Remove Readme Virus (.Read_Me.txt Files Ransomware) – BitRansomware Ransomware

Readme – General Info

The Readme stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the BitRansomware ransomware family. Readme was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Readme adds the “.Read_Me.txt” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Readme, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.Read_Me.txt“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Readme places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Readme text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the BitRansomware family. It literally mentions that the info is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by Readme is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of Readme is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is kept on a specific server run by the frauds related to Readme ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the requested quantity, people should stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive result and people simply lose their money for nothing.

We strongly advise that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Readme ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Thus, the just right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	Readme Ransomware
File Extension	.Read_Me.txt
Type	Ransomware
Family	BitRansomware
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
Symptoms	File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special Read_Me.txt extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Readme ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to set forth the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the distinct decryption key for information decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your crucial files is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are numerous ways used by online scams to distribute Readme virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how precisely Readme injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

• integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
• spam e-mails from unknown senders;
• sites rendering free hosting services;
• pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically Readme virus may exist as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some important software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Readme infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe various e-mail spam methods to inject harmful codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in Readme virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of destructive codes leading to Readme secret installation. Finally, injection of Readme may occur by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s approval.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of Readme ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to share with with you. To start with, be really careful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading complimentary programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in important damage to be made for your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render better services of defending your system.

Below please find the quotation from the Readme text file:

Attention! 
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique decryptor. Only we can give you this decryptor and only we can recover your files.
The server with your decryptor is in a closed network TOR. You can get there by the following ways:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Download Tor browser - https://www.torproject.org/ 
2. Install Tor browser 
3. Open Tor Browser 
4. Open link in TOR browser:   http://54fjmcwsszltlixn.onion/?QRTVWYAB 
5. Follow the instructions on this page 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On our page you will see instructions on payment and get the opportunity to decrypt 1 file for free. 
Alternate communication channel here: http://helpqvrg3cc5mvb3.onion/

Screenshot of files with “.Read_Me.txt” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Readme ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.

An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.