How to remove REDKAW Ransomware and decrypt .redkaw files

What is REDKAW Ransomware

REDKAW Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt a victim’s files and demand a ransom for their decryption. This ransomware typically adds a specific extension, .redkaw, to all affected files, rendering them inaccessible without the decryption key. The encryption process employed by REDKAW is highly secure, often utilizing advanced algorithms that make cracking the encryption without the decryption key practically impossible. Upon encrypting the files, the ransomware drops a ransom note, often named HOW-TO-FIX.txt, which is strategically placed in affected directories and on the desktop for maximum visibility. The note contains instructions detailing how victims can make the ransom payment, typically asking for a small amount to be paid in cryptocurrency, and warns against attempting any form of data recovery without the specified tools, under threat of permanent data loss.

Unfortunately, as of now, there are no known decryption tools publicly available for REDKAW that can retrieve files without engaging with the cybercriminals, primarily due to the complexity and security of the encryption algorithm used. Decrypting .redkaw files without the attackers’ key is, therefore, not feasible. Victims who fall prey to this ransomware are encouraged to report the incident to law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies rather than paying the ransom, which might not guarantee file recovery and further fuels cybercrime activities. It is advised to disconnect infected devices from the internet immediately to prevent further encryption of files and to seek professional help for malware removal. Regular backups and robust security measures remain the most effective defenses against such attacks, ensuring data can be restored without reliance on decryption tools from the criminals.

How REDKAW Ransomware infects computers

REDKAW Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive tactics and exploitation of user vulnerabilities. It often spreads via malicious email attachments or links, where unsuspecting users are tricked into downloading and opening files that contain the ransomware. These emails typically masquerade as legitimate communications from trusted sources, urging immediate action. Additionally, REDKAW can be distributed through compromised websites and malicious advertisements that automatically download the ransomware onto a system when clicked. Cybercriminals also exploit software vulnerabilities, including outdated applications and operating systems, to install the ransomware without user consent. Once inside a system, REDKAW encrypts files, adding the “.redkaw” extension, and demands a ransom for their decryption, thus causing significant disruption and potential data loss.

1. Download REDKAW Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .redkaw 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 REDKAW Ransomware

REDKAW Ransomware files:


HOW-TO-FIX.txt
{randomname}.exe


REDKAW Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .redkaw files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .redkaw 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 .redkaw 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 REDKAW 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 .redkaw 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 REDKAW 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. REDKAW 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