How to avoid encryption of data caused by DoppelPaymer ransomware

What is DoppelPaymer?

DoppelPaymer is ransomware-type malware designed to prevent victims from accessing their files by encryption. To regain access, victims are encouraged to pay cyber criminals a ransom. Research shows that criminals use DoppelPaymer in targeted attacks.

I.e., they target specific companies and/or industries. Criminals who have a specific target often seek to infiltrate (infect) the whole network (for example, all computers used within a particular company). This ransomware appends the ".locked" extension to the filename of each encrypted file.

For example, "1.jpg" becomes "1.jpg.locked". Each encrypted file receives an associated ransom message within a .txt file. For instance, the message for "1.jpg.locked" is contained within "1.jpg.readme2unlock.txt", and so on. Updated variants of this ransomware use ".doppeled" extension for encrypted files.

All ransom messages contain identical text stating that victims should not shut down or restart their computers, rename/delete encrypted files or ransom messages, or try to restore files using other software. According to cyber criminals, these actions might lead to permanent data loss.

To get instructions about how to decrypt data, victims must install the Tor browser and open a link, which is provided in each created ransom message. It is mentioned that victims have seven days to use the link, after which it becomes invalid. Furthermore, it is stated that the faster victims contact DoppelPaymer's developers, the lower the cost of decryption.

The aforementioned link opens a Tor website on which victims can contact cyber criminals via online chat. A screenshot of the Tor website, which was generated when cyber criminals targeted the Ohio Gratings Inc. company, is provided below.

Typically, malware such as DoppelPaymer ransomware encrypts files with strong algorithms, and thus it is impossible for victims to decrypt data without specific tools held only by the developers of the ransomware. Unfortunately, even if cyber criminals have these tools, they tend not to send them - victims who pay are generally scammed.

In most cases, the only free way to recover files without using tools purchased from cyber criminals is to restore them from a backup (provided is was not also encrypted). Files remain encrypted even if victims uninstall ransomware from the system. Uninstalling this malware simply prevents further encryption.

Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:

More examples of ransomware-type software include Nvram, Major, and Lokf. In most cases, it is designed to encrypt data and create or display a ransom message with instructions about how to pay for a decryption tool and/or key. Common differences are size of ransom and cryptographic algorithm (symmetric or asymmetric) that ransomware uses to encrypt data.

Most of these programs use strong encryption and thus it is impossible to decrypt files without tools held only by the developers of the ransomware, unless the program has bugs, flaws, etc. Therefore, maintain a backup of data and keep it on a remote server or unplugged storage device.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Most cyber criminals proliferate malicious programs (including ransomware) through spam campaigns, Trojans, fake software updaters, untrustworthy software download channels/tools and unofficial software 'cracking' (activation) tools. Cyber criminals send emails with files attached.

If opened, these install malicious software. Examples of files they usually attach are Microsoft Office and PDF documents, archive files such as ZIP, RAR, executable files (.exe and others), and JavaScript files. They disguise the emails as important, official, and so on.

Trojans infect systems by installing additional malware. These are malicious programs that often cause chain infections, however, they they are only effective if already installed. Fake software updaters are tools that install malware rather than fixes/updates, or they exploit bugs/flaws of outdated software installed on the operating system.

Untrustworthy software download channels/sources are used to proliferate malware. Some examples of dubious download channels are free file hosting and freeware download websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule, etc.), unofficial websites, and third party downloaders.

They often include malicious files that are disguised as legitimate and harmless. By downloading and opening these files, people often install malicious software.

Unofficial activation tools supposedly bypass paid activation of licensed software, however, they are commonly designed by cyber criminals to spread malicious programs - they can cause installation of various high-risk malware.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections

Do not open attachments or web links included in irrelevant emails, especially if they are sent from suspicious, unknown addresses. Do not download software using third party downloaders, unofficial web pages, or the other sources mentioned above.

The safest way to download is using official websites and direct download links. Keep installed software up to date, however, it should be updated properly using tools and/or functions provided by the official software developers. Third party tools should never be used.

The same applies to software activation ('cracking') tools. Note that it is illegal to use these tools. Finally, regularly scan the operating system with reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software and keep it up to date. If your computer is already infected with DoppelPaymer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Text presented in DoppelPaymer ransomware text files:

Your network has been penetrated.

All files on each host in the network have been encrypted with a strong algorythm.

Backups were either encrypted or deleted or backup disks were formatted.
Shadow copies also removed, so F8 or any other methods may damage encrypted data but not recover.

