What is Repl?
.Repl is a type of malware that can be described as a file-encrypting Ransomware virus – it locks one’s files using encryption and then demands a ransom. .Repl may slow down your computer while encrypting your data but there are usually no other discernible symptoms.
Viruses like this one are highly effective both due to their stealthiness and ability to operate without being noticed as well as because of the fact that the files they lock remain inaccessible even after the virus is gone from the computer. What makes this possible is known as data encryption and it is actually a file protection method that has originally been developed to keep important files from harm. However, hackers have found a way to turn this otherwise very useful process on its head in order to use it against their potential victims.
Once a virus like .Repl infects a given computer, it runs the encryption process without triggering any antivirus warnings or any other overly noticeable symptoms. As we mentioned, usually the only infection sign you may notice is a slowdown of your computer (which, of course, could be caused by many different things and not only a Ransomware virus).
Once the virus is done locking the files it has found on your hard drives, it will then proceed to display a ransom message on your screen where you will be told that the only way to restore your files is through following the ransom payment instructions and sending some of your money to the hackers.
The .Repl virus
The .Repl virus is a malicious program for Windows that stealthily launches a data encryption process on the infected computer and thus blocks the user’s files. The .Repl virus could be distributed in many different ways, but the main method is via Trojan horse backdoor viruses.
What this means is if you currently have the .Repl Ransomware on your computer and aren’t sure how this virus got there, it is possible that you have recently downloaded a Trojan horse virus without realizing it which has, in turn, automatically downloaded the Ransomware. Now, the Ransomware virus can’t harm your computer, spy on you, or do anything other than lock your files with its encryption. However, Trojan horse threats are much more versatile and if there’s one hiding in your computer, all sorts of unforeseen consequences could result from that. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you use our guide from below to locate and remove .Repl as well as any other potential malware that may be currently residing in your computer.
File Decryption
The .Repl file decryption is the process that restores access to the files that this virus has locked up. To complete the .Repl file decryption, you will need a secret access key that only the hackers offer to you against the ransom payment.
There is one very big problem with the payment option and that is the uncertainty of whether you’d actually get the key after you transfer the ransom sum. Therefore, we suggest that, instead of paying as your first course of action, you turn to our guide and see if its instructions can help you rid your computer of the virus and potentially restore some of your data.
SUMMARY:
| Name | .Repl |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Danger Level | High (.Repl Ransomware encrypts all types of files) |
| Symptoms | .Repl Ransomware is hard to detect and aside from increased use of RAM and CPU, there would barely be any other visible red flags. |
| Distribution Method | Most of the time, Trojans get distributed through spam e-mails and social network messages, malicious ads, shady and pirated downloads, questionable torrents and other similar methods. |
Remove .Repl Ransomware Guide
1: Preparations
Note: Before you go any further, we advise you to bookmark this page or have it open on a separate device such as your smartphone or another PC. Some of the steps might require you to exit your browser on this PC.
2: Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to enter the Task Manager. Go to the Tab labeled Processes (Details for Win 8/10). Carefully look through the list of processes that are currently active on you PC.
If any of them seems shady, consumes too much RAM/CPU or has some strange description or no description at all, right-click on it, select Open File Location and delete everything there.
Also, even if you do not delete the files, be sure to stop the process by right-clicking on it and selecting End Process.
3: IP related to .Repl
Go to c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. Open the hosts file with notepad.
Find where it says Localhost and take a look below that.
If you see any IP addresses there (below Localhost) send them to us here, in the comments since they might be coming from the .Repl.
4: Disable Startup programs
Re-open the Start Menu and type msconfig.
Click on the first search result. In the next window, go to the Startup tab. If you are on Win 10, it will send you to the Startup part of the task manager instead, as in the picture:
If you see any sketchy/shady looking entries in the list with an unknown manufacturer or a manufacturer name that looks suspicious as there could be a link between them and .Repl , disable those programs and select OK.
5: Registry Editor
Press Windows key + R and in the resulting window type regedit.
Now, press Ctrl + F and type the name of the virus.
Delete everything that gets found. If you are not sure about whether to delete something, do not hesitate to ask us in the comments. Keep in mind that if you delete the wrong thing, you might cause all sorts of issues to your PC.
6: Deleting potentially malicious data – .Repl
Type each of the following locations in the Windows search box and hit enter to open the locations:
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
%Temp%
Delete everything you see in Temp linked to .Repl Ransomware. About the other folders, sort their contents by date and delete only the most recent entries. As always, if you are not sure about something, write to us in the comment section.
7: .Repl Decryption
The previous steps were all aimed at removing the .Repl Ransomware from your PC. However, in order to regain access to your files, you will also need to decrypt them or restore them. For that, we have a separate article with detailed instructions on what you have to do in order to unlock your data. Here is a link to that guide.