Reads Virus – Details
The Reads stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the MedusaLocker ransomware family. Reads was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Reads adds the “.reads” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Reads, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.reads“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Reads places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.The message given by Reads text file requesting the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the MedusaLocker clan. It actually discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by Reads is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.
Another technique of Reads is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds related to Reads ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.
Reads encrypted your documents, but that might not be the only damage done to you. The ransomware might still be hidingon your computer. To identify whether this holds true, we suggest downloading GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
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Nevertheless, irrespective of the requested quantity, people need to stay away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to totally disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not provide any positive result and people just lose their money for absolutely 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 Reads ransomware and to recover the information data for free. Hence, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.
Virus Summary
| Name | Reads Ransomware |
| File Extension | .reads |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | MedusaLocker |
| 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 reads 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 comparable to Reads ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt essential information and to set forth the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the unique decryption key for information decryption.
Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is just not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your crucial files is to frequently create backups of your important information.
Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.
How did ransomware infect my system?
There are a number of ways used by online frauds to distribute Reads virus. Even though it doubts how precisely Reads injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:
- integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
- spam emails from unidentified senders;
- websites rendering free hosting services;
- pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.
Frequently Reads ransomware might be presented as some legitimate software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some crucial software updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Reads infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.
In addition, the criminals may describe various e-mail spam strategies to inject malicious codes into PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.
Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifies may result in Reads ransom injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include destructive codes leading to Reads secret installation. Lastly, injection of Reads may happen by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up malicious tools without the user’s consent.
Is there any method to avoid the injection of Reads ransom virus?
Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we wish to share with with you. Firstly, be really mindful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading free apps. Keep 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 certain that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.
Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to essential damage to be produced your system. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your Windows.
Below please find the quotation from the Reads text file:
YOUR PERSONAL ID: - /!\\ YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED /!\\ All your important files have been encrypted! Your files are safe! Only modified. (RSA+AES) ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE WILL PERMANENTLY CORRUPT IT. DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES. DO NOT RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES. No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to solve your problem. We gathered highly confidential/personal data. These data are currently stored on a private server. This server will be immediately destroyed after your payment. If you decide to not pay, we will release your data to public or re-seller. So you can expect your data to be publicly available in the near future.. We only seek money and our goal is not to damage your reputation or prevent your business from running. You will can send us 2-3 non-important files and we will decrypt it for free to prove we are able to give your files back. Contact us for price and get decryption software. .onion * Note that this server is available via Tor browser only Follow the instructions to open the link: 1. Type the addres \"hxxps://www.torproject.org\" in your Internet browser. It opens the Tor site. 2. Press \"Download Tor\", then press \"Download Tor Browser Bundle\", install and run it. 3. Now you have Tor browser. In the Tor Browser open qd7pcafncosqfqu3ha6fcx4h6sr7tzwagzpcdcnytiw3b6varaeqv5yd.onion 4. Start a chat and follow the further instructions. If you can not use the above link, use the email: help_24_decr1@outlook.com help_24_decr2@outlook.com * To contact us, create a new free email account on the site: protonmail.com IF YOU DON\'T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.
Screenshot of files with “.reads” extension added by the ransomware:
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Reads ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
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.
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