RSA ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
RSA-4096 ransomware is a malicious crypto-virus that relies on RSA cipher while trying to encrypt victims' files and convince them into paying the ransom.
Previously, security experts reported that this malware is related to TeslaCrypt which had been spreading around since 2015 but was shut down by its developers in May 2016 when they released the decryptor However, the virus has inspired several malware developers who have started using "All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-4096" message after encrypting targeted victim's files.
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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RSA ransomware: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Ransom note | A message left on the computer; the text is quoted in full below |
| Contact | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Encrypted file extension | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| 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 8 more facts
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Name | RSA |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 5 June 2018 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- Note file:
the ransom note
From our report of Jun 2018 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on RSA
- $500 in BTC (may vary depending on the version)
- Risk of monetary loss, as well as data loss
- Spam emails, malicious websites, fake updates, etc.
How RSA ransomware behaves
From our report of Jun 2018 · not reviewed since
RSA-4096 ransomware is a file-locking virus that uses strong encryption algorithm to take victim's files hostage
RSA-4096 ransomware is a malicious crypto-virus that relies on RSA cipher while trying to encrypt victims' files and convince them into paying the ransom.
Previously, security experts reported that this malware is related to TeslaCrypt which had been spreading around since 2015 but was shut down by its developers in May 2016 when they released the decryptor However, the virus has inspired several malware developers who have started using "All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-4096" message after encrypting targeted victim's files.
This encryption model is very popular and can be used by any ransomware virus to lock down files and make them unusable.
Initially, RSA-4096 ransomware was targeting video games - saved games, player profiles, custom maps and similar data was put into danger. Newer variants that rely on the same encryption method are targeting all kinds of data and are asking around $500 or more in bitcoins for files' decryption.
Victims are typically informed about the requirement to pay the ransom via the ransom note which is saved in each of the affected folders.
RSA-4096 ransomware typically enters targeted machine via contaminated spam email attachments or malicious links, downloaded from hacked sites or fake updates, or can be brute-forced via poorly protected RDP configuration. The malware was also spread via the Angler Adobe Flash exploit. All these entry methods are preventable, as long as you are attentive enough.
From our report of Jun 2018 · not reviewed since
Further functionality of the virus
As soon as the virus enters the machine, it executes its payload and makes certain changes to system files, including registry entries.
This allows it to boot up every time Windows is started. Then, ransomware scans the machine for files, including .pdf, .doc, .gif, .mp3, .txt and others.
Program and system files are not touched. Unsurprisingly, the malware uses RSA-4096 encryption algorithm to encrypt files and hold them hostage. The public and private keys are generated.
The data is encrypted by a public key and needs the private key to be encoded. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are hiding these keys on a secret server which is accessible only to them. Hackers abuse this situation and urge users to pay up for the decryptor.
However, we do not recommend contacting crooks, as they can trick you into installing other malware, as well as ignore you completely, even after the payment is processed. Simply proceed with RSA-4096 ransomware removal, and then decode your files using official decryptor or third-party software.
Of course, the most secure way to recover files is by getting them back from a backup. It does not matter if the backup is virtual (cloud services, such as Dropbox or OneDrive) or an external drive can be used. Note that external drive should not be connected to the compromised machine before the virus is removed, as all files from a backup will be contaminated as well.
The dropped ransom notes usually come in HTML or PNG formats and display a lengthy message. The following reads:
Warning: As we already mentioned, do not pay attention to any of these taunts and proceed with RSA-4096 ransomware removal immediately.
From our report of Jun 2018 · not reviewed since
Ransomware spreads using spam mainly
Even if you take precautions and do not visit suspicious websites, malware, such as ransomware, can get executed on your computer by using clever social engineering tricks, such as phishing emails. Indeed, while some of the scams look fake and cheap (poor grammar and spelling, no logos, questionable email address, etc.), some of the spam emails distributed by bots hackers employ might be pretty convincing.
Thus, do not be too trustful when it comes to suspicious emails. Always check the "From" address carefully, and generally do not open any attachments, such as pdf, txt, doc or other files. If you really need to know if the email is genuine, merely contact the company the alleged email is sent from and ask if it is legitimate.
Other distribution methods of ransomware include:
Simply take care extra precautions, and you should be safe. Nevertheless, there is no 100% way to protect yourself. However, you can always improve your chances of avoiding malware by employing a security program, updating software on time, bypassing suspicious sites, and backing up your files frequently.
- Poor passwords
- File-sharing sites
- Fraudulent downloads
- Fake updates
- No RDP protection
- Exploit fits
The RSA ransomware note
NOT YOUR LANGUAGE? USE https://translate.google.com
What happened to your files ?
All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-4096.
More information about the encryption keys using RSA-4096 can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
How did this happen ?
!!! Specially for your PC was generated personal RSA-4096 KEY, both public and private.
!!! ALL YOUR FILES were encrypted with the public key, which has been transferred to your computer via the Internet.
Decrypting of your files is only possible with the help of the private key and decrypt program, which is on our secret server.
What do I do ?
So, there are two ways you can choose: wait for a miracle and get your price doubled, or start obtaining BTC NOW, and restore your data easy way.
If You have really valuable data, you better not waste your time, because there is no other way to get your files, except make a payment.
For more specific instructions, please visit your personal home page, there are a few different addresses pointing to your page below:
If for some reasons the addresses are not available, follow these steps:
1. Download and install
2. After a successful installation, run the browser and wait for initialization.
3. Type in the address bar:
4. Follow the instructions on the site.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Your personal pages:
How to remove RSA 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 RSA 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 RSA 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 identify the family
The name of the family decides whether a free decryptor can help. Copy the ransom note and two small encrypted files to a USB stick, and check them on another device with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff.
Note the extension added to the files, the contact address and the victim ID shown in the note. Keep the originals on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC untouched.
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 RSA, 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 RSA 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 RSA 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 Jun 2018 · not reviewed since
RSA-4096 ransomware removal requires special knowledge
Technically, there is a way to remove RSA-4096 virus manually.
However, most people have no technical knowledge or skills to proceed with such operation. Keep in mind that this encryption algorithm is very complicated and cannot be solved without twi different keys: the public and private one. If you are a regular computer user, do not try guessing numbers yourself because there is almost no possibility that you will find the code that you need.
Nevertheless, you should also avoid contacting ransomware developers while trying to end up with RSA-4096 ransomware removal. Ransomware is a dangerous virus that is extremely prevalent. Thus, the anti-malware tool is the most reliable way while trying to get rid of malicious files.
If your anti-virus is blocked by malware, you can try booting the machine in Safe Mode with Networking (as explained below) or use System Restore. Then, run a full system scan.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT try to recover your files before you are finished with malware elimination, as all your files will get encrypted again.
[GI=method-1]Enter Safe Mode with Networking as follows:
[GI=method-2]Get rid of RSA-4096 using System Restore
Although this software was originally designed to restore files that were accidentally deleted or damaged, it is known to help individuals whose data was encrypted by ransomware.
Windows Previous Versions can sometimes help
If you had Windows Restore function enable before malware attack occurred, you can try this recovery method.
ShadowExplorer is great if the virus did not delete shadow volume copies.
Use TeslaCrypt official decryptor
You can use TeslaCrypt decryption tool or this TeslaCrypt decryptor tool to get all your files back.
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 RSA 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 RSA in the list of installed apps.
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 RSA ransomware
Is there a free RSA decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for RSA 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 "RSA 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 RSA get on my computer?
The way RSA 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 RSA in the list of installed apps, 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 RSA steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by RSA, but the only confirmed sign is RSA in the list of installed apps, 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 RSA 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 the ransom note tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name the ransom note, 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.
How do I open my .docx, .jpg and other files locked by RSA?
You cannot open locked files normally while they stay encrypted, and renaming them will not help. Our earlier report did not record the extension that RSA adds, so check one locked file name and the ransom note for it.
No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates. Do not rename the files, change the extension or edit them, because that can make recovery harder. Copy the locked files to an external drive before you clean the system, so a decryptor released later still has them.
Will Fortect remove RSA?
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 RSA, 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
- CSO by IDG: What is ransomware? How it works and how to remove it (read October 7, 2026)
- Threat Post: Master Decryption Key Released for TeslaCrypt Ransomware (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)