Secles (.secles) ransomware virus – removal and decryption options

What kind of malware is Secles?

Secles is a data-encrypting malware discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Programs that encrypt files to demand decryption ransoms are classified as ransomware.

After we executed a sample of Secles on our testing system, it encrypted files and changed their titles by appending them with a unique ID assigned to the victim, the cyber criminals' Telegram username, and a ".secles" extension. To elaborate, a file originally named "1.jpg" appeared as "1.jpg.id[DYz8jzMo].[t.me_secles1bot].secles".

Once the encryption process was finished, Secles ransomware created and dropped a ransom-demanding message titled "ReadMe.txt".

Screenshot of files encrypted by Secles ransomware:

Ransom note overview

Secles ransomware's note encourages the victim to initiate communication with the attackers to restore (decrypt) their data. If the provided contact info is no longer viable, the victim is instructed to seek a different communication option via the linked Tor network website.

Decryption will necessitate meeting the ransom demands, but before paying – the victim can test recovery on two encrypted files. The message warns against modifying or deleting the affected data – since that may interfere with the decryption or render it impossible.

Secles ransomware overview

We have analyzed and researched thousands of ransomware infections, and this experience allows us to infer that decryption is usually impossible without the cyber criminals' involvement.

Furthermore, victims commonly do not receive the decryption keys/tools – despite paying the ransom. Hence, it is strongly advised against – since file recovery is not guaranteed, and meeting the criminals' demands supports their illegal activities.

Removing Secles ransomware from the operating system will prevent it from encrypting more data. Unfortunately, removal will not restore already compromised files. The only solution is to recover them from a backup (if one was made prior and is stored elsewhere).

Therefore, we highly recommend keeping backups in several different locations (e.g., remote servers, unplugged storage devices, etc.) – to ensure data safety.

Ransomware examples

Ebaka, NOOSE, LockShit BLACKED, and Xrp are merely a few examples of ransomware we have investigated recently. While the mode of operation for this malware is practically identical, these programs have two significant differences in between.

This malicious software can use different cryptographic algorithms (symmetric or asymmetric) to encrypt data. Ransoms can also differ drastically (between three to eight digits in USD) depending on the intended victim, i.e., home users vs. large entities.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Cyber criminals usually utilize phishing and social engineering tactics to proliferate malware (ransomware included). Malicious programs are often disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media.

Virulent files can be in various formats, e.g., archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth. Once opened, a malicious file initiates the malware download/installation process.

Common distribution methods include: drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments/links in spam emails or messages, online scams, malvertising, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), pirated software/media, illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

Fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless – therefore, we recommend being vigilant when browsing. Caution must be extended to incoming emails and other messages. Attachments or links found in suspicious mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.

Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy channels. Another recommendation is to activate and update programs using functions/tools provided by genuine developers, as illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third-party updaters may contain malware.

We must emphasize the importance of having a dependable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove threats and issues. If your computer is already infected with Secles, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Screenshot of Secles ransomware's text file ("ReadMe.txt"):

Text presented in this message:

to recover your data install telgram messanger at @seclesbot ( hxxps://t.me/secleslbot ) you will talk with support using the bot , admin will be monitoring if for any reason bot is not avaiable you can find link and id of new bot at our onion site 2kksm7oobarkoedfnkihgsa2qdvfgwvr4p4furcsopummgs5y37s6bid.onion you will need to install for browser for onion sites ( hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/ ) you dont need to install for if our telegram bot is working, the bot gets banned once a while

you id is : -

you will get two sample decryption (decoding) before any payment for free this is strong ransomware, any day you waste without paying is one business day you waste our price is reasonable,the wasted days will cost you more

 

some notes:
1-although illegal and bad but this is business,you are our client after infection and we will treat you respectfully like a client

2-do not delete files at c:\secles , if you want to reinstall windwos take a backup of the folder (dont waste time trying to get anything out of them ,they are encrypted with out public key and cant be read without our private keys)

