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.ragnar_ Virus File (RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware) – Remove It

.ragnar_ file extension is placed on all of your files? .ragnar_ Virus File is also known as RAGNAR_LOCKER ransomware which locks files on a computer and demands money to be paid as a ransom for unlocking them.

stf-ragnar-ransomware

RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware (.ragnar_ Virus File)

RAGNAR_LOCKER or otherwise known as .ragnar_ Virus File is a ransomware type virus. It encrypts files by appending the .ragnar_ extension to them, making them inaccessible. All encrypted files will receive the new extension as a secondary one. The RAGNAR_LOCKER ransomware drops a ransom note, which gives instructions to victims on how they can allegedly restore their data by paying a ransom fee.

RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware Virus

RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware will encrypt all types of files such as audio, video, pictures, backups, banking data and other personal user files found on a compromised computer system.

Threat Summary

Name RAGNAR_LOCKER
File Extension .ragnar_
Type Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them.
Symptoms The RAGNAR_LOCKER ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .ragnar_ extension to them, along with a unique identification number placing the new .ragnar_ extension as a secondary.
Ransom Demanding Note RGNR_44027CDE.txt
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments
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User Experience Join Our Forum to Discuss RAGNAR_LOCKER.

RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware April 2020 Update

According to the latest research the latest version of the RAGNAR_LOCKER ransomware has been used by an unknown hacking group. As a result of this the criminals claim that they have hijacked 10 TB of sensitive information from a company. The victims are extorted for a large ransom payment. The message posted online is the following:

Leaks from company EDP Group

Website: www.edp.com

We had downloaded more than 10TB of private information from EDP group servers. Below just a couple of files and screenshots from your network only as a proof of possession! At this moment current post is a temporary, but it could become a permament page and also we will publish this Leak in Huge and famous journals and blogs, also we will notify all your clients, partners and competitors. So it’s depend on you make it confidential or public!

The details about the leak shows that that the hackers have also hijacked a file called edpradmin2.kdb which is a password container for the KeePass password manager.

February 2020 Update — RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware Campaign Against Remote Desktop Tools in Enterprise

Ever since the first widespread attacks of the Ragnar Locker virus back in December 2019 computer hackers have used it against all kinds of users. A new campaign has been detected this month using a new strategy. At the moment it is not known whether or not the ransomware is being spread by the same hacking group. Before the actual campaign is launched the criminals will perform several reconnaissance operations in order to investigate how best to approach the targeted network.

According to the available information the main engine will first attempt to find a weakness in the network and/or the target computers. The task at this point is to steal a file and then upload it to the hacker-controlled servers. Then they will be blackmailed into paying a ransom sum in order not to release the file to the public. The next step will be to run the actual ransomware component against the rest of the accessible hard drives.

During RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware’s operation the security analysis reveals that the main engine will acquire the list of running processes stop some of the active programs and service according to a “string match” list. Here is the list of items that the engine will look for:

vss, sql, memtas, mepocs, sophos, veeam, backup, pulseway, logme, logmein, connectwise, splashtop and kaseya

These processes refer to several categories of software which are commonly installed on enterprise and business computers:

  • Servers — Some of the processes refer to database servers which host sensitive data used by the company and/or web applications.
  • Backup Software — Installed backup software solutions which are configured to perform daily activity can be blocked.
  • VPN and Remote Desktop Software — They are used to remote control the hosts.

