What is Rapid Ransomware?
If you find a .txt file informing you that you have to contact someone at rapid@rape.lol rapid@airmail.cc, that means the Rapid ransomware, which is capable of encrypting different types of files, is running on your computer. The infection is known as two variants having only a few differences, which most likely would not be noticed by inexperience users. It is crucial to remove the Rapid ransomware once it is spotted to avert further encryption which is discussed further on in more detail. We advise you against starting a conversation with the attackers because you are likely to be asked to pay a considerable amount of money, which you should not do, for the decryption of your files. Cyber crooks work on ransomware campaigns with the only intention of obtaining your money, so the chance of regaining your lost files is close to zero.
How does the Rapid ransomware work?
The Rapid ransomware is a nasty computer infection that is capable of encrypting virtually all the files residing on the computer. The threat encrypts a file only when it is launched, and after encryption, the threat remains active to encrypt new files. Every affected file is modified by adding the extension .rapid, which follows the original file extension. One of the variants have been found to delete Windows Shadow copies so that no backup process can be carried out. Moreover, the same variant makes a copy of itself named info.exe and places that copy in the %APPDATA% directory every time the executable of the infection is launched. The file name may vary, and the user may inadvertently launch the file multiple times which would end up with the overwriting of the copy.exe in the %APPDATA% directory . The other sample has been found to encrypt the copy of itself. Interestingly, the Rapid ransomware is also known to bypass the %PROGRAMFILES% and %PROGRAMFILES (x86)% directory.
Upon encryption, the Rapid threat creates .txt files containing two brief lines encouraging victims to contact the attacker by email. These files are created in every folder in which a file is encrypted so that the victim can find an explanation as to why certain files are no longer accessible. The names of the ransom note files differ; one version of the threat creates a file named "! How Decrypt Files", whereas the over version creates a file named "How Recovery Files." The contents of the ransom notes are almost identical, too. The only difference is in the contact email address given in the warnings. Depending on the version you have on your PC, you might be asked to reach out to the attackers at either rapid@rape.lol or rapid@airmail.cc.
The ransom warnings do not contain the sum required, and the odds are that you would be given more details after contacting the attackers. Typically, victims are asked to pay up to $500 in Bitcoin, which is a digital currency not owned or controlled by any bank and allowing recipients remain anonymous. Authoritative institutions and agencies fighting against cyber crime advise victims against paying up because nobody can guarantee that someone behind the infection would ever bother to decrypt files or provide some tool for decryption. Instead of paying up, it is advisable to remove the Rapid ransomware and ensure that the operating system is protected against malware.
How to prevent ransomware?
To spread ransomware, black hat hackers use an array of malware distribution methods. Malicious email attachments, poor RDP configurations, and pop-up advertisement can be used to spread malware. It is essential to ignore questionable emails and use strong RDP passwords. Moreover, bypassing websites powered by advertising servers is advisable because some of the ads could be aimed at driving you to a malicious website. More important, you should make backups of your data regularly to an off-line device so that you can restore your files whenever necessary.
How to remove the Rapid ransomware?
The complexity of malware removal depends on how complex the infection is. In the present case, it is enough to delete the copy of the infection located in the %APPDATA% directory and the launcher which could be located on the desktop or in another directory to which downloaded files are saved. To remove the Rapid ransomware manually, use the removal guide given below, but bear in mind that your OS is at risk if it is not protected against other malware and ransomware infections. To have the ransomware removed and the system shielded, implement a powerful anti-malware tool.
Remove Rapid Ransomware
- Access the %APPDATA% directory and find the info.exe file.
- Delete all questionable recently downloaded files located on the desktop and in the Downloads folder.
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