How to remove RALEIGHRAD Ransomware and decrypt .RALEIGHRAD files

What is RALEIGHRAD Ransomware

RALEIGHRAD Ransomware is a recently discovered strain of file-encrypting malware, targeting both individuals and organizations by locking access to critical data and demanding payment for its release. Upon execution, it swiftly infiltrates the victim’s device and proceeds to encrypt a wide range of file types, renaming them by appending the distinctive .RALEIGHRAD extension to each one—transforming, for example, document.pdf into document.pdf.RALEIGHRAD. Encryption is typically powered by robust cryptographic algorithms, commonly utilizing a mix of symmetric (AES) and asymmetric (RSA) ciphers, which means only those holding the attackers’ private decryption keys can reverse the damage. As part of its intimidation strategy, RALEIGHRAD generates a ransom note named RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt, leaving copies in affected directories or the desktop to ensure the victim notices the demands immediately. These notes declare that not only are files encrypted, but confidential data has supposedly been exfiltrated, and threaten public exposure if contact isn’t made within three days. Victims are directed to contact the criminals through the qTOX secure messenger for negotiation, leveraging fear of reputational and financial harm to coerce payment. As with most modern ransomware, RALEIGHRAD’s authors often combine file encryption with data theft, doubling the extortion leverage. Attackers promise full network decryption and deletion of stolen data upon successful payment, but few guarantees exist that they will honor this, and most experts advise against paying ransoms. Ransom notes often contain intimidating language and specific instructions, preying on victims’ urgency and panic to extract maximum profits.

Despite the urgency created by RALEIGHRAD’s tactics, there are currently no freely available decryption tools capable of restoring files with the .RALEIGHRAD extension. The structure and implementation of its cryptography ensure that, if the encryption is properly executed and the keys are stored remotely, manual file recovery is virtually impossible without the attackers’ cooperation. Security professionals and organizations such as No More Ransom consistently monitor ransomware variants, but so far, no proven vulnerabilities have been found in RALEIGHRAD’s encryption process. Decrypting .RALEIGHRAD files remains contingent on either obtaining backups created prior to infection or awaiting the possible discovery of flaws in the ransomware’s design. Users affected should immediately disconnect infected systems from networks, preserve evidence, and report incidents to authorities to contribute to ongoing investigations. File recovery tools like Recuva may help retrieve unencrypted versions of deleted files, but their effectiveness is inconsistent. Until proven decryption methods emerge, prevention by maintaining offline and cloud backups, along with up-to-date endpoint protection, remains the most effective defense. Meanwhile, persistent monitoring by the cybersecurity community may lead to breakthroughs, but patience and caution are essential to avoid falling victim to further scams promising recovery.

How RALEIGHRAD Ransomware infects computers

RALEIGHRAD Ransomware infects computers primarily through deceptive techniques that trick users into executing malicious software. Typically, this malware is distributed via phishing emails that contain infected attachments or links that, once clicked, download the ransomware onto the system. Cybercriminals often disguise these emails as legitimate communications from trusted sources to increase the likelihood of user interaction. Another common method of distribution involves exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems, allowing the ransomware to infiltrate without user interaction. Additionally, the use of malicious advertisements, compromised websites, and peer-to-peer (P2P) networks can also serve as vectors for infection. Once inside a system, RALEIGHRAD encrypts files and demands a ransom for their decryption, causing significant distress and potential data loss for the victim.

1. Download RALEIGHRAD Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .RALEIGHRAD 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 RALEIGHRAD Ransomware

RALEIGHRAD Ransomware files:


RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt
{randomname}.exe


RALEIGHRAD Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .RALEIGHRAD files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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