3-do not play with encrypted file, take a backup if you want to waste some time playing with them

4-if you take a middleman do deal with us directly , take one with good reputation ,we always provide decryptor after payment and only ask for one payment , if you take a random middle man from internet he may take you money and not pay as and disappear or lie to you

5-police can't help you , we are excpericed hackers and we don't leave footprints behind , even if we did police wont risk ther million dollar worth zero day exploits for catching us, instead what they do get sure of is you never pay us and you suffer loss your data

6-if some of your files don't have our extention but do not open ,they are encrypted all other files and will decrypt normally ,they just have not been renamed to get our extension 

Video showing how to remove Secles ransomware using Combo Cleaner:

Update September 24, 2024 - Cyber criminals have recently released an updated variant of Secles ransomware which appends ".secles2" extension and delivers a slightly different ransom note.

Screenshot of the updated Secles ransomware's ransom note ("ReadMe.txt"):

Text presented within:

to recover your data install telegram messenger at @secles1bot ( hxxps://t.me/secles1bot ) (ENTER EXACT ID , avoid fake similar ids made by unknown people to SCAM you) you will talk with support using the bot , admin will be monitoring
if for any reason bot is not available you can find link and id of new bot at our onion site
2kksm7oobarkoedfnkihgsa2qdvfgwvr4p4furcsopummgs5y37s6bid.onion  
you will need to install tor browser for onion sites ( hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/ ) you dont need to install tor if our telegram bot is working, the bot gets banned once a while
most of the time you can open link in normal browser using proxies adding .ly to the end of url : -
 
 
#############
please be careful , some unknown people have made similar telegram ids and bots , looking like ours to get money from you , they dont have access to keys, and will only get money and ask for more
our id is @secles2bot now and if banned you can find our new id in the written onion site
 
!!!IMPORTANT !!!
ENTER EXACT TELEGRAM ID CHAR BY CHAR AND AVOID SIMILAR IDS, otherwise you will be SCAMMED (you can paste hxxps://t.me/secles1bot in your telegram saved message and click on it to be sure)
###############
you id is : -
 
you will get two sample decryption (decoding) before any payment for free ,we give sample or screenshot of sample decrypted , any describtion of
this is strong ransomware, any day you waste without paying is one business day you waste
our price is reasonable,the wasted days will cost you more
 
some notes:
1-although illegal and bad but this is business,you are our client after infection and we will treat you respectfully like a client
 
2-do not delete files at c:\secles2 , if you want to reinstall windows take a backup of the folder (dont waste time trying to get anything out of them ,they are encrypted with our public key and cant be read without our private keys)(the folder will be empty if keys were successfully sent to server),if you are giving access to anyone to play with your files before messaging us , take a backup of this folder first, some of these experts are dummies , they delete this folder thinking it will revert your encrypted files
 
3-do not play with encrypted file, take a backup if you want to waste some time playing with them
 
4-if you take a middleman do deal with us directly , take one with good reputation ,we always provide decryptor after payment and only ask for one payment , if you take a random middle man from internet he may take you money and not pay as and disappear or lie to you
 
5-police can't help you , we are experienced hackers and we don't leave footprints behind , even if we did police wont risk thier million dollar worth zero day exploits for catching us, instead what they do get sure of is you never pay us and you suffer loss your data
 
6-if some of your files don't have our extension but do not open ,they are encrypted all other files and will decrypt normally ,they just have not been renamed to get our extension
 
5-some unknown scammers on youtube claim to decrypt our encrypted file (they even made fake telegram channel for us and all other major ransomware groups ,telling they can recovery your files and we and other real ransomware teams scam people ), all they do is message us , claim to be the real client ( you) get free test files from us and show them as proof to you ,get money from you,but they don't pay us and will not decrypt the rest of file , they will make you wait days with different reasons until you give up or if you don't they will not answer you any more .
TO PREVENT this we MARK our test files , so they can't abuse it ,they can only give you describtion of file conents
yourself ,we will answer relieve any concern you have
 
6-by not paying us all you do is hurt yourself, others will pay us and we will continue
 
7-enter exact telegram id , SIMILAR TELEGRAM IDS ARE FAKE and will scam you
 
8-when you search our name in the google most sites will show you just a copy pasted article , they post the same thing changing extension and readme note ,so anything you read there is bullshit , you can verify this claim by reading their other posts about other groups , it will be the exact text ..
 
