What is RyukReadMe.txt? Should I remove it?

RyukReadMe.txt is a malicious file that belongs to Ryuk ransomware

RyukReadMe.txt is a ransom file that contains the message from cybercriminals. The appearance of this file on your computer indicates that your device is infected with ransomware. This particular file is related with Ryuk ransomware — one of the most dangerous cyber threats that require huge ransoms from organizations that are known worldwide. The text file typically contains instructions on the further actions the victim should take and more details about the ransomware attack. Also, if you found this file on your computer, you may notice UNIQUE_ID_DO_NOT_REMOVE.txt file on the device too. This is another ransom note from the same cryptovirus. There are two different versions of the ransom message, depending on the victim. Big companies get the long and detailed ransom note with a more significant ransom demand. The ransom amount differs from 15 to 50 BTC. This file is not damaging, but the related ransomware can be very harmful. 

People may call this file a RyukReadMe.txt virus because they link up the activity on their device, to this file. However, the file itself is not responsible for data encrypting or system locking which typical activities initiated by ransomware.

Ryuk ransomware functionalities you may notice if you find RyukReadMe.txt on your device:

• Ransomware locks your files. Anything from photos or videos to documents and archives.
• It displays either RyukReadMe.txt or UNIQUE_ID_DO_NOT_REMOVE.txt ransom messages in various folders.
• The virus demands 15-50 BTC for encrypted files.
• This virus uses AES-256 and RSA-4096 encryption methods. 
• It blocks various services like Sophos and Veeam.
• It makes changes in the Windows registry, so the threat is launched every time you reboot your device.

If you happen to see this file placed on the device, you may already have Ryuk ransomware on the computer. This file is an indication that your files are already locked, or ransomware is locking them at the moment. This RyukReadMe.txt file appears on folders with encrypted data.

This ransom note may contain the following message:

All files on each host in the network have been encrypted with a strong algorithm.
Backups were either encrypted or deleted or backup disks were formatted.
[..]
To get info (decrypt your files) contact us at
MelisaPeterman@protonmail.com
or
MelisaPeterman@tutanota.com
BTC wallet:
[link]
Ryuk
No system is safe

As you can see, the ransom note is providing a specific email address which should be used to contact cybercriminals. However, you shouldn't do that because contacting these crypto extortionists may lead you to even more damage. You shouldn't pay the ransom either. Any communication between the victim and the virus developer may lead to permanent data or money loss. You need to remove RyukReadMe.txt and the ransomware itself with all related files and programs.

You need to perform a proper RyukReadMe.txt removal using reputable anti-malware tools since this is not a corrupted file. This file is malicious as well as the ransomware it belongs to. Anti-malware like FortectIntego can detect the malware, related files, programs and get rid of them. 

You should remember that this is a file belonging to malicious cryptovirus that was created by harmful people. The only thing these cybercriminals want is your money. Also, be aware that anything regarding file recovery cannot be done until this Ryuk ransomware is present on the device. Terminate the virus, double-check if the system is clean and then try to restore files from an external device or cloud services.

Ransomware files can be found in insecure emails

Various cyber threats use spam email campaigns to spread their malicious script. Ransomware is no exception. This cryptovirus may get on your system from email attachments or with the help of other malware. Spam email often contains suspicious attachments, but unfortunately, people are not paying enough attention. If you get an email with lots of commercial content or the email has a questionable file attached you should consider deleting it without opening. 

Downloading the insecure file may be the only thing ransomware needs. When you download the attachment and open it on your device, the malicious ransomware script is planted on the system and this virus starts to perform planned activities. It includes file encrypting and generating the ransom note file.

You need to keep away from emails you are not expecting. The best solution is to delete the email from a sender you do not know of. Be aware of these possible threats behind the insecure email and try to scan the file before opening it on the computer. 

RyukReadMe.txt elimination is important for the security of your device 

To remove RyukReadMe.txt and all the related files, you need to perform a full system scan. This can be done using tools like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. These anti-malware programs are created to scan the system thoroughly and detect possible threats, malware, outdated files and system vulnerabilities. Also, these tools can remove issues hailing from ransomware's infiltration to the system. Unfortunately, they won't help you with data recovery.

RyukReadMe.txt removal is essential, but the main issue here is Ryuk ransomware itself. You need to make sure that malware is deleted from the computer and then you can restore your lost files. The best data recovery method is restoring data from the backup on the external device or a cloud service. However, remember to double-check if the system is clear before plugging in any new device.