Rote Ransomware

Rote Ransomware tricks users into thinking that they are installing Windows updates. In reality, the malware encrypts their files with a robust cryptosystem, adds a second extension called .rote extension to their titles, and shows a ransom note that says decryption tools can only be purchased. If you noticed this threat on your system, you are probably now thinking about what you should do. Despite the hackers’ demands to pay the ransom quickly, we advise you not to rush into anything so you would not regret your decision later on. Firstly, we recommend reading the rest of our article to get to know this malware better. We also provide manual deletion instructions at the end of this page, so we advise checking them out as well if you plan on deleting Rote Ransomware manually.

Users who are dealing with such malware for the first time might have no idea how it appeared on their systems. It is vital to learn how such threats can be spread to know how to avoid them in the future. Our researchers say that Rote Ransomware’s victims might be tricked into opening it. As you see, the malware’s launcher might be titled updatewin.exe or similarly. Email messages that might distribute such files could say that they carry important system updates or security patches. The same could be said on doubtful pop-ups or websites that could also be used to distribute this malicious application. As a result, inexperienced users might be convinced that the threat’s launcher is not harmless but safe. To make sure that victims do not realize what they have done, the malware might display a fake Windows updates pop-up window. It might say that critical updates are being installed and that a user should not interfere with this process. It is best to leave the installation of updates to your system or your antimalware tool. Also, it would be smart to scan installers or other files coming from questionable sources with a reliable antimalware tool.

Unfortunately, while displaying the fake Windows updates pop-up window, the malware might encrypt all documents, pictures, archives, and other files considered to be personal. Such data ought to become locked, and it should have a second extension called .rote, for example, flowers.jpg.rote. What's more, to make sure that a user cannot interfere with the encryption process, the malware might block Task Manager. As a result, users ought to be unable to use Task manager to kill the malicious application’s process and end encryption. If the malware is not stopped, it should eventually finish encrypting targeted files. At some point, the malware’s fake pop-up window ought to be closed and, instead of it, the threat may open its ransom note. The note might be called _readme.txt or similarly. Its text should say that all files were encrypted, and they can only be decrypted if a user purchases special decryption tools. The full price seems to be $980, but if a user pays the ransom within 72 hours, hackers provide a 50 percent discount, which means the cost would be $490 instead.

Even with a discount, the sum asked by the Rote Ransomware’s developers is still significant, and some users may not want to risk losing it. After all, there are no reassurances that hackers will provide what they promise. Even if they can decrypt a chosen file free of charge as proof, it does not prove that they will send the needed decryption tools to those who pay the ransom. If you do not want to take any chances, we recommend against putting up with hackers’ demands. Also, it is advisable to remove Rote Ransomware.

Experienced users could try deleting Rote Ransomware manually. In such a case, we recommend following the instructions available below. They explain how to restart a computer in Safe Mode and how to locate and erase files belonging to the malicious application. If the task seems too complicated, we recommend employing a reputable antimalware tool instead. After installing it, you should do a full system scan and wait until all potential threats are identified. Afterward, your chosen antimalware should provide a deletion button, and clicking it ought to remove Rote Ransomware and other possible threats.

Restart the computer in Safe Mode

Windows 8/Windows 10

1. Tap Win+I for Windows 8 or open Start menu for Windows 10.
2. Press the Power button.
3. Click and hold Shift, then click Restart.
4. Pick Troubleshoot and choose Advanced Options.
5. Go to Startup Settings and click Restart.
6. Press F5 and restart the PC.

Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7

1. Navigate to Start, select Shutdown options, and pick Restart.
2. Press and hold F8 when the PC starts restarting.
3. Mark Safe Mode with Networking.
4. Select Enter and log on.

Remove Rote Ransomware

1. Click Win+E.
2. Find these locations:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\desktop
   %USERPROFILE%\downloads
3. Look for the threat’s installer, e.g., updatewin.exe; then right-click it and press Delete.
4. Then find these paths:
   %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data
   %LOCALAPPDATA%
5. Search for the threat’s created directories with random names that should contain copies of the malware’s launcher (e.g., 2a9ea166-82c4-499d-9f16-9e28ac1b8ef4), right-click them, and press Delete.
6. Recheck these paths:
   %LOCALAPPDATA%
   %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data
7. Locate files called script.ps1 or similarly, right-click them and press Delete.
8. Find this path: %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
9. Look for a file called Time Trigger Task or similarly, right-click it and choose Delete.
10. Exit File Explorer.
11. Press Win+R.
12. Type Regedit and press Enter.
13. Go to this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
14. Locate a value name called SysHelper, right-click it, and press Delete.
15. Exit Registry Editor.
16. Empty Recycle bin.
17. Restart the system.