QUESTION: what is guarantee you give keys after payment:
1-we have our reputation if we dont give someone will post about us provided the evidence and proof no one will pay us
2-we have proof channel , there we post opinion of other client who have paid and got files ,we even provide contact info of some of them (only those who have agreed) after we agree on price

Screenshot of files encrypted by the updated Secles ransomware:

Secles 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.

Tools you'll need

Combo Cleaner Antivirus 7-days free trial

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

Microsoft Defender Offline Free · built-in

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

Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT) Free

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

ID Ransomware Free · web

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

No More Ransom Project Free · web

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

Shadow Explorer Free

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

Recuva Free

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

Phase 1~ 5 min

Don't pay & contain

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1

Don't pay the ransom

1 min · read⚠ Do not skip

Paying the ransom does not guarantee you'll get your files back. Major ransomware response studies consistently show that a meaningful percentage of paying victims either receive a non-working decryptor, only partial decryption, or no decryptor at all. Beyond that:

• Paying confirms you as a willing target - re-attack rates within 12 months are high
• Several ransomware groups have been sanctioned (US OFAC, UK OFSI). Paying these groups may be illegal under sanctions law in your country
• The ransom funds the next attack - on you or someone else
• Modern ransomware almost always exfiltrates data first, so paying doesn't get the leaked data back. Assume anything the malware could read was uploaded
• Decryptors, even when they work, often leave files corrupted because the encryption itself was buggy or rushed

The path below tries every legal, free recovery option first. Pay only as an absolute last resort, after consulting a lawyer and your country's cyber crime authority.

2

Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage

2 minNo tool needed

Pull the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi on the affected PC. If multiple computers share the network, do the same on every machine you suspect could be affected, including any servers and NAS units.

Then sign out of cloud storage clients (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud) from their app settings. If you can, pause the sync. Some ransomware uses the running sync client to push encrypted versions over your clean cloud copies.

Why this matters

Modern ransomware spreads laterally across SMB shares, mapped drives, RDP, and reachable network neighbors. Disconnecting stops the spread the moment you do it. Logging out of cloud sync clients prevents the ransomware from encrypting the cloud copies of your files via the sync API.

3

Unplug external drives and USB storage

1 minNo tool needed

Safely eject any external drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and network-attached storage shares - then unplug them. If a drive was connected when the ransomware ran, the files on it may already be encrypted, but unplugging stops further damage.

Critically: don't reconnect any drive (including your most recent backup) to this PC until the ransomware is removed in Phase 3. Reconnecting an external backup to an actively-infected PC is the most common way that backup gets encrypted too.

Phase 2~ 5 min

Identify the variant

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4

Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file

2 min

Copy the ransom note and one small encrypted file (under 1 MB) to a USB stick, or photograph the note with your phone. You'll need both for the variant identification step.

The ransom note is usually one of:

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

Important

Don't delete the note. Variant identification depends on its exact wording, the contact email, and the bitcoin wallet address. The note is also evidence if you report to authorities.

5

Identify the variant with ID Ransomware

Tool: ID Ransomware3 min

From a clean device (your phone is fine, or another PC that wasn't on the affected network), visit id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com. Upload the ransom note and the sample encrypted file. The site identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

Pro tip

ID Ransomware is run by the Malware Hunter Team. Files you upload are kept private - they're used for analysis, not published. If you're concerned about uploading data anyway, you can paste the contact email and bitcoin wallet from the note - those are often enough for identification.

Phase 3~ 30-45 min

Remove the ransomware

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The ransomware itself must be removed before any file recovery. If it's still active, anything you restore in Phase 4 gets re-encrypted within minutes.

