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What is Level1 ransoomware?
Level1 ransomware encrypts and renames files and generates multiple text files containing the same ransom demanding message. It renames files by replacing their names with a string of random characters and their extensions with ".level1" extension (for example, it renames "1.jpg" to "1.jpg.E19C42oL0ysV4E1iiww3tG1HK..level1", "2.jpg" to "1.jpg.E19C42oL0ysV4E1iiww3tG1HK..level1"). Level1 creates "ATTENTION!!!.txt" text files (ransom notes) in all folders containing encrypted files and ten copies ("ATTENTION!!!0.txt"..."ATTENTION!!!9.txt") on the desktop.
Level1 ransoomware in detail
Typically, ransom demanding messages generated by ransomware contain instructions on how to contact the attackers, pay them a ransom, and other details related to data decryption. Ransom notes created by Level1 ransomware contain contact information.
As written in Level1's ransom notes, all files are encrypted, and their copies are downloaded to a remote server. It is stated that the private key that can decrypt files will be deleted within five days after the attack.
Level1's ransom notes encourage victims to contact the attackers as soon as possible and do via Telegram (by writing to @SENDMYiDbot) or the vasco_alonso@tutanota.com email address (this address can be found in all text files and on the provided Tor website).
In most cases, ransomware victims cannot access encrypted files unless they are decrypted with a tool (in this case, a private key) purchased from cybercriminals behind the attack. Unfortunately, there is no third-party tool that could decrypt files encrypted by Level1 ransomware.
In cases like this, the only free data recovery option is to restore files from a backup. It is strongly recommended not to choose the other option (to pay cybercriminals a ransom) - there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide a decryption tool.
Additionally, victims are advised to uninstall installed ransomware as soon as possible. Otherwise, that ransomware may cause new encryptions (encrypt new files) or infect computers connected to the same network.
Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:
Similarities with other ransoomware variants
To sum up, ransomware is a type of malicious software that blocks access to files by encrypting them and generates a ransom note (for example, a pop-up window, a text file). A couple of examples of other ransomware are Spyro, Snoopdog, and Piiq.
In most cases, the only main variables are the price of data decryption and the cryptographic algorithm (symmetric or asymmetric) that ransomware uses to encrypt files. Usually, it is nearly impossible to decrypt files without tools that only the attackers have (it is possible when ransomware is not finished).
Victims can avoid losing both data and money when they have their files backed up. For this reason, it is recommended to create backups regularly and keep them stored on some remote server or unplugged storage device.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
Typically, ransomware and other malicious software gets installed via emails, trojans, files downloaded from questionable sources, fake software updaters, and unofficial software activation ('cracking') tools. In the first case, cybercriminals send emails that contain malicious files (attachments) or website links.
Cybercriminals behind emails used to deliver malware attempt to trick recipients into downloading and opening a malicious file designed to infect computers. Typically, such emails are used to deliver malware via Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript files, executable files (like .exe files), archives like RAR, ZIP, PDF documents, and other files.
Trojans can be designed to serve different purposes. One of them is to cause chain infections (to install malicious software on the operating system). In order to trick users into installing Trojans, cybercriminals disguise them as legitimate programs and use one of the ways described in this section.
Freeware download pages, free file hosting pages, unofficial sites, third-party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks like eMule, torrents, and other channels can be used to spread malware too. Users infect their computers when they download and open malicious files (typically, malicious files are disguised as regular files).
Fake, unofficial software updaters infect systems by exploiting bugs, flaws of outdated installed software, or by installing malicious software instead of updates and fixes. They never actually update or fix any legitimate software.
Unofficial software activation tools are supposed to activate licensed software. Very often these tools are bundled with malware - they are used to trick users who seek to activate software without paying for it into infecting their computers.
| Name | Level1 virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Encrypted Files Extension | .level1 |
| Ransom Demanding Message | ATTENTION!!!.txt file in folders containing encrypted files and ten copies of this file with different numbers in their names on the desktop |
| Cyber Criminal Contact | Telegram (@SENDMYiDbot), vasco_alonso@tutanota.com |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), AVG (Win32:Trojan-gen), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.ACK), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan-Ransom.MSIL.Gen.gen), Symantec (ML.Attribute.HighConfidence), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Cannot open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension (for example, my.docx.locked). A ransom demand message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) |
To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo CleanerTo 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. |
How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?
Irrelevant emails received from unknown senders and containing attachments and website links should be examined. It is common for the email to be used as a channel to deliver malware by including malicious files or links in it.
Software should not be downloaded (or installed) through third-party downloaders (or installers), from unofficial pages and other channels of this kind. Files and programs should be downloaded only from official websites and via direct links.
Installed software has to be activated and updated with tools that its official developers provide. It is not legal to activate the installed software with 'cracking' tools, and both third-party updating or activation tools are likely to be malicious.
And finally, the operating system should be scanned with a reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software. It should be done regularly and the installed security suite should be kept up to date. If your computer is already infected with Level1, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.
Text presented in Level1 ransomware's text files ("ATTENTION!!!.txt" and other ransom notes with similar names):
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
The data on this computer has been turned into useless binary code and the important data has been copied to our vault.
If you do not need your files, the private key will be deleted within 5 days
If you want to restore your files and get your important data back, please contact
[1] - Install Telegram.
[2] - Telegram download link - > hxxps://telegram.org/
[3] - Add operator contact hxxp://t.me/SENDMYiDbot or @SENDMYiDbot and give YOUR ID
[YOUR ID] -
---------------------------
• If a Telegram operator has not responded within 6 hours, the contact may have been deleted, check for current and additional contacts at
hxxp://contactya3ry35pb.onion To open the .onion site
• Download tor browser hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/ Install,Launch Tor Browser
• Insert hxxp://contactya3ry35pb.onion into your Tor Browser
• Tor Browser installation instructions hxxps://youtu.be/LnfbHl8Te_o[Interesting facts].
• 1. cost increases with time, don't waste your time
• 2. only we can help you, no one else can, of course.
• 3. be careful! If you are still trying to find other solutions to the problem, back up the files you want to experiment with and play with them. Otherwise they may be irretrievably damaged.
• 4. Any services offering help will either just charge you money and disappear, or become middlemen, paying an inflated price. Since only the creators of the virus have the antidote.
Screenshot of the Tor website:
Text in this website:
Check your contacts every time before you start a call. Especially if you write to e-mail.
Email is often blocked.Attention blocked emails!
Email Blocked : Vasco_Alonso@protonmail.com
check your contacts before each conversation. so as not to wait for a long response. you may already be writing to a blocked contact.
Valid contacts, if you do not receive a response within a few hours, check the list of valid contacts.
Telegram bot : hxxp://t.me/SENDMYiDbot
Email : Vasco_Alonso@tutanota.com
Screenshot of files encrypted by Level1 (".level1" extension):
Level1 ransomware removal:
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Removal and file recovery procedure
If your files are encrypted with a new extension and a ransom note has appeared, you've been hit by ransomware. Don't pay. The procedure below works in order: contain the infection, identify the variant, remove the ransomware itself (so anything you restore doesn't get re-encrypted), and try to recover files using free decryption tools, Windows Volume Shadow Copies, or backups. Run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner to remove the infection - then move on to file recovery.
Common ransomware behaviors
VisibleEncrypts your files and renames them
The ransomware reads each file, encrypts the contents with the attacker's public key, and writes the encrypted bytes back to disk. Most variants also rename the file by appending a new extension - .net, .locked, .crypt, .lockbit, .djvu, etc. Without the matching private key, the encrypted files cannot be opened normally. Recovery depends on a free decryption tool, a recoverable Volume Shadow Copy, or a clean backup.
