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What is Alpha?
Alpha is a ransomware created by the developers of Cerber (an identical virus). Alpha is distributed via email spam messages that contain infected .WSF and .DOC files attachments. When these files are opened, users are asked to enable macro commands, which will then run the ransomware.
Alpha encrypts various file formats stored on the computer. During encryption, Alpha adds a .bin extension to the name of each file. After file encryption, this ransomware creates README HOW TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES.TXT and README HOW TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES.HTML files, placing them in each folder containing the encrypted files.
The .txt and .html files contain identical messages informing users of the encryption. Alpha employs an asymmetric encryption algorithm to compromise files. When using this algorithm, two keys (public for encryption, and private for decryption) are generated during the encryption process. The private key is stored on remote servers controlled by cyber criminals.
Decryption without this key is impossible. Cyber criminals encourage users to buy a decryption tool with an embedded private key. Research shows that the price for this tool is 1.5 Bitcoin (currently, 1 Bitcoin is equivalent to $675.11). Cyber criminals demand payment of the ransom in this currency, since it allows them to remain anonymous.
The README HOW TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES files contain step-by-step payment instructions that supposedly simplify the payment process. To assure victims that decryption is possible, cyber criminals allow victims to decrypt one selected file free of charge.
This functionality is provided on Alpha's Tor website. Instructions for accessing this website are also provided in the .txt and .html files. Unfortunately, at time of writing, there are no tools capable of restoring files encrypted by Alpha ransomware. Therefore, you can only restore your files and/or system from a backup.
Screenshot of a message encouraging users to contact the developers of Alpha ransomware to decrypt their compromised data:
Research also shows that ransomware-type viruses are often very similar. All encrypt victims' files and make ransom demands in exchange for the decryption tool/key. Be aware, however, that developers of ransomware-type viruses such as Alpha, CTB-Locker, Locky, CryptXXX, and many others, are likely to ignore victims despite payments made.
Therefore, you are strongly advised to ignore all requests to pay and/or contact these people. In doing so, you will support their malicious businesses and probably lose your money. Ransomware-type viruses are often distributed using infectious email attachments, peer-to-peer networks, trojans, and fake software updaters.
For this reason, we strongly recommend that you to use a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite and keep all installed software up-to-date. If possible, download your chosen files/programs from trusted sources (for example, official download websites) and never open any attachments sent from unrecognized/suspicious email addresses. The key to computer safety is caution.
Screenshot of README HOW TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES.HTML file:
Text presented in Alpha's .txt and .html files:
###########################################
Cannot you find the files you need?
Is the content of the files that you looked for not readable?
It is normal because the files' names, as well as the data in your files have been encrypted.
###########################################
!!! If you are reading this message it means the software
!!! "Alpha Ransomware" has been removed from your computer.
###########################################
What is encryption?
-------------------
Encryption is a reversible modification of information for security
reasons but providing full access to it for authorized users.
To become an authorized user and keep the modification absolutely
reversible (in other words to have a possibility to decrypt your files)
you should have an individual private key.
But not only it.
It is required also to have the special decryption software
(in your case "Alpha Decryptor" software) for safe and complete
decryption of all your files and data.
############################################
Everything is clear for me but what should I do?
------------------------------------------------
The first step is reading these instructions to the end.
Your files have been encrypted with the "Alpha Ransomware" software; the
instructions ("README HOW TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES.TXT" and "README HOW TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES.HTML")
in the folders with your encrypted files are not viruses, they will
help you.
After reading this text the most part of people start searching in the
Internet the words the "Alpha Ransomware" where they find a lot of
ideas, recommendations and instructions.
It is necessary to realize that we are the ones who closed the lock on
your files and we are the only ones who have this secret key to
open them.
!!! Any attempts to get back your files with the third-party tools can
!!! be fatal for your encrypted files.
The most part of the third-party software change data within the
encrypted file to restore it but this causes damage to the files.
Finally it will be impossible to decrypt your files.
When you make a puzzle but some items are lost, broken or not put in its
place - the puzzle items will never match, the same way the third-party
software will ruin your files completely and irreversibly.
You should realize that any intervention of the third-party software to
restore files encrypted with the "Alpha Ransomware" software may be
fatal for your files.