It appears that the current version of the ransomware specifically targets remote management services which are used by managed service providers (MSPs). This means that the ongoing February 2020 attack is set against companies and larger networks. Before encryption the internal engine will perform a region check — if the Windows language preferences correspond to countries that are from the former USSR countries the virus will be terminated. During the actual encryption it will also skip files, folders and extensions that have these strings in their names:

kernel32.dll
Windows
Windows.old
Tor browser
Internet Explorer
Google
Opera
Opera Software
Mozilla
Mozilla Firefox
$Recycle.Bin
ProgramData
All Users
autorun.inf
boot.ini
bootfont.bin
bootsect.bak
bootmgr
bootmgr.efi
bootmgfw.efi
desktop.ini
iconcache.db
ntldr
ntuser.dat
ntuser.dat.log
ntuser.ini
thumbs.db
.sys
.dll
.lnk
.msi
.drv
.exe

A distinct personal ID will also be placed in the processed files before the end extension. This means that an algorithm will generate it by acquiring information about the installed hardware parts.

.ragnar_ Virus File – How Did It Infect My PC and What Happened?

.ragnar_ Virus File might spread its infection via a payload dropper, which initiates the malicious script for this ransomware. The virus might also distribute its payload file on social media and file-sharing services. Freeware which is found on the Web can be presented as helpful also be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Read the tips for ransomware prevention from our forum.

Also known as the .ragnar_ Virus File is ransomware that encrypts your files and shows ransomware instructions inside a ransom note called RGNR_44027CDE.txt (where the symbols depend on the compromised machine):

stf-ragnar-ransomware-note

Beside the instructions you can see in the above image, there is a note that states the following:

Hello PSE_CREDIT_UNION !
*********************************************************************************************************************
lf you reading this message, then your network was PENETRATED and all of your files and data has been ENCRYPTED
by RAGNAR_LOCKER !
*********************************************************************************************************************
**********What happens with your system ?**********
Your network was penetrated, all your files and backups was locked! So from now there is NO ONE CAN HELP YOU to get your files back, EXCEPT US,
You can google it, there is no CHANCES to decrypt data without our SECRET KEY.
But don’t worry ! Your files are NOT DAMAGED or LOST, they are just MODIFIED, You can get it BACK as soon as you PAY,
We are looking only for MONEY, so there is no interest for us to steel or delete your information, it’s just a BUSINESS $-)
HOWEVER you can damage your DATA by yourself if you try to DECRYPT by any other software, without OUR SPECIFIC ENCRYPTION KEY !!!
Also, all of your sensitive and private information were gathered and if you decide NOT to pay,
we will upload it for public view !
*****
**********How to get back your files ?**********
To decrypt all your files and data you have to pay for the encryption KEY :
BTC wallet for payment: 1EGEjJTQYPHLjluovPKKRXzMpPCcpAcVuiUl
Amount to pay (in Bitcoin): 60
*****
**********How much time you have to pay?**********
+ You should get in contact with us within 2 days after you noticed the encryption to get a better price,
+ The price would be increased by 100% (double price) after 14 Days if there is no contact made.
+ The key would be completely erased in 21 day if there is no contact made or no deal made,
Some sensetive information stolen from the file servers would be uploaded in public or to re-seller,
*****
********** What if files can’t be restored ?**********
To prove that we really can decrypt your data, we will decrypt one of your locked files !
Just send it to us and you will get it back FOR FREE,
The price for the decryptor is based on the network size, number of employees, annual revenue,
Please feel free to contact us for amount of BTC that should be paid,
*****
IF you don’t know how to get bitcoins, we will give you advise how to exchange the money,
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
! HERE IS THE SIMPLE MANUAL HOW TO GET CONTCAT WITH US !
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1) Go to the official website of TOX messenger ( https://tox.chat/download.html }
2) Download and install qgTOX on your PC, choose the platform ( Windows, OS X, Linux, etc, )
3) Open messenger, click “New Profile” and create profile.
4) Click “Add friends” button and search our contact 7D509C5BB14B1B8CBOA3338EEA9707AD31075868CB9515B17C 4COECGA0CCCA750CA81606900D
5) For identification, send to our support data from —RAGNAR SECRET—
IMPORTANT ! IF for some reasons you CAN’T CONTACT us in qTOX, here is our reserve mailbox ( hello_psecu@protonmail.com ) send a message with a data from —RAGNAR SECRET—
WARNING!
-Do not try to decrypt files with any third-party software (it will be damaged permanently)
-Do not reinstall your OS, this can lead to complete data loss and files cannot be decrypted, NEVER!
-Your SECRET KEY for decryption is on our server, but it will not be stored forever, DO NOT WASTE TIME !