VisibleDrops a ransom note in every encrypted folder
A text or HTML file (usually named HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, _readme.txt, or similar) is placed in every folder that contains encrypted files. The note explains the situation, lists a payment amount in cryptocurrency, gives a deadline, and provides a contact email or .onion site. Save the note - don't delete it. Its exact wording, the email address, and the bitcoin wallet are how you identify the variant in the next phase.
VisibleReplaces the desktop wallpaper
Many ransomware variants change the Windows wallpaper to a black or red image with the ransom message and instructions. The wallpaper is just a visual scare tactic - it doesn't add any actual capability and reverts to normal once the ransomware is removed. Photograph it before removal in case the contact details are useful for variant identification or for reporting to authorities.
HiddenDeletes Volume Shadow Copies
One of the first things modern ransomware does after launching is run vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to wipe Windows' built-in Volume Shadow Copies - the snapshots that Previous Versions and System Restore rely on. Some ransomware doesn't fully succeed (especially on systems where the user lacks full admin rights), leaving partial shadow copies recoverable. Phase 4 step 11 covers how to check what survived.
HiddenDisables Windows Defender and other security tools
Before encrypting, the ransomware tries to silence anything that could alert you or block it - Windows Defender real-time protection, third-party antivirus services, backup agents (Veeam, Acronis), and sometimes the Windows Event Log service. It often modifies Group Policy or registry keys to keep these off after reboot. Phase 3 step 9 explicitly turns Tamper Protection back on so the next ransomware attempt can't repeat the trick.
HiddenSpreads laterally to other PCs on the network
Network-aware ransomware (LockBit, Conti, BlackCat, Akira families) doesn't stop at the first machine. It scans for SMB shares, mapped drives, and other PCs on the same network, then encrypts whatever it can reach. On Windows domains, a single compromised user with admin rights can lead to all-domain encryption. This is why Phase 1 step 2 disconnects the network as the very first action - it stops the spread immediately.
HiddenSteals data before encrypting (double extortion)
Modern ransomware (LockBit, BlackCat / ALPHV, Akira, Cl0p, Royal) almost always exfiltrates data before encrypting. The attacker then runs a "double extortion" play: pay the ransom for decryption, plus pay again to prevent the stolen data from being leaked on the group's leak site. Paying the first ransom does not get the leaked data back - assume that anything the ransomware could read was uploaded. This is one more reason not to pay: the data is already out.
Don't pay the ransom
Paying the ransom does not guarantee you'll get your files back. Major ransomware response studies consistently show that a meaningful percentage of paying victims either receive a non-working decryptor, only partial decryption, or no decryptor at all. Beyond that:
- Paying confirms you as a willing target - re-attack rates within 12 months are high
- Several ransomware groups have been sanctioned (US OFAC, UK OFSI). Paying these groups may be illegal under sanctions law in your country
- The ransom funds the next attack - on you or someone else
- Modern ransomware almost always exfiltrates data first, so paying doesn't get the leaked data back. Assume anything the malware could read was uploaded
- Decryptors, even when they work, often leave files corrupted because the encryption itself was buggy or rushed
The path below tries every legal, free recovery option first. Pay only as an absolute last resort, after consulting a lawyer and your country's cyber crime authority.
Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage
Pull the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi on the affected PC. If multiple computers share the network, do the same on every machine you suspect could be affected, including any servers and NAS units.
Then sign out of cloud storage clients (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud) from their app settings. If you can, pause the sync. Some ransomware uses the running sync client to push encrypted versions over your clean cloud copies.
Modern ransomware spreads laterally across SMB shares, mapped drives, RDP, and reachable network neighbors. Disconnecting stops the spread the moment you do it. Logging out of cloud sync clients prevents the ransomware from encrypting the cloud copies of your files via the sync API.
Unplug external drives and USB storage
Safely eject any external drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and network-attached storage shares - then unplug them. If a drive was connected when the ransomware ran, the files on it may already be encrypted, but unplugging stops further damage.
