How to uninstall Ako from your computer

What is Ako?

There are two variants of Ako ransomware, however, the only difference between them is the way victims supposedly contact cyber criminals and pay the ransom. Both variants create a text file (containing a ransom message) named "ako-readme.txt".

In one version of the ransom message, victims are instructed to contact cyber criminals via email, whilst the other instructs them to pay the ransom through a Tor website.

Both Ako variants create the "id.key" file and store it in folders that contain encrypted files (they do the same with the text file containing the ransom message) and rename all encrypted files by appending a random extension to filenames. For example, "1.jpg" is renamed to "1.jpg.2mzWmb", and so on.

In both versions of the ransom message ("ako-readme.txt"), victims are informed that all of their files were encrypted and the only way to recover them is to purchase a unique key. One version contains two email addresses (davidgoldman@cock.li and portedhiggens@firemail.cc) for contacting cyber criminals (Ako developers) for more details about how to purchase the key.

Another version contains a website link, which can be opened with the Tor browser. On the Tor website victims, must paste the personal ID from the second version of the "ako-readme.txt" text file and then follow the instructions. The website states that victims can purchase a decryption tool by transferring 0.479 Bitcoins to a BTC wallet address provided.

It is also mentioned that unless payment is made within two days of encryption, the cost of decryption is increased to 0.9576 of Bitcoin. Only Ako developers can decrypt compromised files. Currently, there are no other tools capable of recovering them. Note that cyber criminals behind these programs cannot be trusted.

They often provide no decryption tools or keys even after payment. Therefore, people who pay are scammed. In most cases, the only free way to recover files and avoid data loss is to restore them from a backup. Note that files remain encrypted even if victims remove ransomware from the operating systems - removal simply prevents further encryption.

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

Most ransomware-type programs block access to data and provide instructions (create a ransom message and/or display a pop-up window) about how to purchase a tool/key that can decrypt files. Common variables are size of ransom and cryptographic algorithm (symmetric or asymmetric) that ransomware uses for encryption.

In any case, it is generally impossible to 'crack' file encryption with specific tools held only by the developers of the ransomware, unless the ransomware is not complete (contains bugs, flaws or has other vulnerabilities). Alternatively, files can be restored from a backup.

In such cases, data backups become extremely useful, and therefore we strongly recommend that you maintain backups on a remote server or unplugged storage device. Some examples of other ransomware programs are m461c14n, WannaScream and Pashka.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Most cyber criminals proliferate ransomware-type software (or other malware) via spam campaigns, fake software updaters, untrustworthy software download sources, unofficial software activation tools and Trojans. A popular way to proliferate malware is by sending emails that contain malicious attachments (or website links that download malicious files).

These emails often contain attachments such as Microsoft Office documents, archives (ZIP, RAR), PDF documents, JavaScript files, and executable files such as .exe. If opened, the attachments install a malicious program - in this case, Ako ransomware. Fake software updaters also spread malware.

People who use them to update software often cause installation of malicious programs. Fake updaters also exploit bugs/flaws of outdated software and infect systems. Cyber criminals use untrustworthy software download channels to trick people into installing computer infections.

Example include Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, various free file hosting, freeware download websites, third party downloaders, and other similar channels. They present infected files as legitimate and hope that some people will download and open them. If opened/executed, the files install malicious programs.

Software 'cracking' tools supposedly bypass paid activation of software free of charge, however, they often install ransomware-type programs and other malware. Trojans are programs that often proliferate other malware. I.e., if a computer is infected with a Trojan, it is very likely to cause additional damage.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections

If an email is received from an unknown, suspicious address, is irrelevant or contains an attachment or website link, do not trust it. These emails are sent by cyber criminals who seek to infect computers with ransomware or other malware. Do not download software from unofficial web pages, through Peer-to-Peer networks or the other sources mentioned above.

Download only from official websites and via direct download links. Software must be updated and activated through tools or implemented functions that are designed by official developers. Unofficial, third party tools are often designed to proliferate malicious software.

Furthermore, it is illegal to activate paid software with 'cracking' tools. Regularly scan the operating system for threats with reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software and eliminate detected threats immediately. If your computer is already infected with Ako, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Text presented in one variant of Ako ransomware text file ("ako-readme.txt"):

Your network have been locked.
 
