How to remove RTM Locker Ransomware and decrypt encrypted files

What is RTM Locker Ransomware

RTM Locker Ransomware, also known as Read The Manual Locker, has emerged as a significant threat in the cybersecurity landscape. This malicious software is part of a Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) model, where affiliates are charged a percentage of their profits for using the RTM Locker infrastructure to launch their attacks. This model has facilitated the spread of RTM Locker, making it a prevalent threat to individuals and organizations alike. Upon infection, RTM Locker appends a unique 64-character extension to the filenames of all encrypted files, rendering them inaccessible to the users. This extension is a combination of random characters, significantly complicating the identification and recovery of affected files. The encryption method used by RTM Locker involves a combination of asymmetric and symmetric encryption, making it virtually impossible to decrypt the files without the attacker’s private key. RTM Locker drops a ransom note named How To Restore Your Files.txt on the victim’s desktop. This note informs victims of the encryption and demands contact within 48 hours to prevent the public release of the encrypted data. The note warns against attempting to decrypt the files independently, as this could lead to permanent data loss.

As of the current understanding, there are no publicly available decryption tools capable of decrypting files encrypted by RTM Locker without the attacker’s private key. The encryption method’s complexity, combining asymmetric and symmetric encryption, ensures that decryption without the necessary keys is not feasible. Given the lack of decryption tools, the primary method for recovering files encrypted by RTM Locker is to restore from backups. Victims are strongly advised against paying the ransom, as this does not guarantee file recovery and further incentivizes the attackers. Instead, affected individuals and organizations should focus on isolating the infected systems, identifying the ransomware variant, and engaging with cybersecurity professionals to mitigate the attack’s impact and prevent future incidents.

How RTM Locker Ransomware infects computers

The infection methods of RTM Locker are varied, leveraging sophisticated techniques to infiltrate systems. Delivery mechanisms include phishing emails and exploiting vulnerabilities in public-facing applications or interfaces. Once inside the system, RTM Locker employs a series of steps to establish its presence, including terminating processes and services that could prevent its operation. The malware then proceeds to encrypt files on the infected system.

1. Download RTM Locker Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted 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 RTM Locker Ransomware

RTM Locker Ransomware files:


How To Restore Your Files.txt
{randomname}.exe


RTM Locker Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted 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 encrypted 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 RTM Locker 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 encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 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 RTM Locker 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. RTM Locker 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