Critically: don't reconnect any drive (including your most recent backup) to this PC until the ransomware is removed in Phase 3. Reconnecting an external backup to an actively-infected PC is the most common way that backup gets encrypted too.
Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file
Copy the ransom note and one small encrypted file (under 1 MB) to a USB stick, or photograph the note with your phone. You'll need both for the variant identification step.
The ransom note is usually one of:
- A
.txtfile in every encrypted folder (typicallyHOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt,README.txt, or_readme.txt) - An
.htmlfile with the same purpose - A changed desktop wallpaper - photograph it
- A lock-screen interrupt that runs at startup - rarer
Don't delete the note. Variant identification depends on its exact wording, the contact email, and the bitcoin wallet address. The note is also evidence if you report to authorities.
Identify the variant with ID Ransomware
From a clean device (your phone is fine, or another PC that wasn't on the affected network), visit id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com. Upload the ransom note and the sample encrypted file. The site identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.
ID Ransomware is run by the Malware Hunter Team. Files you upload are kept private - they're used for analysis, not published. If you're concerned about uploading data anyway, you can paste the contact email and bitcoin wallet from the note - those are often enough for identification.
The ransomware itself must be removed before any file recovery. If it's still active, anything you restore in Phase 4 gets re-encrypted within minutes.
Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners
Safe Mode loads only the minimal Windows drivers, which prevents most ransomware from auto-running while you set up the scanners.
Windows 11: open , click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click , then press 5 or F5.
Windows 10: click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. From the Choose-an-option screen, click , then press F5.
Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in step 8) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in step 9). Save both installers to your Desktop, then disconnect Wi-Fi again before scanning.
Run Microsoft Defender Offline
Reboot to normal Windows. Open . Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads.
Some ransomware variants drop bootkit components or kernel hooks that hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can load itself.
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Download Combo CleanerRun a full Combo Cleaner scan
Run the installer you downloaded in step 6 and start a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete, review what it detected, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner quarantines the ransomware executable and the registry / scheduled-task entries that re-launch it on reboot.
Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender
Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe) as a second-opinion full scan. The binary expires every 10 days so the copy you downloaded has the latest signatures.
Once it finishes, open and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Many ransomware variants disable Defender during the attack - this is where you switch it back on so the next attempt can't repeat the trick.
Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the most underused verification step in malware removal - and free.
Try the steps in order. The first decryptor that works ends the recovery process - no need to do all four.
Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor
Visit nomoreransom.org and search the Decryption Tools list for the variant name returned by ID Ransomware. The project is run by Europol, the Dutch Police, and security vendors - everything listed is legitimate and free.
If a decryptor exists, download it onto a clean PC, copy it across, and follow its instructions exactly. Decryptors usually want you to point them at a sample encrypted file plus its known unencrypted version (sometimes any image you previously had a backup of works).
Free decryptors exist for parts of the STOP/Djvu, GandCrab, REvil, Avaddon, Conti and Hive families, among others. Most modern variants don't have public decryptors - if yours isn't listed, that's expected; move to the next step.
Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies
Windows automatically creates Volume Shadow Copies of files when System Restore points are made or scheduled backups run. Most ransomware tries to wipe these (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), but the deletion sometimes fails partially - especially if the running user doesn't have full admin rights. When it does fail, snapshots survive that contain pre-encryption versions of your files.
First, check what's there. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
vssadmin list shadows
If you see entries listed, shadow copies survived. To restore from them:
- Built-in: right-click any folder → Properties → Previous Versions tab. Pick a snapshot dated before the infection and restore.
- Better tool for browsing: install Shadow Explorer (free). It shows all snapshots as a normal file tree and lets you copy out only the files you want.
Shadow Copies recover the original files exactly, with no risk of decryption errors. If they survived, this is faster and cleaner than running a decryptor on the encrypted set.
