CryptoMix Ransomware [Updated]

Ransomware

Also Known As: CryptoMix virus

(updated)

Damage level:

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What is CryptoMix?

CryptoMix is a dubious ransomware-type virus that encrypts various data stored on the infected computer. During encryption, this ransomware appends the name of each encrypted file with .DLL, .FILE, .SHARK, .arena, .EMPTY, .wallet, .noob, .ck, .zayka, .ERROR, .OGONIA, .CNC, .PIRATE, .ZERO, .DG, .code, .rscl, .rmd or .lesli extension.

Furthermore, CryptoMix creates two files (HELP_YOUR_FILES.TXT and HELP_YOUR_FILES.HTML) and places them in each folder containing the encrypted files. The updated variant of this ransomware stores the ransom demand message in _INTERESTING_INFORMACION_FOR_DECRYPT.TXT, _HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT or #_RESTORING_FILES_#.TXT files.

Both files contain a message informing users of the encryption. The newest variant of this ransomware presents its ransom demand message in the INSTRUCTION RESTORE FILE.txt file - encrypted files are renamed using the following pattern: sample.jpg.email[supls@post.com]_id[victim’s ID].rdmk.

The message states that files have been encrypted and that a ransom must be paid to restore them. The developers of CryptoMix state that the RSA-2048 encryption algorithm is used for encryption. This is an asymmetric encryption process and, therefore, two keys (public and private) are generated during encryption - public to encrypt, and private to decrypt.

Unfortunately, the private key is stored on remote servers controlled by cyber criminals. Therefore, to receive a decrypter with an embedded private key, users are encouraged to pay a large sum of money. Research shows that developers of this ransomware demand 5 Bitcoins (currently equivalent to $2240.95).

As compared with other ransomware-type viruses, this ransom is large (ransom demands usually fluctuate between 0.5 and 1.5 BTC). To pay, victims are instructed to contact cyber criminals via an email address provided. They then supposedly receive further payment instructions.

Unfortunately, at time of research, there were no tools capable of decrypting files encrypted with this algorithm and the only solution is to restore your files from a backup.

Screenshot of a message encouraging users to contact the developers of CryptoMix ransomware (via supls@post.com, enc10@usa.com, xoomx@dr.com, xoomx@usa.com, rscl@dr.com, or rscl@usa.com) to decrypt their compromised data:

.Code decrypt instructions

.Code has very similar characteristics to Yakes, KeyBTC, TrueCrypt, and many other ransomware-type viruses. All encrypt files and make ransom demands. The only differences are encryption algorithm used and size of ransom.

Be aware that paying the ransom does not guarantee that your files will ever be decrypted and is equivalent to sending your money directly to the cyber criminals - you will simply support their malicious businesses. Therefore, you are strongly advised never to contact cyber criminals or pay any ransom.

Malware such as .Code is mostly distributed via malicious e-mail attachments, peer to peer (P2P) networks, fake software updates, and/or trojans.

Therefore, keep your installed software up-to-date and use a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite. In addition, be careful when opening attachments sent from unrecognized email addresses and when downloading files/programs from third party sources.

Update 21 February, 2017 - Security researchers from Avast and CERT.PL have released a decrypter for this ransomware. You can download it HERE. (Note that this tool will not always work but it is well worth a try if your computer is infected by this ransomware).

cryptfile2 cryptomix cryptoshield decrypter

HELP_YOUR_FILES.TXT file:

.Code ransomware HELP_YOUR_FILES.TXT file

Updated variant of CryptoMix ransomware using #_RESTORING_FILES_#.TXT file for the ransom demand message:

cryptomix ransomware restoring files txt file #_RESTORING_FILES_#.TXT

Text presented within this file:

All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them,
 write us to the e-mail shield0@usa.com
Write this ID in the title of your message -
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
 After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 10Mb
 (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information.
databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select
 the seller by payment method and price.
http://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
http://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our)
 or you can become a victim of a scam.

Screenshot of files encrypted by this ransomware (.code or .id_[unique victim’s ID]_email_rscl@dr.com_.rscl extensions):

 cryptomix ransomware email rscldr.com .rscl file extensions

Text presented in the .TXT and .HTML files:

NOT YOUR LANGUAGE? USE hxxps://translate.google.com

What happened to your files ?
All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-2048.
More information about the encryption keys using RSA-2048 can be found here: hxxp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)

How did this happen?
!!! Specially for your PC was generated personal RSA-2048 KEY, both public and private.
!!! ALL YOUR FILES were encrypted with the public key, which has been transferred to your computer via Internet.
!!! Decrypting of your files is only possible with the help of the private key and decrypt program, which is on our Secret Server

What do I do? So, there are two ways you can choose: wait for a miracle and get your price doubled, or start obtaining BITCOIN NOW!, and restore your data easy way.
If You have really valuable data, you better not waste your time, because there is no other way to get your files, except make a payment.

For more specific instructions:
Contact us by email only, send us email along with your ID number and wait for further instructions. Our specialist will contact you within 12 hours.
For you to be sure, that we can decrypt your files - you can send us a single encrypted file and we will send you back in a decrypted form. This will be your guarantee.
E-EMAIL1: xoomx_@_dr.com
E-MAIL2: xoomx_@_usa.com
YOUR_ID:

Screenshot of a ransom demanding message “_HELP_INSTRUCTIONS.TXT” (used by a variant of this ransomware that adds ”.EXTE” extension to encrypted files:

cryptomix .exte variant

Text presented in this random demanding message:

Hello!