We exclusively have decryption software for your situation
No decryption software is available in the public.

    DO NOT RESET OR SHUTDOWN - files may be damaged.
    DO NOT RENAME OR MOVE the encrypted and readme files.
    DO NOT DELETE readme files.
    DO NOT use any recovery software with restoring files overwriting encrypted.
    This may lead to the impossibility of recovery of the certain files.

To get info (decrypt your files) contact us at your personal page:

    1. Download and install Tor Browser: hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/
    2. After a successful installation, run the browser and wait for initialization.
    3. Type in the address bar:

        *************

    4. Follow the instructions on the site
    5. You should get in contact in 48 HOURS since your systems been infected.
    6. The link above is valid for 7 days.
       After that period if you not get in contact
       your local data would be lost completely.
    7. Questions? e-mail: btpsupport@protonmail.com
       If email not working - new one you can find on a tor page.

The faster you get in contact - the lower price you can expect.

DATA
-

Screenshot of DoppelPaymer Tor website (in this case, the targeted company was Ohio Gratings Inc.):

Text in this page:

DoppelPaymer
Ohio Gratings Inc. Your network has been penetrated.
This link and your decryption key will expire in 14 days after your systems were infected.
Sharing this link or email will lead to the irreversible removal of the decryption keys.

NO TIME remains for special price.

All files on each host in the network have been encrypted with a strong algorythm.
Backups were either encrypted or deleted or backup disks were formatted.
No any working decryption software is available from other sources.
Do not rename the encryted or informational text files. Do not move the encrypted or informational text files.
This may lead to the impossibility of recovery of the certain files.

Also, we have gathered all your private sensitive data.
So if you decide not to pay, we would share it.
It may harm your business reputation.

    Your reference ID: 135
    (we recommend to put the reference ID as the subject when contacting us)
    BTC wallet for payment:
    ********************
    you can check the status here: hxxps://www.blockchain.com/btc/address/17rJmFiKyYbNZmt9xiz8yTScX1QvWpt7pz
    Contact email: btpsupport@protonmail.com
    Use chat in the right bottom of this page to contact us. You have 48 hours to do that to be able to discuss the price.
    We do not reply immediately, it may take a few hours for you to see first reply. You may also need to sometimes refresh this page in tor browser.

To get the files in your network decrypted you should pay for the decryption software.
The price for the decryptor is based on the network size, number of employees, annual revenue. Please feel free to contact us for amount of BTC should be paid.

You need to pack 2 pairs of files that is unique for you ( somefile1.locked & somefile1.readme2unlock.txt and somefile2.locked & somefile2.readme2unlock.txt which have no sensitive information but only you own it) into ZIP and send to us.
And you'll have those 2 unlocked and would be sure it's working.

Some sensetive information was stolen from the file servers and will be uploaded in the public in case you won't pay us.

You should get in contact with us within 2 days after you noticed the encryption. If this doesn't happen the price is increased by 25% after 2 days.

The price would be increased by 100% (double price) in 1 week.

Your key would be completely erased in 2 weeks.
Online chat

Screenshot of files encrypted by DoppelPaymer (".locked" extension):

Malicious DoppelPaymer process running in Task Manager as "SpotLife WebAlbum Service Plugin":

Update February 4, 2020 - Crooks have released an updated version of DoppelPaymer ransomware which is virtually the same. The main difference is threats that are written on its website. Originally, developers claimed that they've stolen some data and will make it public unless the ransom is paid.

However, the current version claims that the data will be either made public or sold in the dark web to other cyber criminals. Which one is worse depends on who gets their hands on the data. If your information is public, but no one is there to search for or abuse it, then the harm may not be done.

However, cyber criminals who buy personal information do this with an intention of gaining value - stealing credit cards, identities, etc. Therefore, users who have their personal data stolen may face a lot of issues.

Update February 27, 2020 - The developers of DoppelPaymer ransomware have recently started leaking information stolen from various victims. The data is stored in a public website named "Dopple Leaks" hosted in the Tor network:

Update June 10, 2020 - The developers of DoppelPaymer ransomware have recently breached a network belonging to one of NASA's contractors' - a company named Digital Management Inc. Once infiltrated, crooks stole thousands of files containing classified information, such as HR documents, project details, information about employees, and so forth.

As a proof, ransomware developers have leaked a small portion of stolen files in the dark web. There's no doubt that the rest will be used for extortion purposes.