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important data are encrypted and have the extension: *******
 
Backups and shadow copies also encrypted or removed. Any third-party software may damage encrypted data but not recover.
From this moment, it will be impossible to use files until they are decrypted.
 
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recovery your files.
 
To get info (decrypt your files) follow this steps:
1) Download and install Tor Browser: hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/
2) Open our website in TOR: hxxp://kwvhrdibgmmpkhkidrby4mccwqpds5za6uo2th cw5gz75qncv7rbhyad.onion/I8VC6PIEQL8JFKHM
3) Paste your ID in form (you can find your ID below)
 
!! ATTENTION !!
!! Any third - party software may damage encrypted data but not recover.
!! DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES
!! DO NOT CHANGE YOUR ID
!! DO NOT REMOVE YOUR ID.KEY FILE
 
 --- BEGIN PERSONAL ID ---
-
 --- END PERSONAL ID ---

Screenshot of the initial web page of the Tor website:

Text on this page:

We apologize!

Your network have been locked
Dont worry!
You can return all your files!

Screenshot of the main page of the Tor website:

Text on this page:

Your files have been locked!

Whats happened?

All documents, photos, databases and other important files encrypted

How to decrypt files?

The only way to decrypt your files is to
receive the 2mzWmb-Decryptor

Are you ready?

We guarantee that you can recover all your files.

But you have not so enough time.

Buy 2mzWmb-Decryptor

Price now: 0.479 BTC (~3800$)

You have: 2 days. 14:57:48
If payment isnt made in this time, the cost will be doubled: 0.9576 BTC (~7600$)

    Buy 2mzWmb-Decryptor
    Support Chat

1. Create Bitcoin Wallet (we recommend Blockchain.info)
2. Buy necessary amount of Bitcoins - 0.479 BTC
3. Send 0.479 BTC to the address: 1DUBrMcH9T13oFSa59jxtFDM5eWTP8v2yc
4. After payment paste your transaction id in this form.
5. If payment is done - reload current page.
TXID     Received BTC/USD     Date
You can buy BTC here
coinbase.com
bitpanda.com
cex.io
gemini.com
buybitcoinworldwide.com

Tor website in GIF:

Screenshot of another variant of "ako-readme.txt" text file:

Text in this message:

Your network have been locked.

All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important data are encrypted and have the extension: ******

Backups and shadow copies also encrypted or removed. Any third-party software may damage encrypted data but not recover.
From this moment, it will be impossible to use files until they are decrypted.

The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recovery your files.

To get info (decrypt your files) contact us at (email)
davidgoldman@cock.li or portedhiggens@firemail.cc

And send me your ID

!!ATTENTION !!
!!Any third - party software may damage encrypted data but not recover.
!!DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES
!!DO NOT CHANGE YOUR KEY

 --- YOUR ID ---
-
 --- YOUR ID ---

Screenshot of files encrypted by one of the Ako versions (random extension):

Screenshot of files encrypted by another Ako version (random extension):

Update January 16, 2020 - Cyber criminals have recently started various spam email campaigns to spread Ako ransomware. These emails contain messages that present malicious attachments as various documents and encourage recipients to open them.

The sample we analyzed had a password-protected .zip attachment ("agreement.zip"), which contained an executable file ("agreement.scr"). Once executed, this file injects Ako ransomware into the system:

Screenshot of this spam email:

Text presented within this mail:

Subject: Agreement 2020 #1775505

 

Good afternoon
Here is an agreement for you, as you requested. Check and write if something is wrong.
archive password: 2020

Update April 9, 2020 - Crooks have recently released yet another variant of Ako ransomware, which drops a different ransom note and provides a different Tor website. The file extension remains the same - a random string.

Screenshot of the updated Ako ransomware's text file ("Ako-ReadMe.txt"):

Text presented within this file:

Your network has been hacked and locked.

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

Backups were either encrypted or deleted or backup disks were formatted.
Shadow copies also removed. Any 3rd party software may damage encrypted data but not recover.

We 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.

