ Previous Versions feature will only be effective if StuardRitchi ransomware hasn’t deleted the shadow copies of your files. But still, this is one of the best and free methods there is, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
To restore the encrypted file, right-click on it and select Properties, a new window will pop-up, then proceed to Previous Versions. It will load the file’s previous version before it was modified. After it loads, select any of the previous versions displayed on the list like the one in the illustration below. And then click the Restore button.

After you’ve covered the steps provided above, you need to continue the removal process of StuardRitchi ransomware using a reliable program like [product-name]. How? Follow the advanced removal steps below.
Perform a full system scan using [product-code]. To do so, follow these steps:

Turn on your computer. If it’s already on, you have to reboot it.
After that, the BIOS screen will be displayed, but if Windows pops up instead, reboot your computer and try again. Once you’re on the BIOS screen, repeat pressing F8, by doing so the Advanced Option shows up.

To navigate the Advanced Option use the arrow keys and select Safe Mode with Networking then hit
Windows will now load the Safe Mode with Networking.
Press and hold both R key and Windows key.

If done correctly, the Windows Run Box will show up.
Type in the URL address, [product-url] in the Run dialog box and then tap Enter or click OK.
After that, it will download the program. Wait for the download to finish and then open the launcher to install the program.
Once the installation process is completed, run [product-code] to perform a full system scan.