Screenshots of DoppelPaymer ransomware's variant which targets Midwest Surveys Inc. company;

The ransom note:

Text presented within:

Hello Midwest Surveys Inc.

Your network was hacked and encrypted.

No free decryption software is available on the web.

Email us at LANA.OBRIEN@PROTONMAIL.COM (or) KERRI.DOUGHERTY@TUTANOTA.COM to get the ransom amount.

Keep our contacts safe. Disclosure can lead to impossibility of decryption.

Please, use your company name as the email subject.

TAIL:-

KEY:-

Encrypted files (".midwestsurinc" extension):

Update May 13, 2025 - Recently, Moldovan authorities have arrested an individual suspected of being involved in the DoppelPaymer ransomware attacks. The suspect remains in custody, and Moldovan prosecutors are working to extradite him to the Netherlands. The arrest followed a collaborative effort between Moldovan prosecutors, the Center for Combating Cybercrimes, and law enforcement in the Netherlands.

It is crucial to note that when members of a ransomware group get arrested, their operations tend to collapse. As a result, victims who send money are at an increased risk of not receiving decryption tools.

DoppelPaymer ransomware removal:

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

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.

Tools you'll need

Combo Cleaner Antivirus 7-days free trial

Recommended primary scanner. VB100 certified. Removes the ransomware infection so file recovery doesn't get re-encrypted.

Microsoft Defender Offline Free · built-in

Built into Windows. Scans before Windows fully loads to catch persistence the running scanners miss.

Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT) Free

Microsoft's free on-demand scanner. Always-current signatures - the binary expires every 10 days.

ID Ransomware Free · web

Upload a ransom note and a sample encrypted file - identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

No More Ransom Project Free · web

Joint project of Europol, Dutch Police, and security vendors. Free decryption tools indexed by ransomware family.

Shadow Explorer Free

Browse Windows Volume Shadow Copies as a normal file tree - useful when ransomware partially failed to delete them.

Recuva Free

Deleted-file recovery. Long-shot for ransomware - only helps if the variant deleted unencrypted originals before encrypting copies.

Phase 1~ 5 min

Don't pay & contain

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1

Don't pay the ransom

1 min · read⚠ Do not skip

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.

2

Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage

2 minNo tool needed

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.

Why this matters

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.

3

Unplug external drives and USB storage

1 minNo tool needed

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.

Phase 2~ 5 min

Identify the variant

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4

Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file

2 min

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 .txt file in every encrypted folder (typically HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, or _readme.txt)
• An .html file with the same purpose
• A changed desktop wallpaper - photograph it
• A lock-screen interrupt that runs at startup - rarer

Important

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.

5

Identify the variant with ID Ransomware

Tool: ID Ransomware3 min

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.

Pro tip

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.

Phase 3~ 30-45 min

Remove the ransomware

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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.

6

Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners

5 min

Safe Mode loads only the minimal Windows drivers, which prevents most ransomware from auto-running while you set up the scanners.

Windows 11: open Settings → System → Recovery, click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, 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 Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, 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.

7

Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Tool: Built into Windows15 min

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. 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.

Why this comes first

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.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

8

Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

Tool: Combo Cleaner20-40 min

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.

9

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender

Tool: MSERT15 min

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 Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings 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.

Why a second scan

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.

Phase 4~ 30-60 min · results vary

Try to recover files

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Try the steps in order. The first decryptor that works ends the recovery process - no need to do all four.

10

Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor

Tool: nomoreransom.org★ Cleanest path if listed5 min

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.

11

Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies

Tool: Shadow Explorer / vssadmin15 min

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.

Why check this even when there's a decryptor

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.

12

Restore from cloud or external backup

Tool: your backup software30 min

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.

13

Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery

Tool: Recuva30 min

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.

Phase 5~ 20 min + ongoing

Report & prevent re-infection

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14

Report the attack to authorities

10-20 min

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.

United States: ic3.gov (FBI) + stopransomware.gov (CISA)

United Kingdom: reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud) + NCSC

Canada: antifraudcentre.ca

Australia: ReportCyber

Spain: Policía Nacional (Oficina Virtual de Denuncias)

France: cybermalveillance.gouv.fr

Germany: BKA

Italy: Polizia Postale

Netherlands: Politie

Poland: CERT Polska

Portugal: CNCS

EU (other): your national CERT

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.

15

Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward

30 min initial

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

Important

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.

16

Patch the entry point and monitor for 30 days

5 min/day · 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 Settings → System → Remote Desktop 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.