RotorCrypt ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
RotorCrypt is a cryptovirus that was first spotted in 2016 and since then is known as ransomware that uses obnoxious file extensions and ransom notes. Unsurprisingly, the malware is closely related to Rotor virus, as the name suggests.
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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RotorCrypt ransomware: summary
| Name | RotorCrypt |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| Alternatively known as | Rotor virus, Ransom.FileCryptor, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Rotor.b, Win32/DH{gVIDgQ5+gUaBDw?} |
| Extensions used to mark encrypted files | Encrypted files can be found by looking at these extensions: .SPG, .PGP, .tar, .c400, .c300, .crypto, .mail, .psd, .RAR, . !@!@!@_contact mail___boroznsalyuda@gmail.com___!@!@.psd and !@#$_____ISKANDER@TUTAMAIL.COM_____$#@!.RAR; .!@$#-unlock-email_______zepro190@gmail.com________#$!…ES_HELPs, .!@#$%^&-()_+.1C |
| Ransom size | 7 BTC in early versions; 1-3 BTC in later versions |
| Decryptable | No. At the moment, files encrypted by this ransomware can be recovered only with the help of third-party programs or from back up |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 13 more facts
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Contact | inkognitoman@tutamail.com, inkognitoman@firemail.cc, DIRECTORAT1C8@GMAIL.COM.roto |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 8 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .psd |
| Ransom note | INFO.txt |
| Attacker contacts | inkognitoman@tutamail.com |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 15 October 2018 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.psd - Note file:
INFO.txt - Contact:
inkognitoman@tutamail.com
From our report of Oct 2018 · not reviewed since
RotorCrypt is a file locking virus which was recently spotted using with .!@#$%^&-()_+.1C file extension
RotorCrypt is a cryptovirus that was first spotted in 2016 and since then is known as ransomware that uses obnoxious file extensions and ransom notes.
Unsurprisingly, the malware is closely related to Rotor virus, as the name suggests. Since its initial release, cybercriminals have presented countless versions of the virus, using spam email campaigns, exploits, weak passwords and similar means for distribution.
The latest variant of RotorCrypt ransomware was discovered by the independent researcher on 10th of October. It uses .!@#$%^&-()_+.1C file extension and drops a ransom note INFO.txt, which is written in the Russian and only information stated is two contact email addresses: inkognitoman@tutamail.com and inkognitoman@firemail.cc.
RotorCrypt ransomware spreads via malicious spam emails as an obfuscated "dead rdp.exe" file. However, different versions of the virus might have differently named payloads. Furthermore, malware mainly targets Russian-speaking users , and once it gets into their computers, it starts data encryption process. It is known to target the following file types:
.1cd, .avi, .bak, .bmp, .cf, .cfu, .csv, .db, .dbf, .djvu, .doc, .docx, .dt, .elf, .epf, .erf, .exe, .flv, .geo, .gif, .grs, .jpeg, .jpg, .lgf, .lgp, .log, .mb, .mdb, .mdf, .mxl, .net, .odt, .pdf, .png, .pps, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .psd, .px, .rar, .raw, .st, .sql, .tif, .txt, .vob, .vrp, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsx, .xml, .zip
Different versions of RotorCrypt virus seems to be using RSA encryption and can append one of the file extensions listed below. Cyber criminals design long and complicated suffixed that include contact email address:
Victims are supposed to contact crooks via provided email and wait for their instructions what should they do next. There's no secret that users are suggested to purchase the specific data recovery tool. Victims can purchase the tool or, in other words, pay the ransom.
The first version of RotorCrypt virus urged to transfer 7 Bitcoins, which is now equal to more than 61 000 USD. Newer versions reduced the ransom, which now ranges from 1 to 3 Bitcoins.
RotorCrypt ransomware might be related to Rotor virus. Indeed, their names are familiar, but they also use the same data encryption strategy and do not leave a clear explanation about file decryption possibilities.
Usually, the creators of ransomware provide detailed instructions how to purchase Bitcoins and transfer money using anonymous Tor browser. However, initially criminals did not find this activity necessary, which is why victims are not presented with a ransom note left by Roto Crypt virus that would explain what happened to your files. Newer versions are known for providing more, but still not sufficient, information:
If you have encountered this malware, do not waste your time and initiate RotorCrypt removal. Virus elimination will not bring back your files, but you will be able to try additional data recovery options.
After the attack, victims have to realize to contact criminals by an email address appended to the corrupted filename. There's no doubt that they will tell that paying the ransom is the only solution to get back access to the files. But we do not recommend contacting criminals and wasting your money because you might end up with both data and money loss.
Remove RotorCrypt from the computer with the help of a strong anti-malware program, such as , . or any other reputable security software. Keep in mind that virus might block access to the program and prevent it from scanning the system.
In this case, follow our step-by-step guide presented at the end of the article. Different security programs detect this computer infection under different names, for instance, Ransom.FileCryptor, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Rotor.b, Win32/DH{gVIDgQ5+gUaBDw?}, etc.
- .-.DIRECTORAT1C8@GMAIL.COM.roto>
- .-.DIRECTORAT1C@GMAIL.COM.roto>
- .-.directorat1c@gmail.com.roto
- .-.CRYPTSb@GMAIL.COM.roto>
- !-==kronstar21@gmail.com=--.crypt>
- !==helpsend369@gmail.com==.crypt>
- !__crypthelp12@gmail.com_.crypt
- !___prosschiff@gmail.com_.crypt>
- !____moskali1993@mail.ru___.crypt>
- !______sufnex331@gmail.com______.crypt
- !______bigromintol971@gmail.com______.crypt
- !_______GASWAGEN123@GMAIL.COM____.crypt
- !_________pkigxdaq@bk.ru_______.crypt
- !______________DESKRYPTEDN81@GMAIL.COM.crypt
- !____GLOK9200@GMAIL.COM____.tar
- !____cocoslim98@gmail.com____.tar
- !_____GEKSOGEN911@GMAIL.COM____.c300
- !_____DILINGER7900@GMAIL.COM_____.GRANIT
- !____hamil8642@gmail.com___.GRANIT
- .edgar4000@protonmail.com____.granit
- !______DILIGATMAIL7@tutanota.com______.OTR
- !______PIFAGORMAIL@tutanota.com______.SPG
- _______PIFAGORMAIL@tutanota.com_____.rar
- !_____INKASATOR@TUTAMAIL.COM____.ANTIDOT
- !-=solve a problem=-=grandums@gmail.com=-.PRIVAT66
- !==solve a problem==stritinge@gmail.com===.SENRUS17
- !_____FIDEL4000@TUTAMAIL.COM______.biz
- !____________DESKRYPT@TUTAMAIL.COM________.rar
- !____________ENIGMAPRO@TUTAMAIL.COM_______.PGP
- !___________ANCABLCITADEL@TUTAMAIL.COM__________.PGP
- !==SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM==blacknord@tutanota.com==.Black_OFFserve!
- !decrfile@tutanota.com.crypo
- ,--, Revert Access ,--, starbax@tutanota.com ,--,.BlockBax_v3.2
- !________INKOGNITO8000@TUTAMAIL.COM_________.SPG
- !_______INKOGNITO7000@TUTAMAIL.COM_______.SPG
- !@#$%___________ PANAMA1@TUTAMAIL.com%$#@.mail
- !@!@!@_contact mail___boroznsalyuda@gmail.com___!@!@.psd
- !@#$_____ISKANDER@TUTAMAIL.COM_____$#@!.RAR
From our report of Oct 2018 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on RotorCrypt
- Use security software to get rid of malicious files.
How RotorCrypt ransomware behaves
From our report of Oct 2018 · not reviewed since
Latest RotorCrypt variants
Several versions of RotorCrypt ransomware, detected in the beginning of 2018, are known for appending the .!==SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM==blacknord@tutanota.com==.Black_OFFserve or !decrfile@tutanota.com.crypo file extension to the locked files.
However, at the beginning of March 2018, significant changes in RotorCrypt virus coding scheme has been noticed - the variant appends a ! ,--, Revert Access ,--, starbax@tutanota.com ,--,.BlockBax_v3.2 extension, which contains an atypical number of spaces.
In June and July 2018, researchers have reported about four new versions of the virus that append the following extensions to the targeted data:
However, the following scheme does not change much. Victims can contact cybercriminals using one of the provided email addresses (panama1@tutamail.com, boroznsalyuda@gmail.com or iskander@tutamail.com) and find out the ransom size. So far 53 out of 65 AV engines detect the malicious payload of this RotorCrypt version.
RotorCrypt ransomware showed up again in October 2018, after few months of break. The latest variant yet again uses an obnoxious file extension - .!@#$%^&-()_+.1C. A brief ransom note INFO.txt, written in Russian, only mentions two email addresses to contact malware authors. There are no mentions about the size of ransom or any other information provided.
- !@#$%___________PANAMA1@TUTAMAIL.com%$#@.mail
- !@!@!@_contact mail___boroznsalyuda@gmail.com___!@!@.psd
- !@#$_____ISKANDER@TUTAMAIL.COM_____$#@!.RAR
- !@$#-unlock-email_______zepro190@gmail.com________#$!...ES_HELPs
From our report of Oct 2018 · not reviewed since
Ransomware payload is being spread via malicious spam emails
RotoCrypt virus is distributed via malicious email attachments.
It's the most popular way to spread malware. Unfortunately, many computer users are too curious and open suspicious spam emails. However, opening an email is not the worst part.
Usually, emails are not dangerous, but links and documents attached to them might be infected. Once users open Word or PDF file, the malicious GWWABPFL.EXE file, ins.exe, dead rdp.exe or other obfuscated files might be dropped on the system.
However, malicious email attachments are not the only one distribution technique, security specialists from Bedynet.ru says. Malware might get inside when victims install bogus software or fake updates. Some variants of ransomware also use exploit kits and look for flaws in computer's security.
If you want to avoid RotorCrypt or other file-encrypting viruses, you have to be careful online and doubt every single message you receive in your inbox. Before opening any email attachment, you have to double check the information about the sender. Crooks might pretend to be from reputable or governmental institutions; therefore, you should contact the organization directly and ask about the issue.
Moreover, you should protect your computer by installing a reputable antivirus program and don't forget to update it regularly. It's important to keep all your programs updated. The easiest way to keep software updates is to let applications download updates automatically. Lastly, you should not browse in high-risk websites, click on clickbait ads or suspicious links.
The RotorCrypt ransomware note
Good day
Your files were encrypted/locked
As evidence can decrypt file 1 to 3 1-30MB
The price of the transcripts of all the files on the server: 7 Bitcoin
Recommend to solve the problem quickly and not to delay
Also give advice on how to protect Your server against threats from the network
(Files sql mdf backup decryption strictly after payment)!
How to remove RotorCrypt 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 RotorCrypt 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 RotorCrypt 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
.psdand 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 RotorCrypt, 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 RotorCrypt 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 RotorCrypt 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 Oct 2018 · not reviewed since
RotorCrypt elimination guide
Ransomware is hard to remove, so you should not consider eliminating the virus manually.
In order to remove RotorCrypt safely, you should rely on a professional malware removal program. Keep in mind that free tools are weak and cannot effectively remove this computer infection. Thus, you should install in professional computer's security and choose , or .
After successful RotorCrypt removal, you can restore corrupted files from data backups. However, if you do not have them, try our additional data recovery methods presented at the end of the article. Though, we want to warn that you should not have high expectations, as chances to restore files are not high.
[GI=method-1]If you cannot install a preferred removal tool, reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking first. For that, you should follow these steps:
If your computer is infected with RotoCrypt, do not consider contacting the crooks and paying the ransom. After virus elimination, recover your files from backups or use alternative methods provided below.
We cannot assure that this method will be effective and decrypt all of your files, but you should give it a try.
Recover files using Windows Previous Versions feature
This method allows restoring individual files after ransomware attack.
Taking advantage of a ShadowExplorer
If ransomware hasn't deleted Volume Shadow Copies, you can try using this method and recover at least some of your files.
RotoCrypt 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.
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 RotorCrypt 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 .psd 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 RotorCrypt ransomware
How do I open .psd files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .psd ending shows that RotorCrypt 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 RotorCrypt. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
How did RotorCrypt get on my computer?
The way RotorCrypt 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 .psd 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 RotorCrypt steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by RotorCrypt, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .psd 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 there a free RotorCrypt decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for RotorCrypt 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 "RotorCrypt 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.
Is RotorCrypt 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 .psd from the file names?
You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .psd 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.
Can I delete INFO.txt?
Yes, the note itself is harmless text and deleting it does not affect your files. Keep at least one copy first, outside the infected PC. INFO.txt contains your personal ID and the attackers' contact details, which identification services use to tell which family encrypted your files, and which a decryptor may need later.
Police reports also ask for it. Once you have saved a copy, you can remove the notes from every folder after the ransomware program has been removed and your files are restored or backed up.
Will Fortect remove RotorCrypt?
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 RotorCrypt, 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
- Virus Total: 3637c9f27d8599d1c79a1de6f4eb2bf2795f831d43d9d4b0c821e73bdbebafcf (read October 6, 2026)
- LogDog: Exploit Kit: What It Is and How To Protect Yourself (read October 6, 2026)
- PCWorld: Three warning signs that email is malicious (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)