####################################
!!! There are several plain steps to restore your files but if you do
!!! not follow them we will not be able to help you, and we will not try
!!! since you have read this warning already.
####################################
For your information the software to decrypt your files (as well as the
private key provided together) are paid products.
After purchase of the software package you will be able to:
1. decrypt all your files;
2. work with your documents;
3. view your photos and other media;
4. continue your usual and comfortable work at the computer.
If you understand all importance of the situation then we propose to you
to go directly to your personal page where you will receive the complete
instructions and guarantees to restore your files.
######################################
If you need our help:
1. run your Internet browser (if you do not know what it is run the Internet Explorer);
2. enter or copy the address https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html.en into the address bar of your browser and press ENTER;
3. wait for the site loading;
4. on the site you will be offered to download Tor Browser; download and run it, follow the installation instructions, wait until the installation is completed;
5. run Tor Browser;
6. connect with the button "Connect" (if you use the English version);
7. a normal Internet browser window will be opened after the initialization;
8. type or copy the address in this browser address bar;
9. press ENTER;
10. the site should be loaded; if for some reason the site is not loading wait for a moment and try again.
11. enter your personal key:
12. press ENTER;
If you have any problems during installation or operation of Tor Browser,
please, visit https://www.youtube.com/ and type request in the search bar
"install tor browser windows" and you will find a lot of training videos
about Tor Browser installation and operation.
If TOR address is not available for a long period (2-3 days) it means you
are late; usually you have about 2-3 weeks after reading the instructions
to restore your files.
#######################################
Additional information:
You will find the instructions for restoring your files in those folders
where you have your encrypted files only.
The instructions are made in two file formats - HTML and TXT for
your convenience.
Unfortunately antivirus companies cannot protect or restore your files
but they can make the situation worse removing the instructions how to
restore your encrypted files.
The instructions are not viruses; they have informative nature only, so
any claims on the absence of any instruction files you can send to your
antivirus company.
########################################
Alpha Ransomware Project is not malicious and is not intended to harm a
person and his/her information data.
The project is created for the sole purpose of instruction regarding
information security, as well as certification of antivirus software for
their suitability for data protection.
Together we make the Internet a better and safer place.
#########################################
If you look through this text in the Internet and realize that something
is wrong with your files but you do not have any instructions to restore
your files, please, contact your antivirus support.
#########################################
Remember that the worst situation already happened and now it depends on
your determination and speed of your actions the further life of
your files.
*******************************
Screenshot of Alpha ransomware's (Alfa Decryptor) website:
Text presented in this site:
Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted!
To decrypt your files you need to buy the special software- "Alfa Decryptor".
All transactions should be performed via network only.
Within 3 days you can purchase this product at special price: 1.5
Each 3 days the price of the product will increase by 20%!
Your current price is 1.5
How to get "Alfa Decryptor"?
Create a Bitcoin Wallet (we recommend Blockchain.info)
Buy necessary amount of Bitcoins
Do not forget about the transaction commission in the Bitcoin network( = 0.0005)
Here are our recommendations:
LocalBitcoins.com -the fastest and easiest way to buy and sell Bitcoins;
CoinCafe.com - the simplest and fastest way to buy, sell and use Bitcoins;
BTCDirect.eu- the best for Europe;
CEX.IO-Visa/MasterCard;
CoinMama.com -Visa/MasterCard;
HowToBuyBitcoins.info discover quickly how to buy and sell bitcoins in your local currency.
Send 1.5 to the following Bitcoin address: 1Agd8LT1YLFZhxtcAFKzj7qz5EBWFcC4EE
Control the amount transaction at the "Current Balance" panel below
Reload current page after the payment and get a link to download the software
Reload current page
At the moment we have received from you: 0 BTC
We give you the opportunity to decipher 1 file free of charge!
You can make sure that the service really works and after payment
for the "Alfa Decryptor" program you can actually decrypt the files!
