PRT ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
PRT ransomware – a cryptovirus that gives each victim a uniques victims' ID that indicates a particular device for the malicious actors. This is needed for the decryption and file recovery, but it is not recommended to contact virus creators since this is a version of powerful Paradise ransomware.
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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PRT ransomware: summary
| Distribution | The threat is known to use typical malware spreading methods that include web modules and infected files attached to email notifications posing as financial messages from legitimate companies or services. Torrent or pirated services also deliver infected files during installations, so payload of the cryptovirus can enter the system |
|---|---|
| Damage | When the payload of the malware gets on the system is possible that trojans or info-stealers[2] also end up installed behind your back. However, the biggest issue regarding such infection is the blackmailing feature and money involvement Users can lose their data and money when they pay for the attackers and end up not getting the decryption tool |
| Name | PRT ransomware |
| Family | Paradise ransomware |
| File marker | .[id-victims'ID-][paradise@all-ransomware.info].PRT |
| Encryption method | RSA 2048[1] |
| 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
| Ransom note | #DECRYPT MY FILES#; the text is quoted in full below |
|---|---|
| Contact emails | paradise@all-ransomware.info and paradise@all-ransomware.info |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .prt |
| 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 | .prt |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 22 January 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.prt - Note file:
the ransom note
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on PRT ransomware
- #DECRYPT MY FILES#.html - the pop-up window that is displaying the victims key, additional details and methods to pay, places where Bitcoins can be bought, contact emails of criminals and suggestions to send files for test decryption
- The proper PRT ransomware removal can be performed with anti-malware tools.
- The virus tends to install additional files or disable particular functions, applications, so the persistence of the cryptovirus is higher and you cannot easily remove it or recover encoded files
- You should note that file recovery on the system that is still affected by the malware can lead to permanent damage and system corruption.
How PRT ransomware behaves
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
PRT ransomware is the threat that demands money in the form of Bitcoin from victims after the file encryption made their data useless
PRT ransomware – a cryptovirus that gives each victim a uniques victims' ID that indicates a particular device for the malicious actors.
This is needed for the decryption and file recovery, but it is not recommended to contact virus creators since this is a version of powerful Paradise ransomware. There are no options for the decryption, or information that developers can restore your files after the payment, so do not consider paying the demanded amount.
This is not a very much changed version in the family, so based, on previous variants this is not the time to trust malicious actors. R00t ransomware is one of the more recent versions released before the PRT virus.
PRT ransomware virus gets this specific name from the pattern of a file marker that is placed on encoded data after the process of encryption. When RSA 2048 encryption is employed for the file locking, affected files get .[id-victims'ID-][paradise@all-ransomware.info].PRT after the original file type extension, so the victim can see which files got affected.
Unfortunately, photos, videos, documents, archives, and even databases all get locked at once. Even though ransomware is not encrypting system files, the virus can easily affect those files directly by accessing system folders, settings, and manipulating files, functions, or applications.
PRT ransomware targets various devices but focuses on the Windows operating system, where it can be easily executed and launched. Threat lands on the machine and begins to search for files suitable for encryption. It runs through driver letters on the computer and identifies the ones with .doc, .docx, .xls, .pdf, and other types of commonly used files.
When data gets detected, PRT ransomware infection starts with the encoding procedure, which ends with the file marking. All affected files receive the long extension, including their victims' ID and a contact email used for reaching malicious actors. Then the pop-up window appears with the following message-instructions:
Since PRT ransomware is a version of the previously developed threat, so these instructions containing paying steps and the information about the encryption are not much changed. Even though the initial name of the program window gets changed according to the version on randomly, this is the version of Paradise virus, even the detection names from AV tools determine that.
However, even though we note that you need to use an anti-malware program for the PRT ransomware removal, detection names do not indicate any important things besides the family and heuristic names change depending on the particular AV tool database.
So focus on the detection results in general, not the particular name and base your selection of the AV software on the rate of detections, so you can get the best results.
Before you remove PRT ransomware from the machine, consider to save some of the encrypted files and data associated with the threat on the external device, in case an official decryption tool will be released in the near future. That is not expected since these criminals use powerful and sophisticated algorithms and delete their previous databases.
When it comes to files affected by the virus, when there is no particular tool designed to decrypt them, and paying PRT ransomware creators is not an option, you need to have files backed up on an external device or a cloud service and use them. Not everyone has those options, so third-party programs can be employed, and we have a few options down below for you.
Then you need to consider the damage that PRT ransomware virus leaves in other places and system files that get damaged due to the infection. Manual interference with Windows registry entries, system settings, and folders is not that safe when you are not an experienced computer user, so automatic tools for system repair are more dependable.
You can install a utility like or another PC optimizer and run the system check, so any parts that get affected by the PRT ransomware virus damage get indicated for you and you can fix system issues without causing additional problems. Then you can focus on data recovery and getting the computer back in the shape that allows processes to run smoothly.
people behind the PRT malware are extortionists and they can promise restoration and recovery of the files, but the aim of the criminals is to keep the virus persistent until they get your money. You may even find additional viruses designed to steal data, damage other parts of the machine, so it is best to react and clean the system with AV tools immediately when you receive the encryption notice.
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
The issue with ransomware infections starts from malicious content
Malicious code can get injected on various types of files, including documents, executables, and system data.
Criminals can also create websites with triggers that launch malicious infections and installs ransomware or other threats directly on the machine. You cannot even notice these processes since they all happen in the background.
However, there is a way that can help you avoid infiltration in advance. The best tip is to keep security tools on the machine and running from time to time, so dangerous material gets blocked before accessing the important parts. Paying close attention to received emails and visited content also can help you stay away from dangerous material.
Malicious files come attached to spam emails that pose as legitimate notifications from companies or services that are popular all over the world, so the received email is not raising many questions.
However, when you extract the file from such an email or visit the site linked on the notification, malicious macros get triggered and ransomware code loaded directly on the machine. Pay attention to every detail and avoid loading suspicious files on the machine.
The PRT ransomware note
Your file are encrypted!
Paradise Ransomware Team!
Your personal ID
Your personal KEY
WHAT HAPPENED!
* Your important files produced on this computer have been encrypted due a security problem.
* If you want to restore them, write to us by email.
* 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.
WHAT HAPPENED!
* Your important files produced on this computer have been encrypted due a security problem.
* If you want to restore them, write to us by email.
* 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 payment you can send us 1-3 files for free decryption.
* Please note that files must NOT contain valuable information.
* The file size should not exceed 1MB.
* As evidence, we can decrypt one file
HOW TO OBTAIN BITCOINS!
* The easiest way to buy bitcoin is LocalBitcoins site.
* You have to register, click Buy bitcoins and select the seller by payment method and price
* https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins!
* Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
* http:/weew.coindesk.cominformation/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins!
* vérite to Google how to buy Bitcoin in your country?
Contact!
* e-mail: paradise@all–ansomware
* or
* e-mail: paradise@all–ansomware
Attention!
* Do not rename encrypted files
* Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss
* You are guaranteed to get the decryptor after payment
* As evidence, we can decrypt one file
* Do not attempt to use the antivirus or uninstall the program
How to remove PRT 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 PRT 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 PRT 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
.prtand the instructions are inthe ransom note. 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 PRT ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 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 PRT 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 PRT 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
Delete PRT file-locking virus with malicious behavior detection-based software
When your data gets locked by the PRT ransomware virus, you need to react immediately.
There is a small window when the encryption is still ongoing, and not many other processes can run in the background. If you delete the virus as soon as possible, you can avoid further damage to your machine and system settings.
So try to remove PRT ransomware completely once the ransom message appears. Your anti-malware tool might be the only thing you need. However, if you don't have such a security tool in the first place, you need to install one right away. Then, the anti-malware tool like or can check the system and eliminate all ransomware traces.
However, you may still need to check for any left issues regarding the virus damage after this automatic PRT ransomware removal. So rely on system tools like and tackle those affected files or altered settings. Then you are free to worry about encrypted files and search for repair solutions.
[GI=method-1]Reboot the machine in the Safe Mode with Networking and remove PRT ransomware
[GI=method-2]Rely on System Restore feature that offers the function of recovering machine to a previous state
Restore data encoded by PRT ransomware or accidentally deleted before
Windows Previous Versions can be the alternative variant for people that have no file backups stored on external devices
You can use Windows Previous Versions when System Restore feature gets enabled before
ShadowExplorer is the system feature allowing to recover data
Unfortunately, when PRT ransomware damages Shadow Volume Copies this method cannot work
Decryption tools are not avaliable
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.
Protect the files you restore
Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows files that end in .prt and no longer open; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.
Then build a backup that survives the next infection:
- one copy in the cloud with version history
- one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
- the working copy on the PC
Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.
How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on 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 PRT ransomware
How do I open .prt files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .prt 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 PRT ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for PRT 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 "PRT 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.
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.
How did PRT ransomware get on my computer?
The way PRT 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 .prt 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 PRT ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by PRT ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .prt 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 PRT 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.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .prt attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .prt stay encrypted afterwards. So first copy the encrypted files and the ransom note to a separate drive, in case a decryptor appears later. Then decide:
- a clean-up with an offline scan is often enough for home PCs
- while a full reset is safer if remote access was involved
- scans keep finding new items
Restore your backups only after the PC is clean, and change passwords from another device.
Will Fortect remove PRT 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 PRT 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: RSA encryption (read October 7, 2026)
- ZDNet: This easy-to-use information-stealing trojan malware is quickly gaining popularity among cyber criminals (read October 7, 2026)
- VirusTotal: Virus detection rate (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)