6

Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners

5 min

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

Windows 11: open Settings → System → Recovery, click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press 5 or F5.

Windows 10: click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. From the Choose-an-option screen, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press F5.

Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in step 8) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in step 9). Save both installers to your Desktop, then disconnect Wi-Fi again before scanning.

7

Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Tool: Built into Windows15 min

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads.

Why this comes first

Some ransomware variants drop bootkit components or kernel hooks that hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can load itself.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

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

Download Combo Cleaner

8

Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

Tool: Combo Cleaner20-40 min

Run the installer you downloaded in step 6 and start a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete, review what it detected, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner quarantines the ransomware executable and the registry / scheduled-task entries that re-launch it on reboot.

9

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender

Tool: MSERT15 min

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe) as a second-opinion full scan. The binary expires every 10 days so the copy you downloaded has the latest signatures.

Once it finishes, open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Many ransomware variants disable Defender during the attack - this is where you switch it back on so the next attempt can't repeat the trick.

Why a second scan

Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the most underused verification step in malware removal - and free.

Phase 4~ 30-60 min · results vary

Try to recover files

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

10

Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor

Tool: nomoreransom.org★ Cleanest path if listed5 min

Visit nomoreransom.org and search the Decryption Tools list for the variant name returned by ID Ransomware. The project is run by Europol, the Dutch Police, and security vendors - everything listed is legitimate and free.

If a decryptor exists, download it onto a clean PC, copy it across, and follow its instructions exactly. Decryptors usually want you to point them at a sample encrypted file plus its known unencrypted version (sometimes any image you previously had a backup of works).

Free decryptors exist for parts of the STOP/Djvu, GandCrab, REvil, Avaddon, Conti and Hive families, among others. Most modern variants don't have public decryptors - if yours isn't listed, that's expected; move to the next step.

11

Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies

Tool: Shadow Explorer / vssadmin15 min

Windows automatically creates Volume Shadow Copies of files when System Restore points are made or scheduled backups run. Most ransomware tries to wipe these (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), but the deletion sometimes fails partially - especially if the running user doesn't have full admin rights. When it does fail, snapshots survive that contain pre-encryption versions of your files.

First, check what's there. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

vssadmin list shadows

If you see entries listed, shadow copies survived. To restore from them:

• Built-in: right-click any folder → Properties → Previous Versions tab. Pick a snapshot dated before the infection and restore.
• Better tool for browsing: install Shadow Explorer (free). It shows all snapshots as a normal file tree and lets you copy out only the files you want.

Why check this even when there's a decryptor

Shadow Copies recover the original files exactly, with no risk of decryption errors. If they survived, this is faster and cleaner than running a decryptor on the encrypted set.

12

Restore from cloud or external backup

Tool: your backup software30 min

If you have a backup that pre-dates the infection, this is the cleanest recovery available. Important precautions:

• Don't reconnect a backup drive until Phase 3 is complete. If the ransomware is still active, plugging in the backup encrypts it too.
• For cloud backups (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud), use the Version History feature to roll individual files back to pre-encryption versions.
• OneDrive specifically has a "Restore your OneDrive" feature: if it detected mass file changes, you can roll back the entire account up to 30 days. Sign in at OneDrive on the web, click the Settings gear, and choose Restore your OneDrive. Microsoft 365 subscribers also get ransomware detection alerts; non-subscribers get one free recovery.
• Verify the restored files open correctly before you delete the encrypted set. Test a few documents, photos, and any database / project files.

13

Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery

Tool: Recuva30 min

Recuva is a long shot, not a primary recovery tool. Most modern ransomware encrypts files in place - it reads the original, encrypts the data, and writes the encrypted bytes back to the same disk location. In that case, the original isn't deleted, just rewritten - and Recuva has nothing to find.

But for older or simpler variants that deleted originals before creating encrypted copies (rather than encrypting in place), Recuva can sometimes pull the originals from unallocated disk space. Worth trying as a last resort, especially before you use the disk much further.