Screenshot of Alpha ransomware's website FAQ (frequently asked questions):
Alpha ransomware allowing users to decrypt one selected file free of charge:
Files encrypted by Alpha ransomware (.bin extension):
Alpha ransomware removal:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Removal and file recovery procedure
If your files are encrypted with a new extension and a ransom note has appeared, you've been hit by ransomware. Don't pay. The procedure below works in order: contain the infection, identify the variant, remove the ransomware itself (so anything you restore doesn't get re-encrypted), and try to recover files using free decryption tools, Windows Volume Shadow Copies, or backups. Run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner to remove the infection - then move on to file recovery.
Common ransomware behaviors
VisibleEncrypts your files and renames them
The ransomware reads each file, encrypts the contents with the attacker's public key, and writes the encrypted bytes back to disk. Most variants also rename the file by appending a new extension - .net, .locked, .crypt, .lockbit, .djvu, etc. Without the matching private key, the encrypted files cannot be opened normally. Recovery depends on a free decryption tool, a recoverable Volume Shadow Copy, or a clean backup.
VisibleDrops a ransom note in every encrypted folder
A text or HTML file (usually named HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, _readme.txt, or similar) is placed in every folder that contains encrypted files. The note explains the situation, lists a payment amount in cryptocurrency, gives a deadline, and provides a contact email or .onion site. Save the note - don't delete it. Its exact wording, the email address, and the bitcoin wallet are how you identify the variant in the next phase.
VisibleReplaces the desktop wallpaper
Many ransomware variants change the Windows wallpaper to a black or red image with the ransom message and instructions. The wallpaper is just a visual scare tactic - it doesn't add any actual capability and reverts to normal once the ransomware is removed. Photograph it before removal in case the contact details are useful for variant identification or for reporting to authorities.
HiddenDeletes Volume Shadow Copies
One of the first things modern ransomware does after launching is run vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to wipe Windows' built-in Volume Shadow Copies - the snapshots that Previous Versions and System Restore rely on. Some ransomware doesn't fully succeed (especially on systems where the user lacks full admin rights), leaving partial shadow copies recoverable. Phase 4 step 11 covers how to check what survived.
HiddenDisables Windows Defender and other security tools
Before encrypting, the ransomware tries to silence anything that could alert you or block it - Windows Defender real-time protection, third-party antivirus services, backup agents (Veeam, Acronis), and sometimes the Windows Event Log service. It often modifies Group Policy or registry keys to keep these off after reboot. Phase 3 step 9 explicitly turns Tamper Protection back on so the next ransomware attempt can't repeat the trick.
HiddenSpreads laterally to other PCs on the network
Network-aware ransomware (LockBit, Conti, BlackCat, Akira families) doesn't stop at the first machine. It scans for SMB shares, mapped drives, and other PCs on the same network, then encrypts whatever it can reach. On Windows domains, a single compromised user with admin rights can lead to all-domain encryption. This is why Phase 1 step 2 disconnects the network as the very first action - it stops the spread immediately.
HiddenSteals data before encrypting (double extortion)
Modern ransomware (LockBit, BlackCat / ALPHV, Akira, Cl0p, Royal) almost always exfiltrates data before encrypting. The attacker then runs a "double extortion" play: pay the ransom for decryption, plus pay again to prevent the stolen data from being leaked on the group's leak site. Paying the first ransom does not get the leaked data back - assume that anything the ransomware could read was uploaded. This is one more reason not to pay: the data is already out.
Don't pay the ransom
Paying the ransom does not guarantee you'll get your files back. Major ransomware response studies consistently show that a meaningful percentage of paying victims either receive a non-working decryptor, only partial decryption, or no decryptor at all. Beyond that:
- Paying confirms you as a willing target - re-attack rates within 12 months are high
- Several ransomware groups have been sanctioned (US OFAC, UK OFSI). Paying these groups may be illegal under sanctions law in your country
- The ransom funds the next attack - on you or someone else
- Modern ransomware almost always exfiltrates data first, so paying doesn't get the leaked data back. Assume anything the malware could read was uploaded
- Decryptors, even when they work, often leave files corrupted because the encryption itself was buggy or rushed
The path below tries every legal, free recovery option first. Pay only as an absolute last resort, after consulting a lawyer and your country's cyber crime authority.
Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage
Pull the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi on the affected PC. If multiple computers share the network, do the same on every machine you suspect could be affected, including any servers and NAS units.
Then sign out of cloud storage clients (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud) from their app settings. If you can, pause the sync. Some ransomware uses the running sync client to push encrypted versions over your clean cloud copies.
Modern ransomware spreads laterally across SMB shares, mapped drives, RDP, and reachable network neighbors. Disconnecting stops the spread the moment you do it. Logging out of cloud sync clients prevents the ransomware from encrypting the cloud copies of your files via the sync API.
Unplug external drives and USB storage
Safely eject any external drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and network-attached storage shares - then unplug them. If a drive was connected when the ransomware ran, the files on it may already be encrypted, but unplugging stops further damage.
Critically: don't reconnect any drive (including your most recent backup) to this PC until the ransomware is removed in Phase 3. Reconnecting an external backup to an actively-infected PC is the most common way that backup gets encrypted too.
Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file
Copy the ransom note and one small encrypted file (under 1 MB) to a USB stick, or photograph the note with your phone. You'll need both for the variant identification step.
The ransom note is usually one of:
- A
.txtfile in every encrypted folder (typicallyHOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt,README.txt, or_readme.txt) - An
.htmlfile with the same purpose - A changed desktop wallpaper - photograph it
- A lock-screen interrupt that runs at startup - rarer
Don't delete the note. Variant identification depends on its exact wording, the contact email, and the bitcoin wallet address. The note is also evidence if you report to authorities.
Identify the variant with ID Ransomware
From a clean device (your phone is fine, or another PC that wasn't on the affected network), visit id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com. Upload the ransom note and the sample encrypted file. The site identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.
ID Ransomware is run by the Malware Hunter Team. Files you upload are kept private - they're used for analysis, not published. If you're concerned about uploading data anyway, you can paste the contact email and bitcoin wallet from the note - those are often enough for identification.
The ransomware itself must be removed before any file recovery. If it's still active, anything you restore in Phase 4 gets re-encrypted within minutes.
Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners
Safe Mode loads only the minimal Windows drivers, which prevents most ransomware from auto-running while you set up the scanners.
Windows 11: open , click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click , then press 5 or F5.
Windows 10: click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. From the Choose-an-option screen, click , then press F5.
Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in step 8) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in step 9). Save both installers to your Desktop, then disconnect Wi-Fi again before scanning.
Run Microsoft Defender Offline
Reboot to normal Windows. Open . Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads.
Some ransomware variants drop bootkit components or kernel hooks that hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can load itself.
VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.
Download Combo CleanerRun a full Combo Cleaner scan
Run the installer you downloaded in step 6 and start a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete, review what it detected, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner quarantines the ransomware executable and the registry / scheduled-task entries that re-launch it on reboot.
Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender
Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe) as a second-opinion full scan. The binary expires every 10 days so the copy you downloaded has the latest signatures.
Once it finishes, open and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Many ransomware variants disable Defender during the attack - this is where you switch it back on so the next attempt can't repeat the trick.
Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the most underused verification step in malware removal - and free.
Try the steps in order. The first decryptor that works ends the recovery process - no need to do all four.
Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor
Visit nomoreransom.org and search the Decryption Tools list for the variant name returned by ID Ransomware. The project is run by Europol, the Dutch Police, and security vendors - everything listed is legitimate and free.
If a decryptor exists, download it onto a clean PC, copy it across, and follow its instructions exactly. Decryptors usually want you to point them at a sample encrypted file plus its known unencrypted version (sometimes any image you previously had a backup of works).
Free decryptors exist for parts of the STOP/Djvu, GandCrab, REvil, Avaddon, Conti and Hive families, among others. Most modern variants don't have public decryptors - if yours isn't listed, that's expected; move to the next step.
Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies
Windows automatically creates Volume Shadow Copies of files when System Restore points are made or scheduled backups run. Most ransomware tries to wipe these (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), but the deletion sometimes fails partially - especially if the running user doesn't have full admin rights. When it does fail, snapshots survive that contain pre-encryption versions of your files.
First, check what's there. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
vssadmin list shadows
If you see entries listed, shadow copies survived. To restore from them:
- Built-in: right-click any folder → Properties → Previous Versions tab. Pick a snapshot dated before the infection and restore.
- Better tool for browsing: install Shadow Explorer (free). It shows all snapshots as a normal file tree and lets you copy out only the files you want.
