How to Remove RestoreBackup Ransomware

RestoreBackup is a newly discovered ransomware strain identified by researchers analyzing malware samples on VirusTotal. This crypto virus is designed to block access to a victim’s files by encrypting them and appending a distinct extension, then demanding payment for a decryption tool.

Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Name	RestoreBackup virus
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.restorebackup
Ransom Note Filename	README.TXT
Contact Email	restorebackup@cock.li
Detection Names	Avast: Win32:RansomX-gen, Combo Cleaner: Dump:Generic.Ransom.BlackLockbit.A, ESET-NOD32: A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.OOW, Kaspersky: HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic, Microsoft: Ransom:Win32/MoonRansom.YAA!MTB
Symptoms	Inaccessible files with renamed extensions, presence of ransom note
Damage	Loss of access to personal files and potential for additional malware payloads
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments (macros), cracked software, torrents, infected ads
Danger Level	High – Encrypts important files and may cause permanent data loss

Once RestoreBackup infiltrates a system, it renames files with a randomly generated string followed by the .restorebackup extension. For instance, a file originally named 1.jpg might be renamed to 1.jpg.{F52F8167-EA78-785E-7DCB-72284ABD03AA}.restorebackup. Each victim’s files bear a unique identifier within the filename, making manual file recovery difficult without the original key.

After encryption, the ransomware drops a ransom note titled README.TXT in affected directories. The note threatens permanent data loss unless the victim contacts the attackers via email and pays a ransom to receive the unique decryption key. As is typical with such malware, users are warned not to rename the files or attempt to use third-party decryption tools, which could render the files completely inaccessible.

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Ransom Note Message (“README.TXT”)

vbnetCopyEditYOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED

Your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.

You are not able to decrypt it by yourself! The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.

To be sure we have the decryptor and it works you can send an email:
RestoreBackup@cock.li and decrypt one file for free.
But this file should be of not valuable!

Do you really want to restore your files?
Write to email:
RestoreBackup@cock.li

Attention!
* Do not rename encrypted files.
* Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
* Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

* Do not contact the intermediary companies. Negotiate on your own. No one but us will be able to return the files to you. As evidence, we will offer to test your files.

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Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

RestoreBackup poses a serious threat to both personal and business users by encrypting critical files and demanding a ransom, often in cryptocurrency. Once infected, the system can continue to be vulnerable, and the malware may attempt to spread to other devices on the same network. While it may be tempting to contact the attackers and pay the ransom, cybersecurity experts strongly advise against doing so, as there’s no guarantee the decryption tool will be provided.

For users looking to better understand ransomware threats, RestoreBackup is just one in a long list of recent file-locking malware, alongside variants like FMLN, TheAnonymousGlobal, and PelDox. These infections underscore the importance of regular backups and cybersecurity awareness to mitigate risks.