Ragnar Locker ransomware encrypts data and also terminates essential processes on the PCCriminals threaten to double the ransom priceDevelopers collaborate with other ransomware creatorsTwo types of crypto-malware distribution techniquesExplaining Ragnar Locker ransomware removal process
Usually, when the ransomware infiltrates the system, it begins the encryption process immediately. The malicious program scans all files on the computer to identify its targets. Unfortunately, file-encrypting viruses encode almost all data, including videos, photographs, audios, documents, and others. Once the encryption is done, files are no longer accessible for regular use. Victims can notice that they are unable to open files marked with .Ragnar_[random-string] extension. Furthermore, file encryption is not the only action that this ransomware performs. As mentioned before, it terminates some essential processes run by programs on the attacked systems. Those processes are related to managed service providers and help the crypto-malware to remain undetected and unstoppable. In other words, there is no way to avoid encryption once the ransomware infiltrates the system. However, it is vital to remove Ragnar Locker virus despite the fact that you cannot stop it at first. Just like WastedLocker, Maze, MAKOP, these types of cyber threats are highly dangerous for regular computer users and should be eliminated with the help of the professional. Our suggestion is to download and install a reputable antivirus to get rid of all malware-related files safely. Although, the encrypted files will remain inaccessible.
Criminals threaten to double the ransom price
After successful encryption, victims receive a RGNR_0DE48AAB.txt file as a ransom-demanding message. Attackers indicate that all information stored on the computer and connected devices is encrypted with a powerful cryptographic algorithm. They state that there is no other way to restore it without their help. For that, criminals urge to reach them via a provided contact on qTox messenger or write to hello_psecu@protonmail.com email. Victims are demanded to contact the crooks within 2 days and pay 25 Bitcoins for Ragnar Locker decryption key. If people do not reach out, the price is doubled after 14 days of infection. Additionally, the price is altered according to the network size of the company, number of employees, and annual revenue. Likewise, it is right to say that the attackers target large scale organisations more than regular computer users. Cybercriminals also try to prove that they are able to decrypt affected data. They offer to restore one file for free as proof. Also, they threaten their victims to expose sensitive information and permanently delete the decryption key if they refuse to make a contact within 21 days of the infection. Despite how scary it may seem, we do not recommend dealing with the attackers under any circumstances. The wisest decision would be to perform Ragnar Locker removal as soon as you notice any symptoms. For that, it is essential to get a reputable malware removal software and scan your computer. Our team advises using RESTORO. After elimination, you can proceed to restore the affected data from backups.
Developers collaborate with other ransomware creators
Security researchers identified that the developers of Ragnar Locker are collaborating with other ransomware creators, including LockBit and Maze. This cooperation grew into the so-called Maze Cartel and the stolen information from the victims of all three ransomware viruses is now being upload on the Maze website. Additionally, the new version of this cyber threat uses a different ransom note and file extension for the encrypted data. From the middle of July 2020, researchers spotted the latest variant of this malware leaving $R4GN4R_[random-string]! file as a ransom note and appending .ragn@r_[random-string] extension. Furthermore, the latest variant of the virus is capable to avoid detection by running in a Virtual Machine. It uses Windows Group Policy Object (GPO) task executing msiexec.exe Microsoft Installer process that installs MSI package. It includes Oracle VirtualBox hypervisor and a Virtual Disk Image (VDI) file that has Ragnar Locker virus. Once it runs in the Virtual Machine, it cannot be terminated.
Two types of crypto-malware distribution techniques
There are the two most common ransomware distribution methods currently employed. The first one is spreading malicious programs as links in spam email campaigns. The crooks create letters that resemble notifications from banks or software companies. They urge to click on the link to supposedly update their account information. Unfortunately, the link starts an automatic installation of ransomware on the system. Another technique is to place ransomware executables on peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing sites as software cracks. People tend to browse on illegal websites to obtain paid programs for free. The ransomware is named as the well-known software and many users fall for this trick. Thus, end up installing file-encrypting viruses instead of legitimate applications. You should never browse on suspicious sites or avoid downloading content from unverified sources.
Explaining Ragnar Locker ransomware removal process
As we have already mentioned, ransomware-type infections are highly complex. Many crypto-malware are programmed to prevent their elimination and regular computer users do not necessarily have the skills to circumvent them. Likewise, security experts recommend getting professional antivirus tools to remove Ragnar Locker virus safely. You can get RESTORO or another reputable software and run a full system scan. We have prepared a detailed guide showing how to start Ragnar Locker removal by booting your system into Safe Mode. You can find it at the end of this article. Once you get rid of the malware, try restoring data from the latest backup copies in the Cloud. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove Ragnar Locker ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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