If you try it:

• Stop using the disk as much as possible - every disk write reduces recovery odds
• Run Recuva from a USB stick, not from the affected disk
• Use Deep Scan mode (slower but the only mode worth running for this scenario)

Don't skip the steps above expecting Recuva to bail you out. It works in maybe 5-20% of cases, depending on the variant and how soon you try.

Phase 5~ 20 min + ongoing

Report & prevent re-infection

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14

Report the attack to authorities

10-20 min

Even if your files aren't recovered, your report helps authorities track variants, attribute groups, and warn future victims. In some jurisdictions (especially the US and UK) early reporting can sometimes help recall a wired ransom payment via banking partners.

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

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

Canada: antifraudcentre.ca

Australia: ReportCyber

Spain: Policía Nacional (Oficina Virtual de Denuncias)

France: cybermalveillance.gouv.fr

Germany: BKA

Italy: Polizia Postale

Netherlands: Politie

Poland: CERT Polska

Portugal: CNCS

EU (other): your national CERT

Save the report number - banks, insurers, and credit bureaus will ask for it. If you operate a business, you may also have legal disclosure obligations (GDPR in the EU, state breach laws in the US) that run on a 72-hour clock.

15

Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward

30 min initial

The single best defense against ransomware is a tested backup. Use the 3-2-1 rule:

• 3 copies of your data
• 2 different storage media (e.g., internal drive + external drive)
• 1 offline / air-gapped copy (an external drive that isn't always connected)

Recommended cadence:

• Daily: cloud sync (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive) - convenient, but vulnerable if the ransomware reaches the sync folder. The Version History feature is what saves you
• Weekly: external drive that you connect briefly, then disconnect - the air-gap is what protects against ransomware
• Monthly: a second external drive stored off-site (different physical location) - protects against fire, theft, flood

Important

Test the backup at least once. Open a few files from it, check sizes match, restore one to a different folder. An untested backup isn't a backup - it's a hope.

16

Patch the entry point and monitor for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

Most reinfections happen via the same vector that worked the first time. Until you've patched the entry point, watch for:

• Unusual disk activity, unexpected file modifications, or unfamiliar processes in Task Manager
• Unexpected reboots or new accounts you didn't create
• Defender or your antivirus turning itself off again

Common entry vectors and what to do about each:

• Phishing email with a malicious attachment - review email filters and train yourself / staff to recognise the patterns - see pcrisk's Phishing/Scam reference
• Exposed RDP with weak passwords - disable Remote Desktop from Settings → System → Remote Desktop if you don't need it. If you do, put it behind a VPN and require a long password plus MFA
• Unpatched VPN appliances or public-facing apps - check the vendor's advisories page and apply the latest firmware
• Cracked / pirated software - was the most common vector for STOP/Djvu in particular. Don't run software from torrent sites

Run a Combo Cleaner scan weekly for the first month. Update Windows, browsers, and applications aggressively.

Important: Removing a ransomware infection requires a full system scan, not a manual file delete. If you're not confident with the manual procedure, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that combination removes the vast majority of consumer ransomware variants. Then move to Phase 4 for file recovery, or to Phase 5 if your files are unrecoverable and you need to start fresh from a clean Windows install.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Victims themselves commonly open ransomware executables, as these files are typically presented as regular content. This malware is primarily proliferated via drive-by downloads, online scams, spam emails/messages, malvertising, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.

How to open ".secles" files?

Encrypted files cannot be opened/unless they are decrypted.

Where should I look for free decryption tools for Secles ransomware?

If you have experienced a ransomware attack, we recommend checking out 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 offer services of this kind. In fact, aside from cases involving severely flawed ransomware, decryption is rarely possible without the attackers' interference. Hence, third-parties offering paid decryption are often scams or aim to act as middlemen between victims and criminals.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Secles ransomware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate active ransomware infections. It is pertinent to mention that while using an anti-virus program is the first step in ransomware recovery – security software is incapable of restoring encrypted files.