How to remove RALord Ransomware and decrypt .RALord files

What is RALord Ransomware

RALord Ransomware is a malicious program designed to encrypt files on a victim’s computer and then demand a ransom for their decryption. Written in the Rust programming language, this sophisticated form of malware operates by appending the .RALord extension to affected files, rendering the original files inaccessible without the corresponding decryption key. Victims may find that files once labeled document.docx are transformed into document.docx.RALord, indicating they have fallen prey to this insidious attack. The ransomware’s creators leverage strong encryption algorithms, making unauthorized decryption virtually impossible without significant expertise or the original decryption keys. After encrypting files, a ransom note titled README-[random_string].txt is created on the compromised system, typically placed in directories where the encrypted files exist. This note delivers a stark warning to victims, threatening the public release of stolen data unless payment is made swiftly, often within a day. It also cautions against tampering with the encrypted files, insisting that victims pay the ransom via specified channels.

No legitimate decryption tools are currently available for the RALord Ransomware, leaving victims in a precarious situation. The encryption methods employed are robust and typically only reversible with substantial cooperation from the ransomware developers, which unfortunately involves paying the ransom. However, experts strongly advise against paying, as this does not guarantee data recovery and might incentivize further malicious activities. Instead, victims are encouraged to isolate the infected device immediately to halt further encryption attempts. Recovery of .RALord files without access to a decryption solution remains challenging, but potential steps include restoring from a recent backup or employing professional data recovery services, albeit with the understanding that success is not assured. It underscores the critical importance of maintaining regular, secure backups and employing robust antivirus solutions to prevent similar attacks in the future.

How RALord Ransomware infects computers

RALord Ransomware primarily infects computers through a variety of sophisticated methods, with a strong emphasis on phishing and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals often disguise the ransomware within seemingly harmless files attached to emails or bundled with legitimate software downloads from untrustworthy sources. These malicious attachments can be in the form of executable files, documents with embedded macros, or compressed archives, which once opened by the user, trigger the download and installation of the ransomware. Additionally, RALord can spread through malicious advertisements, deceptive downloads, and compromised websites that exploit vulnerabilities in software or browsers. Once the ransomware gains a foothold, it encrypts files on the system, appending the “.RALord” extension, and demands a ransom for decryption. To further propagate, it may leverage network vulnerabilities to infiltrate connected devices and storage systems, exacerbating the extent of the attack.

1. Download RALord Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .RALord files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like RALord Ransomware

RALord Ransomware files:


README-[random_string].txt
{randomname}.exe


RALord Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .RALord files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .RALord files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .RALord files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with RALord Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .RALord files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like RALord Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. RALord Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro