Live ransomware/CryptLive ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Live ransomware, also known as CryptLive ransomware, is one of the newest Dharma variants that have reached the surface at the end of January 2020. The malware operates as a typical ransom-demanding and file-encrypting cyber threat but that does not make it less dangerous than others of its kind.
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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Live ransomware/CryptLive ransomware: summary
| Name | Live ransomware/CryptLive ransomware |
|---|---|
| Category | Ransomware/malware |
| Family | This cyber threat belongs to the Dharma ransomware family |
| Appendix | Once all the files and documents are found and locked with a unique encryption cipher, the ransomware virus appends the .LIVE extension to each affected component |
| Ransom note | The malware delivers two ransom notes one from which is written in the info.hta format and the other one opens in a notepad window and is named FILES ENCRYPTED.txt |
| Ransom price | The criminals urge for a quite big price – $1299 in Bitcoin. However, these people promise to make a 15% discount for those victims who aim to contact the developers within 24 hours of time |
| 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
| Crook's contacts | The crooks provide the cryptlive@aol.com email address as a way to make contact and send them one small file for receiving evidence of the decryption tool's existence |
|---|---|
| Spreading | Ransomware infections are often delivered through email spam when the crooks pretend to be reliable firms and organizations. Also, the malware can appear through a hacked RDP, software cracks, fake software updates, malicious advertisements, and infectious hyperlinks |
| Termination | If you have spotted this ransomware virus on your computer system, you have to get rid of it as soon as possible before it has brought any other additional infections. Besides, you can try restoring your locked data only after terminating the malware. For this process, download reliable antimalware software |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .live |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| 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 | .live |
| Attacker contacts | cryptlive@aol.com |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 28 January 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
What to search your PC and browser for
- File extension:
.live - Note file:
info.hta - Contact:
cryptlive@aol.com
How Live ransomware/CryptLive ransomware behaves
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
Ransomware delivery is never expected but not quite surprising
Dangerous malware forms such as ransomware appear on those computer systems who have the weakest or a very weak level of protection.
This means, even though you have not opted for the ransomware installation intentionally, the cyber threat did not really escape without your help and we are going to explain how this happens.
The main way of delivering ransomware-related payload to victims' computers is by using spam messages. A lot of criminals write official-looking notes and pretend to be from financial companies, shipping firms, healthcare systems, etc. Afterward, the victim is encouraged to open the attached file that often appears to be the infectious payload.
DO NOT fall for believing in any messages that you were not expecting to receive as you can get in big trouble. Even more important, DO NOT open or download any attached files without scanning them with antivirus software first.
Additionally, ransomware infections are likely to get delivered through other sources such as weak RDP configuration. This happens when the RDP does not include a password or includes an easy-guessable one such as "12345".
Furthermore, these types of viruses can be downloaded from software cracks that are placed on peer-to-peer networks such as The Pirate Bay, BitTorrent, and eMule. Also, you can receive these types of threats while opening fake flash player updates, entering malvertising-based ads, clicking on infected hyperlinks, etc.
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
Live ransomware - a new Dharma variant that automatically boots every time the computer power is turned on
Live ransomware, also known as CryptLive ransomware, is one of the newest Dharma variants that have reached the surface at the end of January 2020.
The malware operates as a typical ransom-demanding and file-encrypting cyber threat but that does not make it less dangerous than others of its kind. The malicious module is designed to encrypt files by appending the .LIVE extension to each file name.
Afterward, Live virus pastes a copy of the info.hta and FILES ENCRYPTED.txt ransom note into every folder that holds locked data. The first message encourages users to reach out to the cybercriminals via cryptlive@aol.com email address while the second one provides a payment offering of $1299 that needs to be transferred in Bitcoin.
The crooks promise to give those who show signs of communication via 24 hours a 15% discount and offer users to send them 1 file not exceeding the size of 10 MB for free decryption as the demonstration of the truly-existing decryption software.
Live ransomware is a tricky cyber threat that fills the Registry and Task Manager with malicious files and operations. Whenever these components are executed, the virus is provided with various functional abilities. For example, some commands allow the ransomware to boot up every time the computer is started.
Also, do not be surprised if the malware is mimicking the process of some type of flash player, downloader, or another piece of software as this way the ransomware virus is capable of blending into your system and staying unknown for a while.
Continuously, [cryptlive@aol.com].LIVE ransomware might also be scheduled to run background processes such as the deletion of Shadow Volume Copies. This type of activity hardens the data recovery process for the cybercriminals. If the virtual parasite starts initiating multiple tasks at a time, you can also spot that your CPU and GPU power levels have been rising up more than usual.
