Ragnar Locker (.ragnar_[random_string]) ransomware virus - removal and decryption options

What kind of malware is Ragnar Locker?

Ragnar Locker is ransomware-type software designed not only to encrypt data but also to terminate installed programs (such as ConnectWise and Kaseya), which are commonly used by managed service providers and various Windows services. This ransomware renames encrypted files by appending an extension, which contains "ragnar" and a string of random characters.

For example, it will rename a file named "1.jpg" to "1.jpg.ragnar_0DE48AAB", and so on. It also creates a ransom message with a text file, the name of which contains the same string of random characters as the appointed extension. In this case, the ransom message would be named "RGNR_0DE48AAB.txt".

Screenshot of files encrypted by Ragnar Locker (".ragnar_[random_string]" extension):

Ransom note overview

The ransom message states that this ransomware encrypts all files, and that the only way to decrypt them is using tools purchased from Ragnar Locker's developers.

The initial cost of these tools is 25 Bitcoins, however, it is mentioned that unless the cyber criminals behind Ragnar Locker are contacted within 14 days of encryption, the cost of decryption tools is doubled, and after 21 days, decryption keys are deleted permanently.

Victims are also warned that if they do not contact Ragnar Locker's developers at all, some of their personal/sensitive data will be uploaded to a public server and/or sold to third parties. To contact these cyber criminals, victims must supposedly use the qTox messenger and look for the provided contact or via the hello_psecu@protonmail.com email address. 

As mentioned, Ragnar Locker terminates certain services (relating to managed service providers) so that its attack cannot be detected and terminated. Furthermore, it does takes this approach with various Windows security services.

More about ransomware attacks

Typically, victims of ransomware cannot decrypt compromised files without the correct tools held only by the cyber criminals who designed the program. Unfortunately, this is the case with Ragnar Locker ransomware. Cyber criminals responsible for these programs rarely keep their promises.

I.e., they send no decryption tools, even if victims meet all demands (contact them, pay the ransom, and so on). In most cases, victims of ransomware attack can recover files free of charge only by restoring them from a backup. Removal of ransomware prevents it from causing further encryption, however, affected data remains encrypted (inaccessible).

Most ransomware-type software is designed to operate in a similar manner. Some examples of other ransomware infections include Bhacks, Bboo and SNTG. Generally, programs of this type block access to data by encryption and create and/or display ransom messages, or multiple messages.

Typically, the main variables are cryptographic algorithm (symmetric or asymmetric) that ransomware uses to encrypt files and cost of decryption tool/key. As mentioned, files cannot be decrypted without tools that held only by cyber criminals, unless, in rare cases, the ransomware contains bugs/flaws.

Therefore, maintain backups on remote servers (e.g., Cloud) and unplugged storage devices.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

In most cases, cyber criminals proliferate ransomware via spam campaigns, fake software updaters, untrusted software download channels, Trojans and unofficial software activation ('cracking') tools. They proliferate malware via spam campaigns by sending emails with malicious attachments or web links that download malicious files.

Typically, they attach files such as Microsoft Office, PDF documents, archive files such as ZIP, RAR, executable files (.exe) or JavaScript files. Their main goal is to trick recipients into opening the attachments or downloaded files. If opened, the files install ransomware or other malware.

Fake software updaters infect systems by exploiting flaws/bugs of outdated programs installed on the computer or by downloading and installing malicious software rather than updates and fixes.

Examples of untrusted file/software download sources are Peer-to-peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), third party downloaders, freeware download, free file hosting web pages, and so on. Cyber criminals use these to host malicious files, which are oftem disguised as legitimate and harmless.

If downloaded and opened, however, they infect systems with malicious software. Trojans are malicious programs that, if installed, can cause chain infections.

These programs download and install other malware. Software 'cracking' tools are unofficial programs that some people use to bypass paid activation of licensed software, however, these tools can install malicious programs and do not activate any software.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

Do not open attachments or web links received in emails that are irrelevant or sent from unknown, suspicious addresses. All software and files should be downloaded from official, trustworthy websites and via direct links.

Other sources, tools such as third party downloaders (and installers) Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrents, eMule, dubious, unofficial websites, etc., should not be used - cyber criminals often use them to host malicious files. Furthermore, installed software should be updated through tools and implemented functions that are provided by official developers.

The same applies to activation of licensed software. It is illegal to activate software using 'cracking tools.

Scan the operating system for threats regularly using reputable anti-spyware or antivirus software software and keep it up to date. If your computer is already infected with Ragnar Locker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Appearance of ransom message created by Ragnar Locker (e.g., "RGNR_0DE48AAB.txt"):

Text presented this text file:

Hello * !

********************

 If you reading this message, then your network was PENETRATED and all of your files and data has been ENCRYPTED
                             
by RAGNAR_LOCKER !

********************

*********What happens with your system ?************

Your network was penetrated, all your files and backups was locked! So from now there is NO ONE CAN HELP YOU to get your files back, EXCEPT US.
You can google it, there is no CHANCES to decrypt data without our SECRET KEY.

