DCRTR ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
DCRTR ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that uses a strong encryption algorithm and appends .dcrtr file extension. When all targeted files are encrypted, malware downloads a ransom note called ReadMe_Decryptor.txt where criminals tell to contact them via decryptor@cock.li email address.
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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DCRTR ransomware: summary
| Name | DCRTR |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| New version | WDM-DCRTR, Parrot, and Rhino |
| Extensions added | [decryptor@cock.li].dcrtr, .crypt, [cryptonationusa@protonmail.com].parrot, [generalchin@countermail.com].rhin, .CRYZP, .COPAN, .COLORIT, .GOLD, .SOS, .STAFS, .LOCK, .cryptes, .java |
| Ransom message | ReadMe_Decryptor.txt, HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt, info.hta |
| Email address | decryptor@cock.li, masterdecrypt@openmailbox.org, dekode@qq.com, Sosca@foxmail.com, cryptonationusa@protonmail.com, generalchin@countermail.com, generalchin@countermail.com billy_will_help_you@protonmail.com, btcbrewery@india.combtcbrewery@protonmail.com, corova@qq.com, porasa@qq.com, raceso@qq.com, supdecrypt@foxmail.com, supportdecryption@cock.li |
| 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 16 more facts
| Encryption ciphers | A combination of AES, SHA, and RSA algorithms is used |
|---|---|
| Target | The most popular types of files that are locked by the ransomware – images, audios, videos, text files, databases |
| Main distribution source | Spam messages and their rogue attachments |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Contact | decryptor@cock.li, masterdecrypt@openmailbox.org, dekode@qq.com |
| Encrypted file extension | .dcrtr |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Ransom note | ReadMe_Decryptor.txt; the text is quoted in full below |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .dcrtr |
| Attacker contacts | decryptor@cock.li |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 7 May 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.dcrtr - Note file:
ReadMe_Decryptor.txt - Contact:
decryptor@cock.li
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on DCRTR
- Perform the elimination as soon as you spot the first symptoms.
- Otherwise, registry entries, Windows files, and processes that the ransomware might have corrupted may be left malfunctioning
- the Hello, dear friend E!
- Have your files is the All Been The ENCRYPTED the Do you really want to the restore your files is?
- Our email to the Write - dekode@qq.com and tell's us your unique ID - ID-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
- If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail: 1) generalchin@countermail.com 2) generalchin@smime.ninja (if you do not receive a response from the first mailbox) You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins .
How DCRTR ransomware behaves
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
DCRTR ransomware - a file locker that can make important files inaccessible as long as victims won't pay the ransom
DCRTR ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that uses a strong encryption algorithm and appends .dcrtr file extension.
When all targeted files are encrypted, malware downloads a ransom note called ReadMe_Decryptor.txt where criminals tell to contact them via decryptor@cock.li email address. DCRTR virus typically spreads as an obfuscated email attachment. Once a victim opens it, the malicious payload is dropped to the system.
Malware immediately alters Windows Registry, downloads malicious files, and might affect legit system processes. As soon as it makes a presence on the affected machine, the ransomware virus runs a data encryption procedure. Crypto-malware targets the most popular types of files, such as Microsoft Office documents, images, audio, video files, databases, or archives.
According to researchers, the .dcrtr extension is not the only one that DCRTR ransomware is using. Since 2018 it has been updated several times and currently has WDM-DCRTR, DCRTR-Crypt, Cryptes, Parrot, and Rhino versions behind its back. The latter variant emerged in May 2020 and can be distinguished from the .rhino appendix and double ransom files info.hta and ReadMe_Decryptor.txt.
Malware uses a combination of AES, SHA and RSA ciphers to make files on the device inaccessible. The significant feature of the DCRTR is the appended file extension. Typically, it adds [decryptor@cock.li].dcrtr suffix to targeted data.
Following the successful encryption, the malware provides a ransom-demanding message to the victims. In the text file, authors of DCRTR malware asks to send an email to decryptor@cock.li. Victims are urged to do it immediately because the size of the ransom depends on the writing speed.
The DCRTR ransom message looks like this:
Crooks also offer to add 5 files for free decryption in order to prove they actually have the DCRTR decryptor. According to the ransom note, victims should receive a response with the number of Bitcoins they have to pay in order to use the criminal's decryptor. However, if they do not receive a letter in 24 hours, they should send an email again to masterdecrypt@openmailbox.org.
However, paying the ransom is not recommended because crooks might disappear once they receive your transaction. What is worse, they might ask you to pay more money by threatening that your files will be leaked or deleted. We guess that you definitely do not want to face money losses, especially useless ones. You should not get tricked by these threats and remove DCRTR virus from the device.
Unfortunately, DCRTR removal won't recover your files. However, virus elimination is needed to clean and fix your computer in order to use it safely again. For that, we highly recommend using or tols. Once your device is virus-free, you can use data backups or try alternative recovery methods.
Find third-party software below this article and choose the most attractive tool for you. Perform each step as shown in the guidelines and you might be able to restore some of your files successfully.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
WDM-DCRTR ransomware
At the beginning of November this year, a version of DCRTR ransomware was released.
This file-locking cyber threat is called very similarly - WDM-DCRTR ransomware. The virus operates in the same way as its old variant. Once installed, it uses unique encryption ciphers to lock important documents on the infected computer. Files appear with the .crypt extension and cannot be loaded successfully until they are blocked by the ransomware virus.
You can recognize WDM-DCRTR virus from this file: FileCryptor.pdb. This sneaky cryptovirus can display various ransom notes. The ransom message can appear as HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt.
What is even more interesting, WDM-DCRTR ransomware imitates other ransomware viruses. The payment page is designed in the same way as GandCrab-ransomware's, a ransom note's text related to the Rapid ransomware. The content of this message says:
Nevertheless, WDM-DCRTR uses the Dharma-related Info.hta files to launch one of the ransom notes. So, as we can see, this cryptolocker tries to imitate other viruses by using similar content. This cyber threat also reaches the system via dubious email messages and their attachments. However, you can get easily messed up which ransomware has infected your PC once you see the note.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Parrot ransomware
It seems that DCRTR ransomware is still in an active development phase since its family keeps growing in 2020.
Ransomware researchers detected a Parrot ransomware strain in February after people started reporting files encrypted by [cryptonationusa@protonmail.com].parrot.
Likewise its predecessor, Parrot ransomware takes advantage of the mixed AES and RSA cryptography model, which allows criminals to affect all non-system files and render them useless without a unique decryption key. Victims are demanded to write an email to cryptonationusa@protonmail.com and append one locked file, which is less than 500kb for test decryption.
A quick description of the ransowmare fact is outlined in the ReadMe_Decryptor.txt file positioned on the desktop, which stands for a ransom note. The size of the redemption is not specified, although it's stated that the payment is expected in Bitcoin cryptocurrency.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Rhino ransomware
Rhino is yet another DCRTR ransomware family member.
Revealed in the middle of April 2020, it is circulating on the internet as a malicious payload attached to email messages. Experts warn that Coronavirus-themed campaigns may be currently used to drive this malware.
In fact, it's homogenous with the previous Parrot and WDM-DCRTR variants, except that it uses a distinctive file extension, which is [generalchin@countermail.com].rhino. Besides, it shows an unusual trait to drop two ransom notes, one on the desktop and the other in the %APPDATA% directory. Victims can find info.hta and ReadMe_Decryptor.txt ransom notes, which contain the following instructions:
Unfortunately, none of the DCRTR ransomware versions, including Rhino, can be decrypted for free. The victims are expected to pay a ransom ranging from $500 to $1500 in Bitcoins to get a personal decryption software.
However, financial support for criminals is not a good idea, especially having in mind that it may lead to identity theft. Instead of paying, remove Rhino with a tool like and try to retrieve locked files with a reputable security tool.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Methods used for spreading file-encrypting viruses
The virus might be attached to any spam email that appears in your inbox.
