How to remove ReturnBack Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is ReturnBack Ransomware

ReturnBack Ransomware represents a recent and menacing addition to the landscape of malicious software designed to encrypt users’ files and demand a ransom for their release. This ransomware employs a combination of algorithms to efficiently encrypt personal files, rendering them inaccessible to users unless they pay the ransom. Upon infection, the ransomware appends a random file extension to encrypted files, such as .lGiKf865, which can complicate recovery efforts. Victims encounter a ransom note titled README.txt, which appears in various locations on the infected system, including the desktop and user folders. The note sternly informs users that all their essential files—documents, photos, and databases—have been encrypted and asserts that the only way to recover them is by obtaining a decryptor from the attackers. It includes specific instructions that discourage victims from renaming files or attempting to use third-party software for decryption, as this could lead to permanent data loss.

Although some reports suggest that decryption may be feasible under certain conditions, victims often find themselves in a precarious situation without reliable tools. Unfortunately, as of now, no widely known decryption tools exist that can effectively restore files encrypted by ReturnBack Ransomware. Users are recommended to avoid surrendering to the ransom demands, as paying does not guarantee the recovery of files and could encourage further attacks. Instead, affected users should maintain regular backups of their data, preferably using the 3-2-1 backup strategy, which involves storing three copies of data on two different media types, with one copy kept offsite. If cybercriminals are eliminated from the equation, consulting cybersecurity professionals may help explore other recovery options, including file restoration from secure backups or leveraging data recovery software. Ultimately, raising awareness and preparing defenses against ransomware is essential in combating this growing threat.

How ReturnBack Ransomware infects computers

ReturnBack Ransomware employs various tactics to infiltrate computers, exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems and software configurations. One prevalent method of distribution is through phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links, which, when clicked, initiate the download and execution of the ransomware. Additionally, ReturnBack can spread via compromised Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) configurations, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems. The ransomware can also propagate through malicious advertisements (malvertising) on legitimate websites, redirecting users to infected downloads. Once executed, ReturnBack encrypts user files, appending a unique extension to them, and displays a ransom note demanding payment for decryption keys. Users are advised to maintain robust antivirus solutions and to regularly back up their data to mitigate the impact of such threats.

1. Download ReturnBack Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like ReturnBack Ransomware

ReturnBack Ransomware files:


README.txt
{randomname}.exe


ReturnBack Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of encrypted files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with ReturnBack Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like ReturnBack Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. ReturnBack Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro