Deal ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Deal ransomware virus is the threat that makes data unopenable using the multi-stage encryption algorithm and demands ransom in cryptocurrency, claiming that the decryption key is the only way to recover those files. This virus belongs to the Phobos family that has many new variants released recently, this particular version marks files using .deal file extension, hence the name.
Facts checked October 6, 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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Deal ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Infected files get distributed via spam emails, hacked websites, cracked software, and game cheatcodes online.[2] Once such malicious file is loaded and launched on the machine ransomware payload is dropped |
|---|---|
| Damage | This type of virus visibly affects personal files, but can significantly damage the system when it installs and runs processes in the background. It makes changes in the registry, disables security functions and programs or features needed for file recovery |
| Name | Deal ransomware |
| File marker | .deal is the file appendix also involving the unique victims' ID and email address belonging to the developer |
| Ransom note | info.txt or info.hta files show important information about the attack and present instructions for the ransom payment |
| Contact emails | The virus has a few samples released already, so the email depends on the particular version, so can be: butters.felicio@aol.com; hanesworth.fabian@aol.com; lewisswaffield.a@aol.com; relvirosa1981@aol.com; harlin_marten@aol.com |
| 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 12 more facts
| General symptoms | Cryptovirus focuses on file encryption that makes previously functional files unopenable and marked with a different file extension. Once that is done, ransom demand message shows up with all the instructions. Additionally, the system starts running slower and suspicious processes appear affecting the speed and performance |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .deal |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .deal |
| Attacker contacts | hanesworth.fabian@aol.com |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 11 November 2019 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.deal - Note file:
info.txt - Contact:
hanesworth.fabian@aol.com
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Deal ransomware
- For Deal ransomware removal, you need to get a professional anti-malware tool and clean the traces completely
- You should be extremely cautious when you try to fix the virus damage.
- The best tip from us is to rely on system tools like since this program may repair those damaged system files and reverse the alterations
The Deal ransomware note
Your computer is infected with a virus.
Files are locked* but not corrupted.
Send an email butters.felicio@aol.com and you will definitely be helped to recover.
*you can send us a couple of files and we will return the restored ones to prove that only we can do it
IMPORTANT:
1. the infection was due to vulnerabilities in your software
2. if you want to make sure that it is impossible to recover files using third-party software, do this not on all files, otherwise you may lose all data.
3. only communication through our email can guarantee file recovery for you. We are not responsible for the actions of third parties who promise to help you - most often they are scammers.
4. if we do not respond to you within 24 hours, send a message to the email ezequielanthon@aol.com
5. if you need an alternative communication channel - write a request by e-mail
6. our goal is to return your data, but if you do not contact us, we will not succeed
How to remove Deal 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 Deal 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
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Deal ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
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
Your files now end in
.dealand the instructions are ininfo.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
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
Our last check found that for Deal ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Deal ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and 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
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
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
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Deal ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
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 Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Deal ransomware is the encryption-based cryptovirus that is designed to lock files until the ransom is paid for the alleged decryption
Deal ransomware virus is the threat that makes data unopenable using the multi-stage encryption algorithm and demands ransom in cryptocurrency, claiming that the decryption key is the only way to recover those files. This virus belongs to the Phobos family that has many new variants released recently, this particular version marks files using .deal file extension, hence the name.
The full pattern of the file marker is .[hanesworth.fabian@aol.com].deal, so once files get encrypted, you can determine how many of your personal files got disturbed. However, it is known that the virus has a few versions, so email in the pattern and in the ransom note file can differ per victim.
Since this is a fairly typical cryptovirus released in the wild Deal ransomware targets types of data like images, video, audio files, and documents. The threat avoids system files during the encryption, but the Windows registry, directories, and other parts of the OS get altered or interfered with by additional background processes and programs installed by the malware.
Ransomware attack affects more than your personal data, so you need to react as soon as possible until there is no permanent damage that cannot be fixed.
Deal ransomware starts the attack with infecting the machine, and once the payload is dropped, encryption starts immediately. Malware scans all the drive letters for targeted file types and encrypts them by changing the original code. Once the appendix with .deal and all the additional information appears on photos, videos, documents, and databases, you can be sure that the machine is infected.
Ransom demanding message in the form of a text file or program window appears in seconds and reads the following information that Deal ransomware developers wants you to know:
A similar message with payment instructions also appears as a program window that resembles other versions of Phobos and copies Dharma ransomware that is a threat still attacking devices all over the world.
Deal ransomware ransom messages state about all the scary consequences if you choose not to pay the ransom, but you shouldn't trust them, ignore the test decryption offer and remove it as quick as you can.Deal ransomware is not decryptable, but often researchers come up with a tool capable of recovering those encoded files, you can keep malware-related files, encrypted data on external devices and wait for such updates.
In the meantime check here for any new information:
However, decryption and file recovery processes should be considered after the proper Deal ransomware removal, because otherwise, you can damage your personal files and even corrupt the system.
When you recover files from a backup while the ransomware is still running, you can get those files encrypted again. Paying the demanded ransom also doesn't guarantee the file recovery either, so keep ignoring those messages from criminals and focus on virus termination.
The best way to remove Deal ransomware is to run a full system scan using an anti-malware tool that is designed to fight threats like this and other cyber infections. Although these applications can terminate the virus, you need additional help for the decryption and virus damage elimination.
When it comes to system files and alterations made by the Deal files virus, you might fix all that damage using , any other system optimization program. File repairing and virus damage termination processes can improve the performance of your device and help recover those encrypted files once system functions capable of doing so are running smoothly again.
- https://id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com/
- https://decrypter.emsisoft.com/
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Opening spam emails containing infected attachments leads to installing ransomware payload
The most common thing that experts always note about the cryptovirus is infected files involved in probably all of the methods used to deliver ransomware.
Malicious files get injected in pirated software packages, spam email attachments, and even directly on the machine when particular vulnerabilities can be used to get access to the targeted device.
Criminals forge header information, so it is easier to trick you into believing that attachment on the email is a safe document with financial information. People fall for the scam that email is from DHL, FedEx, or another shipping service. Unfortunately, from there, the only thing a victim needs to do is open and download the attached file that launches the malicious script and drops the payload.
The ransomware can run on the machine once malicious macros get triggered, and executable with malware payload is launched. Encryption starts immediately, and there is nothing the victim can do. However, when you delete suspicious emails, clean the email box more often, you can at least try to avoid such infection.
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Deal ransomware elimination is a difficult process, so it requires professional anti-malware tools
You can remove Deal ransomware, and there is a possibility of recovering encrypted files, but you need to remember that cryptovirus is a dangerous threat that can even damage the machine. Experts always talk about how damaging ransomware can get in time because once file encryption is not the only process threat is designed to perform.
When you want to focus on Deal ransomware removal, there are few things to note:
These are the reasons why you should rely on the virus guide below because we have listed tips in the step-by-step guide that can help to terminate this ransomware. Also, you can then rely on , , , and make sure to repair system files affected by Deal ransomware virus before you go for the decryption or data recovery software.
[GI=method-1]Get rid of Deal ransomware with AV tool successfully by rebooting the machine in Safe Mode with Networking first
[GI=method-2]You can rely on System Restore feature that provides a function of restoring the machine to a previous point
Windows Previous Versions is the Windows feature capable of restoring individual files
When System Restore gets enabled, you can focus on data recovery and use Windows Previous Versions
ShadowExplorer for data restore
When Deal ransomware affects Shadow Volume Copies this method is useless. However, you can try to see for yourself
Decryption tool for Deal ransomware is not developed yet
- malware can encrypt newly added files if you don't terminate the virus completely before you load other data;
- the virus affects system functions responsible for file recovery and disables security tools.
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.
Backups: the 3-2-1 rule
Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.
A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Deal ransomware together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .deal and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files.
More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
Questions about Deal ransomware
How do I open .deal files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .deal has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:
- OneDrive versions
- File History
- an offline backup drive
- Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them
Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.
Should I pay the ransom in info.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from info.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.
Is there a free Deal ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Deal ransomware no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Deal ransomware decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
Are ransomware recovery services legitimate?
Some are, but read the offer carefully. Genuine data-recovery firms recover deleted originals from disks or rebuild damaged files, and they say so. Others promise to "decrypt any ransomware" for a fixed price, which is impossible without the key; they quietly pay the attackers and keep a margin, sometimes without telling the victim.
Be especially careful with services that contact you after you post about the attack online. Ask for references, a written method and a no-result-no-fee clause, and check the free tools on No More Ransom first.
How did Deal ransomware get on my computer?
The way Deal 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 .deal 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 Deal ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Deal ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .deal 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.
Is Deal 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.
What does info.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name info.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.
Will .deal 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 .deal. 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 Deal 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 Deal 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
- Wikipedia: Cryptovirology (read October 6, 2026)
- Virusai: Virusai (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)