Malicious spam emails are the primary ransomware distribution methods. Thus, be careful when opening emails from unknown senders and do not rush opening attached files even though they look safe and legit. If you are not expecting to receive anything important lately, better delete all unrecognizable messages that you receive.
Furthermore, ransomware executable might hide under ads on various websites, presented as a software update or any illegal software that you can download from file-sharing websites. Keep in mind that security programs do not always protect from malware if you download malicious files yourself. Additionally, be careful once browsing on pages that you have never seen before as their links might also have malware-laden content injected.
Security experts from LesVirus.fr also remind to create copies of the most important files and save them in the external storage devices. They will be very helpful if ransomware hits your PC. However, if you decide to purchase a USB flash drive, make sure that you keep it unplugged when it is out of usage.
The DCRTR ransomware note
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail decryptor@cock.li
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails: masterdecrypt@openmailbox.org
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.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 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.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
How to remove DCRTR 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 DCRTR 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
DCRTR 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
ReadMe_Decryptor.txtand one or two files ending in.dcrtrto 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 DCRTR, 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 DCRTR 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 May 2020 · not reviewed since
Get rid of DCRTR virus
DCRTR removal is too complicated to perform manually.
Therefore, you should not try to locate and delete any malware-related files. This may lead to irreparable damage to the system. For this reason, you should choose reliable software that will take care of your PC. These programs are strong enough to clean your PC from malicious components.
However, after you remove DCRTR virus, you should also reboot the system to Safe Mode with Networking to disable the virus first. In this way, crypto-virus won't be able to disturb its elimination. After you perform these steps, you can start thinking about the data recovery process. We have provided some methods below this article which we advise trying.
[GI=method-1]Rebooting System to Safe Mode with Networking ensures that automatic ransomware elimination is smooth:
[GI=method-2]System Restore methods might also be helpful to disable the virus:
However, this tool might help to recover some of the damaged files.
Access the most important files using Windows Previous Versions feature
This method is helpful to recover important individual files by following the steps below. However, this method requires being enabled System Restore before DCRTR attack.
Try ShadowExplorer for data recovery if possible
ShadowExplorer recovers files from Shadow Volume Copies. So, if ransomware did not delete them, follow these steps to recover your files:
DCRTR decryptor is not available yet.
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
DCRTR could only hurt the files that had no second copy, and the signs (files that end in .dcrtr 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 DCRTR ransomware
What does ReadMe_Decryptor.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name ReadMe_Decryptor.txt, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
Should I pay the ransom in ReadMe_Decryptor.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from ReadMe_Decryptor.txt 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 .dcrtr files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .dcrtr ending shows that DCRTR 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 DCRTR. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Did DCRTR steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by DCRTR, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .dcrtr 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.
How did DCRTR get on my computer?
The way DCRTR 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 .dcrtr 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.
Is DCRTR 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.
Can I just remove .dcrtr from the file names?
You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .dcrtr extension is only a label; the file content has been scrambled with a key the attackers hold.
If a renamed copy opens normally, the malware only renamed files, which happens with some fake ransomware, and you can rename the rest back. If it does not open, leave the files as they are. Renaming encrypted files can confuse a decryptor later, so always work on copies.
Will .dcrtr spread to my other drives?
It can. Ransomware encrypts every drive and network share it can reach while it runs, so external disks, USB sticks and shared folders connected during the attack may also have files ending in .dcrtr. Disconnect everything now, then check each device from a clean computer.
Do not plug a backup drive into the infected PC until the ransomware has been removed with an offline scan. Cloud folders such as OneDrive sync the encrypted versions, but they keep earlier versions you can usually restore.
Will Fortect remove DCRTR?
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 DCRTR, 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: Encryption (read October 7, 2026)
- The Hacker News: Massive Email Campaign Sends Locky Ransomware to Over 23 Million Users (read October 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Ransomware (read October 7, 2026)
- Les Virus: Les Virus (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)