To get info (decrypt your files) follow this instructions:
1) [Recommended] via Tor Browser:
  a) Download and install Tor Browser: hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/
  b) Open our website in TOR: hxxp://kwvhrdibgmmpkhkidrby4mccwqpds5za6uo2thcw5gz75qncv7rbhyad.onion/AXYIRRUPSQTS3AHT

2) If you have any problems connecting or using TOR network:
  a) Open our website: hxxps://buydecrypt.hk/AXYIRRUPSQTS3AHT
  b) Follow the instructions on the site.

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

Ext: .A4Wz1b
When you open our page, paste this key in form:

-

Screenshot of the updated Tor website:

Screenshot of the files encrypted by the updated Ako ransomware (random extension):

Update April 21, 2020 - Crooks have recently released yet another variant of Ako ransomware, which now appends ".AKO" extension and drops different ransom notes ("AkoReadMe.txt" and "AkoReadMe.html").

Screenshot of the updated Ako ransomware's text file ("AkoReadMe.txt"):

Text presented within:

Your network has been hacked and locked.

All files on each host in the network have been encrypted with a strong algorithm.
Do not worry, we have decryption software for your situation.

We have also downloaded a lot of sensitive information from your network, so in case of not paying this data will be released.
If you dont believe we have any data you can contact us and ask a proof.
Dont forget about GDPR.

When you pay us the data will be removed from our disks and decryptor will be given to you, so you can restore all your files.

To get info (decrypt your files) contact us at and send your key (see it below):

dtddecrypt@protonmail.com or dtddesht@tutanota.com

To confirm our honest intentions, you can decrypt any file for free.
The faster you get in contact - the lower price you can expect.

Decryption of your files with the help of third-party company may cause increased price. (they add their fee to our)
Do not reset or shutdown - files may be damaged.
Do not rename or move the encrypted and readme files.
Do not delete readme files.

Machine ID: .861C7c
Your key:

-

Screenshot of the updated Ako ransomware's HTML file ("AkoReadMe.html"):

Text presented within:

To get info (decrypt your files) contact us at (email) and send your key (see it below)
dtddecrypt@protonmail.com or dtddesht@tutanota.com

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

Machine ID: .861C7c
Key:

-

Screenshot of files encrypted by the updated Ako ransomware (".AKO" extension):

Update May 13, 2020 - The developers of Ako ransomware are continually leaking data stolen from the infected devices. The data contains information about employees from various companies, hospital patients, and so on so forth.

Screenshot of website (stored in Tor network) that Ako developers use to leak data:

Update May 14, 2020 - It is worth mentioning that aside from asking for a decryption ransom, developers also ask for a second payment in exchange for deletion of stolen data. However, they typically target large companies that have a lot of resources and value extremely value their data.

Leakage of certain information may cause companies way higher losses than paying the ransom, which is why certain medical organizations and few other huge companies agree to pay. Depending on the size of company, ransom fluctuates between $100,000 and $2,000,000. Price for data deletion is typically higher than the decryption price.

On top of that, it is rather uncommon to see cyber criminals making such huge demands, since in most cases ransomware developers ask for several thousands of dollars only.

Example of a text file drop by yet another Ako ransomware variant:

Text presented within:

--- We apologize! ---
Your network have been locked.

------------------------------
| Whats happened?
------------------------------

All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important data are encrypted and have the extension: .jJNm9j

Backups and shadow copies also encrypted or removed. Any third-party software may damage encrypted data but not recover.
From this moment, it will be impossible to use files until they are decrypted.

The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recovery your files.

------------------------------
| Guarantees?
------------------------------

As you read above, files can be decrypted only using our private key and a special program.
The only guarantees we can give are decryption of your any file.
So you can decrypt any file from your system for free on our website.
We guarantee that you can recovery all your files. But you have not so enough time.

------------------------------
| How to recovery my files?
------------------------------

To get info (decrypt your files) you have 1 way:

1) [Recommended] via Tor Browser:
  a) Download and install Tor Browser: hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/
  b) Open our website in TOR: hxxp://kwvhrdibgmmpkhkidrby4mccwqpds5za6uo2 thcw5gz75qncv7rbhyad.onion/I8VC6PIEQL8JFKHM

When you open our website, put the following key in the input form:

-

!! ATTENTION !!
!! Any third - party software may damage encrypted data but not recover. !!
!! DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES !!
!! DO NOT CHANGE YOUR ID !!
!! DO NOT REMOVE YOUR ID.KEY FILE !!

Ako 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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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.