************************************************************************************

—RAGNAR SECRET–—
MmE2RjY2NZ2YwNUZIYMRERjNDZGY4MWYOYONIMUEWNEIWRkVyGQUZHNDESQjEwN2zYZO0DhGZjEZ2QWM5ZGFEYZEwYg==
—RAGNAR SECRET—

You should NOT under any circumstances pay any ransom sum.

The extortionists want you to pay a ransom for the alleged restoration of your files, same as with a lot of ransomware viruses. .ragnar_ Virus File ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, and could launch or repress processes in a Windows system. All encrypted will receive the .ragnar_44027CDE extension while the symbols after the lower dash are randomly generated ones. That extension will be placed as a secondary one to each file and look something like .ragnar_. Audio, video, image files as well as documents, backups and banking data can be encrypted by the ransomware.

The .ragnar_ Virus File could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:

→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet

If your computer device was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially restore your files back to normal.

Remove .ragnar_ Virus File

If your computer got infected with the .ragnar_ Virus File, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.

Tsetso Mihailov

Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.

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  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Step 1: Scan for RAGNAR_LOCKER with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 2


3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 3


4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 4

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall RAGNAR_LOCKER and related malware from Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:


1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
delete ransomware from windows step 1


2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
delete ransomware from windows step 2


3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
delete ransomware from windows step 3Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.


Step 3: Clean any registries, created by RAGNAR_LOCKER on your computer.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by RAGNAR_LOCKER there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
delete ransomware virus registries step 1


2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
delete ransomware virus registries step 2


3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
delete ransomware virus registries step 3 Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove RAGNAR_LOCKER

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows Key + R.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 1


2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 2


3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
remove ransomware in safe mode step 3
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 4


5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 5


Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by RAGNAR_LOCKER.

Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.

Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.

Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:

1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:

stop ransomware decryptor step 1

2. Agree with the license terms:

stop ransomware decryptor step 2

3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:

stop ransomware decryptor step 3

4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.

stop ransomware decryptor step 4

Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.

Method 2: Use data recovery software

Ransomware infections and RAGNAR_LOCKER aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.


RAGNAR_LOCKER-FAQ

What is RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware?

RAGNAR_LOCKER is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files. 

Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.

What Does RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware Do?

Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.

Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.

How Does RAGNAR_LOCKER Infect?

Via several ways.RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.

Another way you may become a victim of RAGNAR_LOCKER is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.

How to Open .RAGNAR_LOCKER files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .RAGNAR_LOCKER files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.

What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?

Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .RAGNAR_LOCKER files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore ".RAGNAR_LOCKER" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .RAGNAR_LOCKER files. 

These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

How To Get Rid of RAGNAR_LOCKER Virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.

It will scan for and locate RAGNAR_LOCKER ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .RAGNAR_LOCKER files.

Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?

In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.

Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:

Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:

Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei

United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre

United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police

France - Ministère de l'Intérieur

Italy - Polizia Di Stato

Spain - Policía Nacional

Netherlands - Politie

Poland - Policja

Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)

India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell

Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center

Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.

Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?

Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.

Can RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware Steal Your Data?

Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.

In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.

Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?

Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.

Should I Pay Ransomware?

No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.

What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?

If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.

Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?

Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.

It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.

Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?

Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.

About the RAGNAR_LOCKER Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this RAGNAR_LOCKER how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.


How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?

Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.

Furthermore, the research behind the RAGNAR_LOCKER ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.

To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.


As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.

How to recognize trustworthy sources:

  • Always check "About Us" web page.
  • Profile of the content creator.
  • Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
  • Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.

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