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What kind of malware is Risen?
Risen is a ransomware variant that our team discovered during an analysis of samples uploaded to the VirusTotal platform. We learned that Risen encrypts (and renames) files, creates two ransom notes ("$Risen_Note.txt" and "$Risen_Guide.hta", changes the desktop wallpaper, and presents a message on the pre-login screen.
Risen renames files by appending an email address and a user ID (e.g.,".E86EQNTPTT") as their new extension. For example, it renames "1.jpg" to "1.jpg.Default@firemail.de].E86EQNTPTT", "2.png" to "2.png.Default@firemail.de].E86EQNTPTT", and so forth.
Screenshot of files encrypted by this ransomware:
Risen ransom note overview
As stated in the ransom notes left by Risen ransomware, the attackers have breached the victim's entire network due to critical security flaws and have encrypted all their files with a strong algorithm. Additionally, they have stolen critical data, including documents, images, engineering data, accounting information, and customer details.
The notes also state that if victims do not cooperate by the deadline (which is not specified), the attackers will leak or sell their data. It mentions that backups are also encrypted and inaccessiblem and the only way to recover files is to use a specific decryption.
Lastly, the notes say that victims can send up to three test files for free decryption. When contacting cybercriminals, victims must use the provided email addresses and include their machine ID in the subject. If there is no response within 72 hours, victims should contact threat actors through the provided TOR blog.
It is worth noting that email the addresses provided in the ransom notes are default1@tutamail.com and default@firemail.de. The use of the word "default" in email addresses probably means that the ransomware is still in development, and cybercriminals may not respond or demand ransom. However, they may never provide a decryption tool as well.
More details about ransomware
Recovering files without paying a ransom is usually not possible unless victims have backups or access to third-party decryption tools. Generally, only the attackers possess the necessary decryption keys. However, paying a ransom is not advisable because there is a high risk of being scammed.
Additionally, while it remains active, ransomware can continue to encrypt files and spread throughout the local network. Therefore, victims must remove the ransomware promptly to prevent further damage.
Ransomware in general
Ransomware victims typically cannot access their files without using decryption tools that only the attackers possess and offer for a fee. However, victims can recover their files without paying for their decryption if they have made data backups. Therefore, it is highly recommended to store backups of all important files on a remote server or an offline storage device.
Examples of ransomware variants are Cronus, Lynx, and HorrorDead.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
Cybercriminals employ several tactics to distribute ransomware. They often exploit weaknesses in outdated software or operating systems, send emails with malicious attachments or links, use technical support scams and malicious advertisements, or embed ransomware in pirated software, cracking tools, and key generators.
Additionally, computers can become infected with ransomware through files or programs downloaded from peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, deceptive or compromised pages, third-party downloaders, and similar channels, or through infected USB drives.
| Name | Risen virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Encrypted Files Extension | user ID (e.g., .E86EQNTPTT) |
| Ransom Demanding Message | $Risen_Guide.hta, $Risen_Note.txt |
| Free Decryptor Available? | No |
| Cyber Criminal Contact | gotchadec@onionmail.org, yamaguchigumi@cock.li, default1@tutamail.com and default@firemail.de, @GotchaDec (Telegram) |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Conti-B [Ransom]), Combo Cleaner (Generic.Ransom.Babuk.!s!.G.9817AF84), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.BlackHunt.B), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/ContiCrypt.PADD!MTB), 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?
Be cautious with files and links in unsolicited emails from unknown senders; do not open them unless you are certain they are legitimate. Download software and files only from official websites and reputable app stores. It is highly recommended to avoid using other sources and downloading pirated software or unofficial activation tools. Do not click ads, pop-ups, buttons, and other elements on shady web pages.
Regularly scan your system for threats using a trusted security tool, and keep your operating system and all installed software up to date. If your computer is already infected with Risen, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.
Appearance of the "$Risen_Guide.hta" file (GIF):
Text in this file:
All Your Important Files Have Been Encrypted
NOTE
We have also taken your critical documents and files from different parts of your network, which we will leak or sell if there is no cooperation from your side.Our operators have been monitoring your business for a while, when we say these documents are critical, we mean it.
We await for your response before the deadline ends, After that we will continue the process of leaking or selling your documents.
We assure you that this won't happen if you cooperate with us.
CONTACT US
For more instructions, to save your files and your business, contact us by :
Email address :Default@firemail.de
didn't get any response in 24 hours ? use : default1@tutamail.comLeave subject as your machine id "-"
If you didn't get any respond within 72 hours use our Tor blog to contact us, therefore we can create another way for you to contact your cryptor as soon as possible.
-ATTENTION
Do not rename or change info of any file, in case of any changes in files after encryption there is a huge risk for making it unusable
Do not pay any amount of money before receiving decrypted test files
there might be many middle man services out there whom will contact us for your case and they will make a profit adding a sort of money to the fixed price
any attempts for decrypting your files through third party softwares will cause permanent damage to following files and permanent data loss
there will be a deadline until your data get sold or leaked by our team,you better corporate with us before the following deadline otherwise we will proceed to sell or leak your data without any past warnings
Screenshot of Risen's text file ("$Risen_Note.txt"):
Text in this note:
RisenNote :
Read this text file carefully.We have penetrated your whole network due some critical security issues.
We have encrypted all of your files on each host in the network within strong algorithm.
We have also Took your critical data such as docs, images, engineering data, accounting data, customers and ...
And trust me, we exactly know what should we collect in case of NO corporation until the end of the deadline we WILL leak or sell your data, the only way to stop this process is successful corporation.We have monitored your Backup plans for a whileand they are completely out of access(encrypted)
The only situation for recovering your files is our decryptor, there are many middle man services out there whom will contact us for your caseand add an amount of money on the FIXED price that we gave to them, so be aware of them.
Remember, you can send Upto 3 test files for decrypting, before making payment, we highly recommend to get test files to prevent possible scams.
In order to contact us you can either use following email :
Email address : Default@firemail.de
Or If you weren't able to contact us whitin 24 hours please Email : default1@tutamail.com
Leave subject as your machine id : -
If you didn't get any respond within 72 hours use our blog to contact us,
therefore we can create another way for you to contact your cryptor as soon as possible.
TOR BLOG : -
Screenshot of Risen's desktop wallpaper:
Screenshot of Risen's pre-login screen:
Text in this message:
WELCOME
We have penetrated your whole network due some critical security issues. We have encrypted all files on each host in the network , We have also Took your critical data AND in case of NO corporation until the end of the deadline we WILL leak or sell your data, the only way to stop this process is successful corporation. (Default@firemail.de) AND :(default1@tutamail.com)
Risen ransomware removal:
Instant automatic malware 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.
VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?
Cybercriminals distribute ransomware by exploiting outdated software, sending malicious emails, using technical support scams, and embedding it in pirated software and cracking tools. Ransomware can also infect computers through downloads from P2P networks, compromised websites, third-party downloaders, and infected USB drives.
How to open encrypted files?
A ransomware infection has encrypted your files, and decryption is necessary to access them.
Where should I look for free decryption tools for Risen 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 offer this service. Files encrypted by ransomware are usually impossible to decrypt without the developers' or distributors' involvement unless the ransomware has vulnerabilities. Therefore, a third party offering paid decryption services will likely act as a middleman or scam you.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Risen ransomware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove ransomware. It is important to note that eliminating ransomware is part of the recovery process, but security software cannot decrypt encrypted files.
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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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