.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.
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 |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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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
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):
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.
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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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove RAGNAR_LOCKER
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:
Follow 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:
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.
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: Scan for RAGNAR_LOCKER with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by RAGNAR_LOCKER.
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.
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.
Can RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware Damage My Computer?
Yes, ransomware can damage your computer. Ransomware is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid. It can encrypt your files and make them inaccessible, preventing you from using your computer or accessing your data. Ransomware can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
Should I Ignore Ransomware, like RAGNAR_LOCKER?
No, you should never ignore ransomware. Ransomware can encrypt your data and block access to your computer, making it impossible to access your files until you pay a ransom. Ignoring ransomware could lead to the permanent loss of your data, as well as the potential for the ransomware to spread to other computers on your network. Additionally, paying the ransom does not guarantee that your data will be recovered. The best way to protect yourself is to invest in robust cyber security measures, such as backup solutions and anti-malware software.
How Does RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware Infect My Computer?
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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
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. At this point, the .RAGNAR_LOCKER files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
What to Do If Ransomware 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.
One way to restore files, encrypted by RAGNAR_LOCKER ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, be advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
Can I Restore ".RAGNAR_LOCKER" Files (Other Methods)?
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 Do I Get Rid of RAGNAR_LOCKER Ransomware 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.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like RAGNAR_LOCKER ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If I Cannot Recover Ransomware Encrypted Files?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
-Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
-Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
-Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
-Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
-You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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 Prevent RAGNAR_LOCKER 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. In addition, it is also important to keep your passwords secure and to avoid visiting websites or downloading applications from untrusted sources. Finally, ensure you have adequate backup and recovery procedures in place to restore your system to its pre-attack state, should a ransomware attack occur.
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. This means that if a user is infected with ransomware, their data can be stolen and held for ransom. It is important to be aware of this threat and take precautions to protect yourself and your data.
Can Ransomware Affect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can affect 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 to use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Why Is the Ransom Paid in Crypto?
Cryptocurrency is a secure and untraceable form of payment, making it the ideal choice for ransom payments. It is difficult to trace, and the transactions are almost instantaneous. This means it is nearly impossible for authorities to track the payment and recover the money.
Can Ransomware 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, 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.