Restore from cloud or external backup
If you have a backup that pre-dates the infection, this is the cleanest recovery available. Important precautions:
- Don't reconnect a backup drive until Phase 3 is complete. If the ransomware is still active, plugging in the backup encrypts it too.
- For cloud backups (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud), use the Version History feature to roll individual files back to pre-encryption versions.
- OneDrive specifically has a "Restore your OneDrive" feature: if it detected mass file changes, you can roll back the entire account up to 30 days. Sign in at OneDrive on the web, click the Settings gear, and choose Restore your OneDrive. Microsoft 365 subscribers also get ransomware detection alerts; non-subscribers get one free recovery.
- Verify the restored files open correctly before you delete the encrypted set. Test a few documents, photos, and any database / project files.
Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery
Recuva is a long shot, not a primary recovery tool. Most modern ransomware encrypts files in place - it reads the original, encrypts the data, and writes the encrypted bytes back to the same disk location. In that case, the original isn't deleted, just rewritten - and Recuva has nothing to find.
But for older or simpler variants that deleted originals before creating encrypted copies (rather than encrypting in place), Recuva can sometimes pull the originals from unallocated disk space. Worth trying as a last resort, especially before you use the disk much further.
If you try it:
- Stop using the disk as much as possible - every disk write reduces recovery odds
- Run Recuva from a USB stick, not from the affected disk
- Use Deep Scan mode (slower but the only mode worth running for this scenario)
Don't skip the steps above expecting Recuva to bail you out. It works in maybe 5-20% of cases, depending on the variant and how soon you try.
Report the attack to authorities
Even if your files aren't recovered, your report helps authorities track variants, attribute groups, and warn future victims. In some jurisdictions (especially the US and UK) early reporting can sometimes help recall a wired ransom payment via banking partners.
Save the report number - banks, insurers, and credit bureaus will ask for it. If you operate a business, you may also have legal disclosure obligations (GDPR in the EU, state breach laws in the US) that run on a 72-hour clock.
Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward
The single best defense against ransomware is a tested backup. Use the 3-2-1 rule:
- 3 copies of your data
- 2 different storage media (e.g., internal drive + external drive)
- 1 offline / air-gapped copy (an external drive that isn't always connected)
Recommended cadence:
- Daily: cloud sync (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive) - convenient, but vulnerable if the ransomware reaches the sync folder. The Version History feature is what saves you
- Weekly: external drive that you connect briefly, then disconnect - the air-gap is what protects against ransomware
- Monthly: a second external drive stored off-site (different physical location) - protects against fire, theft, flood
Test the backup at least once. Open a few files from it, check sizes match, restore one to a different folder. An untested backup isn't a backup - it's a hope.
Patch the entry point and monitor for 30 days
Most reinfections happen via the same vector that worked the first time. Until you've patched the entry point, watch for:
- Unusual disk activity, unexpected file modifications, or unfamiliar processes in Task Manager
- Unexpected reboots or new accounts you didn't create
- Defender or your antivirus turning itself off again
Common entry vectors and what to do about each:
- Phishing email with a malicious attachment - review email filters and train yourself / staff to recognise the patterns - see pcrisk's Phishing/Scam reference
- Exposed RDP with weak passwords - disable Remote Desktop from if you don't need it. If you do, put it behind a VPN and require a long password plus MFA
- Unpatched VPN appliances or public-facing apps - check the vendor's advisories page and apply the latest firmware
- Cracked / pirated software - was the most common vector for STOP/Djvu in particular. Don't run software from torrent sites
Run a Combo Cleaner scan weekly for the first month. Update Windows, browsers, and applications aggressively.
Important: Removing a ransomware infection requires a full system scan, not a manual file delete. If you're not confident with the manual procedure, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that combination removes the vast majority of consumer ransomware variants. Then move to Phase 4 for file recovery, or to Phase 5 if your files are unrecoverable and you need to start fresh from a clean Windows install.
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Tomas Meskauskas
Expert security researcher, professional malware analyst
I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats.
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