How to remove Ran Ransomware and decrypt .Ran files

What is Ran Ransomware

Ran Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data on a victim’s computer and demands a ransom for its decryption. It was discovered during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. The primary purpose of this ransomware is to block access to data by encrypting it, and then demanding a ransom for the decryption key. Ran Ransomware modifies the titles of affected files by adding the .Ran extension to filenames. The specific encryption algorithm used by Ran Ransomware is not known. However, it is known that ransomware typically uses sophisticated encryption algorithms, either symmetric or asymmetric. The encryption is usually so complex that only the developer is capable of restoring data, as decryption requires a specific key generated during the encryption process. After the encryption process is completed, Ran Ransomware drops a ransom note named Payment.txt. This note states that the victim’s network and computers have been infected, their personal files were encrypted, and vulnerable data was stolen. To obtain the decryption tools, a ransom of 3 BTC (Bitcoin cryptocurrency) is demanded.

Decrypting .Ran files requires the specific decryption key, which is typically held by the ransomware developer. It is generally not recommended to pay the ransom, as this does not guarantee that the attackers will provide a decryption tool and it encourages criminal activity. Instead, victims should isolate the infected device, identify the ransomware infection, search for ransomware decryption tools, and restore files with data recovery tools if possible. If a decryption tool is not available, victims should keep the encrypted files in the hope that a tool becomes available in the future.

How Ran Ransomware infects computers

Ran Ransomware, like other types of ransomware, predominantly infects computers through phishing and social engineering tactics. Malicious software is often disguised as or bundled with ordinary program/media files. These files can come in various formats, such as documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. Phishing emails are the leading cause of ransomware infections, accounting for about 90% of all successful data breaches.

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

Ran Ransomware files:


Payment.txt
{randomname}.exe


Ran Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Ran files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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

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 .Ran 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 Ran 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 .Ran 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.

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 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 Ran Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. Ran 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.