CryptoPatronum ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
CryptoPatronum ransomware, also known as Enc ransomware, is a cryptocurrency-urging cyber infection that has emerged in the second half of January 2020. This malicious strain is recognized from the cryptopatronum@protonmail.com email address and .enc extension that it appends to the encrypted files that are modified by the AES-256 cipher.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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CryptoPatronum ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Criminals use stealth distribution techniques to spread their created malware. Most of the time, ransomware is delivered via email spam and malicious attachments that come together with the phishing message. Furthermore, you can receive the dangerous infection through a hacked RDP, cracked software that is placed on p2p networks, malvertising ads, infectious hyperlinks, fake software updates, etc. |
|---|---|
| Name | CryptoPatronum ransomware |
| Also known as | Enc ransomware |
| Category | Ransomware/malware |
| Encryption | This malicious parasite locks all types of files and documents by employing the AES-256 cipher. All the affected components end up with the .cryptopatronum@protonmail.com.enc appendix |
| Ransom note | The malicious actors provide the HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES; the text is quoted in full below |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 14 more facts
| Payment | The hackers appear to be very greedy, they urge for a payment of 1 Bitcoin that approximately equals $9000 or 50 Ethereum that is around $8500 |
|---|---|
| Data recovery | If you are looking for ways to restore your files and documents, you can try some of the techniques that are described at the end of this article. You should be aware that the cybercriminals are focused on their goal only and they might not provide you with a decryption tool after the payment is processed |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Contact | cryptopatronum@protonmail.com, lists.docx.cryptopatronum@protonmail.com.enc, cryptopatronum@protonmail.com.enc |
| Encrypted file extension | .enc |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .enc |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 31 January 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.enc - Note file:
the ransom note
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on CryptoPatronum ransomware
- The malicious actors provide the HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt message after locking all files.
- This note holds all the conditions required for the ransom transfer
- Once you spot the ransomware virus on your Windows computer system, you should take action against the parasite immediately.
- This includes fast termination by employing a reliable antimalware product.
How CryptoPatronum ransomware behaves
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
CryptoPatronum ransomware - a file-encrypting parasite that requires a ransom equal to 1 Bitcoin or 50 Ethereums in exchange for file release
CryptoPatronum ransomware, also known as Enc ransomware, is a cryptocurrency-urging cyber infection that has emerged in the second half of January 2020.
This malicious strain is recognized from the cryptopatronum@protonmail.com email address and .enc extension that it appends to the encrypted files that are modified by the AES-256 cipher. For example, if you had a document named lists.docx, the file will be renamed to lists.docx.cryptopatronum@protonmail.com.enc and you will not be able to access it properly anymore.
Regarding this fact, the CryptoPatronum ransomware developers want to "help" people to get their files and documents back by providing specific ransom demands via HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt text message.
The criminals are orientated in earning 1 Bitcoin that is around $9000 or 50 Ethereum that is approximately $8500. CryptoPatronum ransomware provides information on how to obtain Bitcoins or Ethereum directly in the ransom note by adding certain website URLs.
The hackers also include the Bitcoin and Ethereum wallet addresses where the demanded price needs to be transferred. Furthermore, these people offer to provide evidence of the decryption tool's existence by encouraging the victims to send them 3 files that hold no more total size than 10 MB for free recovery.
CryptoPatronum ransomware alters the Windows Registry to include malicious registry keys that allow the virus to boot itself up during the computer activation process, scan the system for encryptable files, launch the encryption code, and run other background processes. Besides messing with the Registry, the cyber threat also injects malicious processes into the Windows Task Manager section one of which is named crss.exe.
Even though CryptoPatronum ransomware might aim to evade antivirus detection, this malicious threat has been spotted by 52 antimalware programs out of the total 69, according to VirusTotal provided data.
However, if the virtual parasite aims to block your antivirus product, you might have difficulties while dealing with the CryptoPatronum ransomware removal process. In this case, you have to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking or activate the System Restore feature.
Furthermore, CryptoPatronum ransomware might try to harden the recovery process of locked data files as much as possible. It might run the "vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet" command via PowerShell and permanently terminate all the Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted files. Also, it might be able to damage the Windows hosts file in order to prevent you from accessing security-related sources where you could get valuable information on file recovery.
After the decryption process, the cybercriminals store both encryption and decryption keys on remote servers that are reachable only for the owners themselves. This type of thing also hardens the recovery process for the user.
However, you should not let CryptoPatronum ransomware frighten you even though the hackers will try to convince you that the only way of restoring your data is by paying the ransom and other tools would not work:
Even though CryptoPatronum virus is likely to have the decryption key for your files, paying the ransom price cannot make you 100% sure that you will receive the tool after all. The cyber crooks could decide to scam you and run off with your money.
This way you will be left with nothing else just an empty bank account as paying the demanded 1 BTC or 50 Ethereum ransom is a big amount of money to spend.
The main reason why CryptoPatronum ransomware orders cryptocurrency payments instead of regular dollar transfers is that Bitcoin or Ethereum payments do not require entering any personally identifiable information that the cybercriminals find very beneficial as they can stay untracked and anonymous all of the time.
CryptoPatronum ransomware can be really frightening not only with its ability to encrypt data and big ransom payments but also with the possibility that it might bring other malicious infections into the computer system. Some ransomware viruses can bring others of their kind or can distribute Trojan viruses. The last ones are known for their ability to steal personal information, swindle money, damage software, mine cryptocurrency, and so on.
The only way to avoid risks of getting an additional malware infection is to remove CryptoPatronum ransomware from your Windows computer system permanently. This type of process can be successfully performed with a reliable virus removal tool.
Afterward, go to the end of the article and view all possible data recovery solutions. By the way, if the malware has caused any type of damage to your computer, you can try repairing the altered areas with the help of software such as .
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
The most popular distribution ways of ransomware viruses
IT specialists from NoVirus.uk claim that ransomware infections are most commonly spread through email spam campaigns.
The criminals often pretend to be from reputable organizations such as FedEx or DHL shipping companies and drop fake notes to random potential victims. These messages often come with an executable or word document that is the hidden malicious payload. Sometimes the hackers can include an infected link directly into the email.
Continuously, the ransomware-related payload can be delivered through multiple sources at a time. Even though email spam is considered to be the most common way employed by the crooks, these people also use other methods such as:
- Injecting the malicious payload into software cracks. You can get cracked products from p2p networks such as The Pirate Bay, eMule, and BitTorrent.
- Hacking RDPs. RDP that includes weak password protection or none at all is at risk of getting hacked by various cybercriminals.
- Malvertising. Ransomware virus can get delivered through malicious advertisements that show up on third-party websites.
- Fake software updates. Some hackers camouflage their products as fake flash player or JS updates and encourage users to falsely upgrade their software. During the false update process, the malicious payload is loaded.
The CryptoPatronum ransomware note
Your files are now encrypted!
Your personal identifier:
-
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
Now you should send us email with your personal identifier.
This email will be as confirmation you are ready to pay for decryption key.
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Contact us using this email address: cryptopatronum@protonmail.com
Free decryption as guarantee!
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption.
The total size of files must be less than 10Mb (non archived), and files should not contain
valuable information (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.).
For decrypt all of files you must transfer 1 (one) BTC or 50 (fifty) ETH to this requisites:
Bitcoin address: [payment address omitted]
Ethereum address: [payment address omitted]
You should provide payment details(payment time, payment address or transaction link (hxxps://www.blockchain.com)) via email
How to obtain Bitcoins, Ethereum?
* The easiest way to buy bitcoins is cex.io and coinbase.com sites. You have to register, click
'Buy bitcoins', and select the payment method:
hxxps://cex.io/cards/
hxxps://www.coinbase.com/buy-bitcoin
* Also you can buy bitcoins on Binex: hxxps://www.binance.com/en/buy-sell-crypto
* Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins
Attention!
* Do not rename encrypted files.
* Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
* Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price
(they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
How to remove CryptoPatronum ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove CryptoPatronum ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
CryptoPatronum ransomware encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.
Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Copy
the ransom noteand one or two files ending in.encto a USB stick, and leave the originals where they are.From another device, upload the note and a sample file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note, the extension and the file structure.
Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note, because a decryptor or the police may ask for them.
Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
For CryptoPatronum ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.
Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.
Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Restoring or decrypting files while CryptoPatronum ransomware still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).
If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.
If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.
Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
Learn how to protect your device and files from ransomware
Once you have gained a little bit of knowledge in the ransomware distribution field, you can now start learning how to protect your device and files from these dangerous parasites.
First of all, make sure that you have got strong antivirus protection. Update this type of tool whenever you are required to do it. It is necessary for proper operating.
Continuously, you should be careful with random email messages that fall into your email box. Avoid opening any letters that come to the spam section and better delete them immediately.
If you have received a message that you were not ever expecting to get, do not feel afraid to contact the company that supposedly sent the letter. Also, check the text for possible grammar mistakes that should not be found in an official letter, do not open any attachments that you are not sure about.
Another piece of advice would be to prevent yourself from visiting unsecured p2p networks and other websites that can hold infectious hyperlinks or advertisements. If you are ever provided with a bogus update request, do not rush to upgrade your software before checking the official update releases at the developer's website. Also, proper RDP configuration should include a strong and reliable password that consists of random letters, numbers, and symbols.
Your files can be protected by always creating backups for important data. These types of components should be saved on a remote device such as a USB flash drive, CD, or DVD. Also, you can store some information on a remote server such as iCloud or Dropbox.
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
Advanced removal possibilities for CryptoPatronum ransomware
CryptoPatronum ransomware removal should be taken care of as soon as you spot the first symptoms of infection that usually include encrypted files and the specific ransom note.
Be aware that you should not try to delete the malware on your own as this type of process can be too difficult for even a highly-experienced user.
You should employ only reliable antivirus tools to remove CryptoPatronum ransomware from your Windows computer system. Furthermore, if you think that your system is suffering from some type of damage, you can check such speculation by downloading a tool such as or . If you run this software and it shows some sad results, you can try fixing the affected computer areas with the help of another program such as .
When you uninstall CryptoPatronum ransomware, you can start thinking about data recovery possibilities. At the end of this page, we have included some tools that might help you to restore at least some of the encrypted files and documents.
[GI=method-1]To diminish malicious processes on your Windows computer system and bring the device back to its previous state, you should enable the Safe Mode with Networking option:
[GI=method-2]To disable malware-related activities on your Windows device and deactivate the ransomware virus, use the following steps to activate the System Restore feature:
Try employing this software if you are looking forward to recovering some encrypted files.
Windows Previous Versions feature might allow you to restore some files:
If you have enabled the System Restore function in the past, this type of technique might allow you to bring some of your files back.
Shadow Explorer can result in data recovery:
Using this tool might help you to recover some individual files. However, note that this type of software might not work if the ransomware virus had permanently erased the Shadow Volume Copies of your encrypted data.
The cybersecurity experts are still working on the decrypter.
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Make the next attack harmless
CryptoPatronum ransomware could only hurt the files that had no second copy, and the signs (files that end in .enc and no longer open) showed exactly which ones those were.
The 3-2-1 rule fixes that:
- three copies
- two media
- one disconnected
A practical version for a home PC: OneDrive or another cloud backup with version history, plus an external disk that you plug in once a week for File History and then unplug. Test a restore now and then by opening a few files from the backup on another device.
Details, schedules and what not to back up are in our 3-2-1 backup guide for Windows.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about CryptoPatronum ransomware
Is there a decryptor for .enc files?
That depends on the family behind the .enc extension, which this guide cannot confirm yet from the reports alone. Check No More Ransom and ID Ransomware with your ransom note and one encrypted file; they list families with free tools.
If none exists today, keep the encrypted files and a copy of the note on a separate drive, because decryptors are sometimes published months later after flaws are found or servers are seized. Never buy a decryptor from a website that is not the security company that made it.
Should I pay the ransom in the ransom note?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from the ransom note and one encrypted file, check No More Ransom for a free decryptor, and look for clean copies in OneDrive, backups and Previous Versions.
Paying funds further attacks, may be illegal if the group is sanctioned, and is no promise of a working key: many victims get partial or broken decryption. If you consider paying for business-critical data, involve the police and a professional incident responder first, and never pay through intermediaries who promise their own decryption.
How do I open .enc files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .enc ending shows that CryptoPatronum ransomware encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for CryptoPatronum ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
How did CryptoPatronum ransomware get on my computer?
The way CryptoPatronum ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .enc and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did CryptoPatronum ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by CryptoPatronum ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .enc and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
Is CryptoPatronum ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Should I open the ransom note?
Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text the ransom note cannot harm the PC. Be careful with notes in HTA or HTML format: double-clicking those runs them in a window that can contain scripts, so right-click and choose Open with > Notepad instead.
The note tells you the contact addresses, the claimed amount and the deadline. Do not visit links or write to the addresses from this PC. Use the note to identify the family and check for a free decryptor first.
My files got .enc overnight. What happened?
Ransomware often runs at night or when the PC is idle, so the encryption finishes before anyone notices. It usually entered earlier through a cracked program, a fake installer, an e-mail attachment or remote desktop with a weak password.
The .enc extension marks every file it reached. Start by disconnecting the PC from the network, then identify the family from the ransom note and one encrypted file, check for a decryptor, and look for copies in backups and OneDrive before you consider anything else.
Will Fortect remove CryptoPatronum ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For CryptoPatronum ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Search Security: Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) (read October 7, 2026)
- VirusTotal: 52 engines detected this file (read October 7, 2026)
- Tech Terms: P2P (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)