Shadow Copies recover the original files exactly, with no risk of decryption errors. If they survived, this is faster and cleaner than running a decryptor on the encrypted set.
Restore from cloud or external backup
If you have a backup that pre-dates the infection, this is the cleanest recovery available. Important precautions:
- Don't reconnect a backup drive until Phase 3 is complete. If the ransomware is still active, plugging in the backup encrypts it too.
- For cloud backups (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud), use the Version History feature to roll individual files back to pre-encryption versions.
- OneDrive specifically has a "Restore your OneDrive" feature: if it detected mass file changes, you can roll back the entire account up to 30 days. Sign in at OneDrive on the web, click the Settings gear, and choose Restore your OneDrive. Microsoft 365 subscribers also get ransomware detection alerts; non-subscribers get one free recovery.
- Verify the restored files open correctly before you delete the encrypted set. Test a few documents, photos, and any database / project files.
Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery
Recuva is a long shot, not a primary recovery tool. Most modern ransomware encrypts files in place - it reads the original, encrypts the data, and writes the encrypted bytes back to the same disk location. In that case, the original isn't deleted, just rewritten - and Recuva has nothing to find.
But for older or simpler variants that deleted originals before creating encrypted copies (rather than encrypting in place), Recuva can sometimes pull the originals from unallocated disk space. Worth trying as a last resort, especially before you use the disk much further.
If you try it:
- Stop using the disk as much as possible - every disk write reduces recovery odds
- Run Recuva from a USB stick, not from the affected disk
- Use Deep Scan mode (slower but the only mode worth running for this scenario)
Don't skip the steps above expecting Recuva to bail you out. It works in maybe 5-20% of cases, depending on the variant and how soon you try.
Report the attack to authorities
Even if your files aren't recovered, your report helps authorities track variants, attribute groups, and warn future victims. In some jurisdictions (especially the US and UK) early reporting can sometimes help recall a wired ransom payment via banking partners.
Save the report number - banks, insurers, and credit bureaus will ask for it. If you operate a business, you may also have legal disclosure obligations (GDPR in the EU, state breach laws in the US) that run on a 72-hour clock.
Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward
The single best defense against ransomware is a tested backup. Use the 3-2-1 rule:
- 3 copies of your data
- 2 different storage media (e.g., internal drive + external drive)
- 1 offline / air-gapped copy (an external drive that isn't always connected)
Recommended cadence:
- Daily: cloud sync (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive) - convenient, but vulnerable if the ransomware reaches the sync folder. The Version History feature is what saves you
- Weekly: external drive that you connect briefly, then disconnect - the air-gap is what protects against ransomware
- Monthly: a second external drive stored off-site (different physical location) - protects against fire, theft, flood
Test the backup at least once. Open a few files from it, check sizes match, restore one to a different folder. An untested backup isn't a backup - it's a hope.
Patch the entry point and monitor for 30 days
Most reinfections happen via the same vector that worked the first time. Until you've patched the entry point, watch for:
- Unusual disk activity, unexpected file modifications, or unfamiliar processes in Task Manager
- Unexpected reboots or new accounts you didn't create
- Defender or your antivirus turning itself off again
Common entry vectors and what to do about each:
- Phishing email with a malicious attachment - review email filters and train yourself / staff to recognise the patterns - see pcrisk's Phishing/Scam reference
- Exposed RDP with weak passwords - disable Remote Desktop from if you don't need it. If you do, put it behind a VPN and require a long password plus MFA
- Unpatched VPN appliances or public-facing apps - check the vendor's advisories page and apply the latest firmware
- Cracked / pirated software - was the most common vector for STOP/Djvu in particular. Don't run software from torrent sites
Run a Combo Cleaner scan weekly for the first month. Update Windows, browsers, and applications aggressively.
Important: Removing a ransomware infection requires a full system scan, not a manual file delete. If you're not confident with the manual procedure, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that combination removes the vast majority of consumer ransomware variants. Then move to Phase 4 for file recovery, or to Phase 5 if your files are unrecoverable and you need to start fresh from a clean Windows install.
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Tomas Meskauskas
Expert security researcher, professional malware analyst
I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats.
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DonatePCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT.
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