But don't worry ! Your files are NOT DAMAGED or LOST, they are just MODIFIED. You can get it BACK as soon as you PAY.
We are looking only for MONEY, so there is no interest for us to steel or delete your information, it's just a BUSINESS $-)

HOWEVER you can damage your DATA by yourself if you try to DECRYPT by any other software, without OUR SPECIFIC ENCRYPTION KEY !!!

Also, all of your sensitive and private information were gathered and if you decide NOT to pay,
we will upload it for public view !

****

***********How to get back your files ?******

To decrypt all your files and data you have to pay for the encryption KEY :

BTC wallet for payment: *
Amount to pay (in Bitcoin): 25

****

***********How much time you have to pay?**********

* You should get in contact with us within 2 days after you noticed the encryption to get a better price.

* The price would be increased by 100% (double price) after 14 Days if there is no contact made.
 
* The key would be completely erased in 21 day if there is no contact made or no deal made.
Some sensetive information stolen from the file servers would be uploaded in public or to re-seller.

****

***********What if files can't be restored ?******

To prove that we really can decrypt your data, we will decrypt one of your locked files !
Just send it to us and you will get it back FOR FREE.

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 that should be paid.

****

! IF you don't know how to get bitcoins, we will give you advise how to exchange the money.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!
! HERE IS THE SIMPLE MANUAL HOW TO GET CONTCAT WITH US !
!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1) Go to the official website of TOX messenger ( hxxps://tox.chat/download.html )

2) Download and install qTOX on your PC, choose the platform ( Windows, OS X, Linux, etc. )

3) Open messenger, click "New Profile" and create profile.

4) Click "Add friends" button and search our contact *

5) For identification, send to our support data from ---RAGNAR SECRET---

IMPORTANT ! IF for some reasons you CAN'T CONTACT us in qTOX, here is our reserve mailbox ( * ) send a message with a data from ---RAGNAR SECRET---

WARNING!

-Do not try to decrypt files with any third-party software (it will be damaged permanently)
-Do not reinstall your OS, this can lead to complete data loss and files cannot be decrypted. NEVER!
-Your SECRET KEY for decryption is on our server, but it will not be stored forever. DO NOT WASTE TIME !

********************

---RAGNAR SECRET---
*
---RAGNAR SECRET---

********************

Screenshot of the "RGNR_0DE48AAB.txt" file:

Another variant of Ragnar Locker ransom message:

Text presented within:

*******
HELLO *** !
 If you reading this message, then your network was PENETRATED and all of your files and data has been ENCRYPTED

by RAGNAR_LOCKER !

*******

!!!!! WARNING !!!!!

DO NOT Modify, rename, copy or move any files or you can DAMAGE them and decryption will be impossible.
DO NOT use any third party or public decryption software, it also may damage files.
DO NOT Shutdown or reset your system
-------

There is ONLY ONE possible way to get back your files - contact us and pay for our special decryption key !
For your GUARANTEE we will decrypt 2 of your files FOR FREE, as a proof of our capabilities

Don't waste your TIME, the link for contacting us will be deleted if there is no contact made in closest future and you will never restore your DATA.
HOWEVER if you will contact us within 2 day since get penetrated - you can get a very SPECIAL PRICE.

ATTENTION !
We had downloaded more than 10TB of data from your fileservers and if you don't contact us for payment, we will publish it or sell to interested parties.
Here is just a small part of your files that we have, for a proof (use Tor Browser for open the link) : -

We gathered the most sensitive and confidential information about your transactions, billing, contracts, clients and partners. And be assure that if you wouldn't pay,
all files and documents would be publicated for everyones view and also we would notify all your clients and partners about this leakage with direct links.
So if you want to avoid such a harm for your reputation, better pay the amount that we asking for.

==========
! HERE IS THE SIMPLE MANUAL HOW TO GET CONTACT WITH US VIA LIVE CHAT !
!!!!!

a) Download and install TOR browser from this site : hxxps://torproject.org
b) For contact us via LIVE CHAT open our website : -
c) For visit our NEWS PORTAL with your data, open this website : -
d) If Tor is restricted in your area, use VPN

When you open LIVE CHAT website follow rules :

Follow the instructions on the website.
At the top you will find CHAT tab.
Send your message there and wait for response (we are not online 24/7, So you have to wait for your turn).

*******

---RAGNAR SECRET---
-
---RAGNAR SECRET---

*******

Screenshot of Ragnar Locker ransomware's data leaking site:

Update May 25, 2020 - Ragnar Locker is now capable of evading detection by executing itself in a deployed Oracle VirtualBox Windows XP virtual machine. It does that by using a Windows Group Policy Object (GPO) task which executes msiexec.exe (Microsoft Installer) designed to download and install a 122 MB MSI package.

That package contains Oracle VirtualBox hypervisor and a Virtual Disk Image (VDI) file which includes the Ragnar Locker ransomware's executable file. Additionally, the aforementioned MSI package includes an executable, a batch file, and a few support files.

The main purpose of this is to run ransomware in a Virtual Machine and prevent security software that is installed on the physical machine from stopping it.