Attention! All Your data was encrypted!

For specific information, please send us an email with Your ID number:

exte1@msgden.net

exte2@protonmail.com

exte3@reddithub.com

We will help You as soon as possible!

DECRYPT-ID-

A version of CryptoMix ransomware that adds .ZERO extension to encrypted files and presents a ransom demanding message in _HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT file.

Screenshot of _HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT file:

cryptomix ransomware .zero variant ransom demanding message

Text presented in this file:

YOUR TEXT:

ATTENTION!
At the moment, your system is not protected.
We can fix it and restore files.
To restore the system write to this address:

zero@hook.work
DECRYPT-ID-4b727545-9148-49e1-864a-9b9d32a88041 number

Screenshot of files encrypted by this variant of CryptoMix ransomware (.ZERO) extension:

cryptomix ransomware file encrypted .zero extension

Update January 10, 2019 - CryptoMix's developers have recently released an updated version of this ransomware. Unlike it's previous variants, CryptoMix now uses a completely different tactic to swindle money out of credulous users. What crooks basically do is generate a text file containing a message that encourages victims to contact them if they want to restore files.

After doing so, victims receive an email that contains a link to One Time Secret's website - a site that allows it's users post their stories for a short period of time. What's more important is that cyber criminals pretend to be employees of Worldwide Children Charity Community and attempt to appeal to victim's kindness.

Crooks claim that a lot of children from around the world need help and attempt to trick users into "donating" money, which will supposedly be used to buy presents and medicine for these children.

Their main goal is to convince users that by sending the money they will simply help sick children and, as a reward, their data will be restored. However, obviously, this is a mere scam. The attached link leads to One Time Secret's website page which continues the exact same story.

Screenshot of the created text file ("_HELP_INSTRUCTION.txt"):

CryptoMix Children donation text file

Text presented within this file:

Hello!

Attention! All Your data was encrypted!

For specific information, please send ups an email with Your ID number:

windat@protonmail.com

windat1@protonmail.com

windat@dr.com

windat@tuta.io

windat1@yandex.com

windat2@yandex.com

Please send email to all email addresses! We will help You immediately!

IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE ANY PUBLIC SOFTWARE! IT MAY DAMAGE YOUR DATA FOREVER!

DECRYPT-ID: --- number

Screenshot of the email reply:

CryptoMix Children donation email

Text presented within this email:

Subject: Re: Ransom

Hello

We are glad to hear You! And We will be happy to help You!

hxxps://onetimesecret.com/secret/**************
Password: ***********

Please read it carefully! After that just follow Your instruction and You will solve this problem very quickly!
Our kind regards
**********
Support Manager
Worldwide Children Charity Community

Her diagnosis: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Need for medical help: $130k
Already contributed: $81k

Screenshot of the One Time Story page that attached link leads to (the same page also contains detailed instructions on how to submit a payment):

CryptoMix Children Donation One Time Story page

Text presented within this page:

This message is for you:

We are the International Children Charity Organisation! Your money will be spent for the children charity. So that is mean that You will get a participation in this process too. Many children will receive presents and medical help!

And We trust that you are kind and honest person! Thank You very much! We wish You all the best! Your name will be in the main donors list and will stay in the charity history!

Remember. You can save many children destinies! Money for You is just a paper (You will ear money again in the next month), but for many children is a real chance to change their life!

Also ONLY WE can give to our customers very important benefits:

1) You will restore all Your data immediately

2) Your network vulnerabilities will be closed

3) You will protect Your system from the main attack in the future! It's a very important option!
Only our community can give You this opportunity! All other anti-malware companies just promise it, but in fact they cannot protect YOU! It's very terrible!

4) Main idea - many children will receive a donation and medical help from Your name!

5) You will have a free tech support for solving any PC troubles! Just ask a support and support will help You!

P.S> When your payment will be delivered you will receive your software with private key IMMEDIATELY!

P.P.S> In the next 24 hours your price may be doubled by the Main Server automatically.

Screenshot of another One Time Story page which URL users receive after submitting the payment (although the page contains a download link of a "decrypter", do not fall for that - it is highly credible that the tool is fake, since cyber criminals are very likely to never reward their victims):

CryptoMix Children Donation One Time Story page 2

Text presented within this page:

This message is for you:

Hello!

First of all We want to say THANK YOU! Soon one of the children foundation will receive a medical help from Your name! It's a great moment!

You should be proud of yourself!

Here is Your personal software:

hxxps://www.sendspace.com/***************

Password: **********

Download it to the encrypted PC, switch off all anti-virus programs, unzip it, start it.

Just in 5 minutes all Your data will be recovered and protected! Your network vulnerabilities will be closed!

All our community is blessing You! We wish You all the best!

Our kind regards!

CryptoMix 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.

File Explorer showing files with ransomware-encrypted extension
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.

Example ransom note text file with redacted contact information
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.

Example ransomware desktop wallpaper takeover
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.

Command prompt vssadmin list shadows output
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.

Windows Security with Defender disabled by malware
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.
Built into Windows. Scans before Windows fully loads to catch persistence the running scanners miss.
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.
Joint project of Europol, Dutch Police, and security vendors. Free decryption tools indexed by ransomware family.
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.

ID Ransomware identification result for a sample variant
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.

Combo Cleaner full system scan results showing the detected ransomware family
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.

No More Ransom Project decryption tools list
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.

Shadow Explorer browsing pre-infection Volume Shadow Copies
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
Australia: ReportCyber
Germany: BKA
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.

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Tomas Meskauskas

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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