In fact, Live ransomware uses some threats in its ransom message regarding the data recovery fact. The criminals make sure that the victims are aware that trying to restore files by themselves can bring only more harm and files loss:
However, Live ransomware is trying to trick you into purchasing the decryption tool from the cybercriminals. Even though these people might truly own this type of software, there are no guarantees that they will not just run off with your money.
Due to the risk of getting scammed, you should remove Live ransomware from your Windows computer system and use alternative software for the data recovery process. There is no official decrypter released at the time of writing but you still can benefit from third-party restoring software. We have provided some solutions at the end of this page.
Other functions of Live ransomware might include permanently damaging the hosts files on your Windows device. This way the malware prevents you from visiting security-based pages and receiving valuable information on the virus's termination. So, once you are deleting the ransomware virus, do not forget to delete the Windows hosts file too, otherwise, the access to your liked websites might still remain blocked.
Another reason for you to speed up Live ransomware removal is the possibility that you will end up with additional malware on your computer system. Ransomware infections are capable of bringing not only potentially unwanted programs such as adware or browser hijackers to the computer system but also serious malware such as trojans, spyware, worms, cryptocurrency miners, etc.
If you have been looking for ways to uninstall Live ransomware properly, you should only do that by employing reliable software as the manual technique might not work very well due to the risk of missing crucial components. Besides, if you have discovered some damage on your computer system, you can try fixing the infected areas with the help of .
If in some cases, your antivirus program cannot find Live ransomware on your Windows machine, the malware might be evading antimalware detection. For this purpose, you should boot your computer via Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore. However, according to VirusTotal data, this malicious string has been detected by 58 antivirus tools out of the total 70.
The Live ransomware/CryptLive ransomware note
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don't worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email cryptlive@aol.com YOUR ID 1E857D00
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:cryptlive@aol.com
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 Live ransomware/CryptLive 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 Live ransomware/CryptLive 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 Live ransomware/CryptLive 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
.liveand the instructions are ininfo.hta. 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 Live ransomware/CryptLive 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 Live ransomware/CryptLive 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 Live ransomware/CryptLive 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 Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
Advanced removal solutions for Live ransomware
If you have spotted .LIVE files on your desktop, the FILES ENCRYPTED.txt ransom note, and malicious processes running in your Task Manager, you have to get rid of Live ransomware ASAP. The longer you keep this cyber threat on your computer system, the bigger the damage might be. You can even receive other malware very soon.
So, to decrease the risk of additional virus infections and have a chance to unlock at least some of your files, you should remove Live ransomware from your Windows operating system. The only method that works properly in this case is the automatical one and it includes purchasing and downloading proper antimalware software.
Once Live ransomware removal is performed, you can try recovering some of your encrypted files. At the end of this article, we have prepared three possible recovery solutions that might be helpful if completed properly.
According to experts from Virusai.lt, hackers might try to attract as to pay the ransom payment and then vanish. This is the main reason why it is worth trying alternative software for file restoring rather than emptying your pockets.
[GI=method-1]To diminish malicious changes on your Windows computer system, you should boot your machine in Safe Mode with Networking. If you do not know how to do that, use these guiding steps to complete the task:
[GI=method-2]To deactivate the ransomware virus and all related process on your infected device, you have to complete the following instructing steps in order to opt for the System Restore feature:
If you have been looking for software that could help you bring some of your files back to their primary states, you can try using this third-party tool as it might appear to be really helpful.
Windows Previous Versions feature might allow data recovery.
If you have enabled the System Restore feature in the past, this tool might help you to recover some of your individual files and documents.
Using Shadow Explorer can increase your chances of data restoring.
You can try out this software if the ransomware virus has locked your files. However, keep in mind, that this method might not work if the malware has permanently destroyed the Shadow Volume Copies of your data.
Currently, the cybersecurity experts are working on the official 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.
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 Live ransomware/CryptLive 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 .live and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
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 Live ransomware/CryptLive ransomware
How do I open .live files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .live 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.
Is there a free Live ransomware/CryptLive ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Live ransomware/CryptLive 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 "Live ransomware/CryptLive 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.
How did Live ransomware/CryptLive ransomware get on my computer?
The way Live ransomware/CryptLive 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 .live 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.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
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.
Did Live ransomware/CryptLive ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Live ransomware/CryptLive ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .live 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 Live ransomware/CryptLive 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.hta tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name info.hta, 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.
My files got .live 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 .live 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 Live ransomware/CryptLive 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 Live ransomware/CryptLive 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
- Techopedia: Encryption (read October 6, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Shadow Copy (read October 6, 2026)
- Virus Total: 58 engines detected this file (read October 6, 2026)
- Virusai: Virusai.lt (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)