Update June 10, 2020 - The developers of Maze ransomware continue to leak data stolen from victims that do not agree to pay. They threaten huge companies as the profits are way higher than targeting a regular home user. However, what's worth mentioning is that Maze started cooperating with two other ransomware - LockBit and Ragnar Locker.

This created a so-called "Maze Cartel". The website designed to leak Maze victims' now also contains files and other information stolen by both LockBit and Ragnar Locker infections.

Update July 30, 2020 - Crooks have recently released yet another variant of Ragnar Locker ransomware, which appends a different file extension (".ragn@r_[random-string]") and drops a different ransom note ("$R4GN4R_[random-string]!").

Screenshot of this Ragnar Locker variant's ransom note:

Text presented within:

************************************************
HELLO - !
IF YOU ARE READING THIS, IT'S MEAN YOUR DATA WAS ENCRYPTED AND YOU SENSITIVE PRIVATE INFORMATION WAS STOLEN!
READ CAREFULLY THE WHOLE INSTRUCTION NOTES TO AVOID DIFFICULTIES WITH YOUR DATA

by RAGNAR_LOCKER !

************************************************
*YOU HAVE TO CONTACT US via LIVE CHAT IMMEDIATELY TO RESOLVE THIS CASE AND MAKE A DEAL*
(contact information you will find at the bottom of this notes)

!!!!! WARNING !!!!!

DO NOT Modify, rename, copy or move any files or you can DAMAGE them and decryption will be impossible.
DO NOT Use any third-party or public Decryption software, it also may DAMAGE files.
DO NOT Shutdown or Reset your system, it can DAMAGE files
-------------------------------------

There is ONLY ONE possible way to get back your files - contact us and pay for the special DECRYPTION KEY !
For your GUARANTEE we will decrypt 2 of your files FOR FREE, as a proof that it Works.

Don't waste your TIME, the link for contact us will be deleted if there is no contact made in closest time and you will NEVER restore your DATA.
!!! HOWEVER if you will contact us within 2 day since get penetrated - you can get a very SPECIAL PRICE.

  ! WARNING !
Whole your network was fully COMPROMISED!

 We has DOWNLOADED more than 2 TB of your PRIVATE SENSITIVE Data, including your Billing info, Insuranse cases, Financial reports,
Business audit, Banking Accounts! Also we have corporate correspondence, information about your clients such as AXA Equitable, Abbot Laboratories, AIG, Amazon,
Boston Scientific, Facebook, J & J, SONOCO, Estee Lauder and many others.
We got even more info about your partners and even about your staff, there are some screenshots just as a proofs of what we got on you.
Screenshots:
-

-------------------------------------
Whole data that gathered from your private files and directories could be published in MASS MEDIA for BREAKING NEWS! Yours partners, clients and investors would be notified about LEAK.
However if we make a deal everything would be kept in secret and all your data will be restored.

You can take a look for some more examples of what we have, right now it's a private hidden page, but it could become accessable for Public View if you decide NOT pay.
Use Tor Browser to open the link: -
to view the page's content use password: -

==========================================
! HERE IS THE SIMPLE MANUAL HOW TO GET CONTACT WITH US VIA LIVE CHAT !
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

a) Download and install TOR browser from this site : hxxps://torproject.org
b) For contact us via LIVE CHAT open our website : -
c) For visit our NEWS PORTAL with your data, open this website : -  ( password: - )
d) If Tor is restricted in your area, use VPN

When you open LIVE CHAT website follow rules :

Follow the instructions on the website.
At the top you will find CHAT tab.
Send your message there and wait for response (we are not online 24/7, So you have to wait for your turn).

Screenshot of files encrypted by this Ragnar Locker variant (".ragn@r_[random-string]" extension):

Update November 28, 2022 - It is known that cybercriminals behind Ragnar Locker ransomware have leaked data stolen from Zwijndrecht police, a local police unit in Belgium. Zwijndrecht police, a local police unit in Belgium. Leaked data includes car number plates, fines, crime reports, investigation reports, footage from traffic cameras, etc.

Ragnar Locker 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:

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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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?

Typically, users infect computers with ransomware after opening malicious links or attachments received via email, files downloaded from unreliable sources (e.g., shady pages, P2P networks, third-party downloaders), malicious installers for pirated software or cracking tools, etc. Cybercriminals use various ways to trick users into executing downloaded malware.

How to open ".ragnar_[random_string]" or ".ragn@r_[random-string]" files?

These files are encrypted by the Ragnar Locker ransomware (older or never version of this ransomware). Thus, it is not possible to open these files until they are decrypted.

Where should I look for free decryption tools for Ragnar Locker ransomware?

In case of a ransomware attack you should check the No More Ransom project website (more information above).

I can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?

We do not provide a decryption service. Typically, cybercriminals behind ransomware attacks are the only ones who can decrypt files. Free data decryption is only possible when ransomware is flawed. Third parties who offer paid decryption are scammers or act as a man-in-the-middle. They should not be trusted/paid.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Ragnar Locker ransomware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove ransomware from the infected computer. It is important to remove ransomware to avoid more data loss. Unfortunately, files remain encrypted even after the removal. Antivirus software does not decrypt encrypted files.