Traders Ransomware

Traders ransomware is a dangerous file-encrypting virus from the Phobos family that locks your data and demands a ransom for recovery. It uses AES encryption and appends filenames with a unique ID, contact email, and the “.traders” extension. Victims are left with a ransom note (“info.hta” and “info.txt”) and limited options for data recovery unless backups are available. Paying the ransom is not recommended, as it offers no guarantee of file restoration.

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Traders Ransomware – Threat Summary

Threat Type	Ransomware (Phobos variant)
Encrypted File Extension	.traders (e.g., document.pdf.id[XXXXXXX].[traders1@msgsafe.io].traders)
Ransom Note Filename	info.hta, info.txt
Email Contact	traders1@msgsafe.io, traders2@airmail.cc
Detection Names	Avast: Win32:Trojan-gen, Microsoft: Ransom:Win32/Phobos, ESET: Win32/Filecoder.Phobos
Symptoms	Files renamed, ransom note on desktop, system slowdown
Damage + Distribution Methods	File encryption, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) attacks, malicious email attachments
Danger Level	Critical – Irreversible file loss without backups

🔗 Download SpyHunter to Remove Traders Ransomware

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How Did I Get Infected With Traders Ransomware?

Traders ransomware typically spreads through poorly secured RDP ports, phishing emails with malicious attachments, cracked software, or fake updates. Cybercriminals use brute-force tactics to access exposed Windows systems via RDP, then manually install the ransomware.

Once inside, the attackers disable security tools and begin the encryption process silently in the background.

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What Traders Ransomware Does to Your Files

After infection, Traders scans your system for documents, images, archives, databases, and other personal files. It encrypts them using a strong algorithm and renames each file to include:

• A unique victim ID
• One of the attacker’s contact emails
• The .traders extension

For example:
invoice.pdf → invoice.pdf.id[C279F237-3451].[traders1@msgsafe.io].traders

It also drops two ransom notes – a pop-up via info.hta and a plain text version info.txt – which instruct victims to contact the attackers for decryption. The cybercriminals may offer to decrypt one file for free to prove they hold the key.

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Should You Be Worried About Traders Ransomware?

Yes — Traders ransomware can permanently lock your files. There is no public decryptor for the Phobos/Traders variant at this time. Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee recovery, and it fuels further criminal activity.

If you don’t have recent backups stored offline, your best chance is to remove the infection, isolate the system, and try file recovery tools. Never connect an infected device to your backup drives until it’s cleaned.

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Ransom Note Dropped by Traders Ransomware

The info.txt ransom note typically includes the following message:

All your files have been encrypted.
To restore, write to: traders1@msgsafe.io
If no response, write to: traders2@airmail.cc
Include your ID: [unique-ID]
You can send one file for free decryption.

The info.hta version is a pop-up that delivers the same message in a more aggressive tone.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

Traders ransomware is a high-risk threat that locks your personal and business files behind military-grade encryption. If you’ve been hit, don’t panic. Disconnect the infected system, remove the malware with a trusted tool like SpyHunter, and explore recovery options from backups or file recovery software.

Avoid paying the ransom — there’s no guarantee you’ll get your files back, and it only encourages more attacks.