.raldug Files Virus (STOP Ransomware) – WHAT IS IT + Remove It

by Ventsislav Krastev | April 9, 2019 | 0 Comments .raldug Files, file-encryption, malware, ransomware, Stop, STOP Ransomware

What are .raldug files? What is .raldug files ransomware virus? How to remove STOP ransomware and try to restore .raldug encrypted files?

The .raldug ransomware virus is the type of virus whose main goal is to infect your computer without your consent and encrypt the important files in it. To reach its end goal, the .raldug ransomware may create multiple different files and obtain administrator rights. After the encryption, the files cannot be opened and they have the .raldug extension added to them. To remove the extension and recover the files, the crooks who are behind the .raldug ransomware may leave behind a ransom note file, called _open_.txt, that aims to give you instructions on how to buy BitCoin with real money and pay it to te crooks. If your computer has been infected by the .raldug ransomware virus, we strongly suggest that you read this article.

Threat Summary

Name	.raldug Files Virus
Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description	Aims to infect your computer and hold your files hostage until a ransom has been paid to the cyber-criminals behind it.
Symptoms	Files cannot be opened and have the .raldug file extension added as a suffix.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss .raldug Files Virus.
Data Recovery Tool	Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive.

.raldug Files Ransomware – Update

The good news for all victims of STOP .raldug ransomware is that the security researcher Michael Gillespie cracked the code of this variant and released an updated version of his STOP ransomware decrypter. You can download it via the .raldug decryption tool link. Have in mind that the tool is designed to support specific offline IDs, so it may not be effective for all occasions of .raldug ransomware infections.

.raldug Files Ransomware – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?

The main mean of distribution that is used by the .raldug files ransomware is usually spam e-mails that are carrying the infection file as an attachment. Such attachments may only appear as if they are important files, like:

Receipts.
Invoices.
Documents from a bank.
Other seemingly important files.

Once the documents are opened, infection with the .raldug variant of STOP ransomware is immediate and your files may become encrypted.

To encrypt the files on your computer, the .raldug ransomware may first drop several module files. They may be located in the %AppData% or other system directories. The files contain code which not only hides the virus from traditional antivurus protection, but also allows for the .raldug file ransomware to perform multiple malicious activities before encrypting your data, such as:

Check your IP and Mac addresses.
Obtain your system and language information.
Steal any saved passwords.
Check if the virus has been ran in a virtual drive.
Obtain data if the .raldug virus has been activated on the system before and self-delete itself plus stop encrypting files.
Create entries in the Run and RunOnce registry entries.
Delete any backed up files and shadow copies.

The main activity of the .raldug ransomware however is to scan your computer and encrypt your files. To reach this goal, the virus may go through documents, videos, images, audio, archive and a lot of other file types and encrypt all of them, excluding system files, belonging to Windows. After encryption, the .raldug ransomware leaves your files looking like the following:

In addition to encrypting your files, the .raldug ransomware virus also makes sure you know it was there. The malware drops the following ransom message, called _open_.txt:

ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files documents, photos, databases and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees do we give to you?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information
Don’t try to use third-party decrypt tools because it will destroy your files.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours.
=======================================================
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
blower@india.com
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
blower@firemail.cc
Your personal ID:
030GHsgdfT7878YsY9gsafa2aeetLxfdZoulAkTNqXPJl8V0kIPOLEikCi047g

Remove STOP Ransomware and Try to Restore .raldug Files

In case your machine is infected by this iteration of the virus, then we advise you to not pay the ransom. You shouldn’t because for one, you cannot trust crooks with your files and in addition to this, you support their criminal activity. This is why you should remove the virus and save the files for when a public decryptor is released for free and in the meantime remove the threat by using the instructions below. If the first two manual removal steps do not seem to help you out, then you can remove this malware automatically, preferably by downloading and running a scan of your computer with an advanced anti-malware software. This program will help you to fully detect and remove all files, related to this virus from your PC.

If you want to restore your files, be advised that you can try the methods in the “Try to restore” step below. They come with no guarantee, but they are a good temporary solution that could help recover at least some of the data.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

How to Remove .raldug Files Virus from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .raldug Files Virus

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

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

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.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall .raldug Files Virus and related software 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.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

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"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .raldug Files Virus 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 .raldug Files Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

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

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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: Scan for .raldug Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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.

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

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.

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

Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .raldug Files Virus.

Ransomware infections and .raldug Files Virus 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 reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of .raldug Files Virus from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall .raldug Files Virus and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .raldug Files Virus:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to .raldug Files Virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to .raldug Files Virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

Go to Finder.
In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

In case you cannot remove .raldug Files Virus via Step 1 above:

In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as .raldug Files Virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.

Step 2: Scan for and remove malware from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Download

Combo Cleaner

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .raldug Files Virus.

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

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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

.raldug Files Virus FAQ

What is .raldug Files Virus ransomware and how does it work?

.raldug Files Virus 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 algorithm how 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.

How does .raldug Files Virus ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways..raldug Files Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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 .raldug Files Virus 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 ..raldug Files Virus files?

You can't. At this point the ..raldug Files Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.

Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?

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

One way to restore files, encrypted by .raldug Files Virus ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, 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.

How Do I restore "..raldug Files Virus" files (Other Methods)?

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

These methods are in no way 100% guarantee 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 .raldug Files Virus ransomware virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate .raldug Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..raldug Files Virus files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like .raldug Files Virus ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an 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 nothing works?

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.