RALEIGHRAD Ransomware

RALEIGHRAD is a newly identified ransomware strain that encrypts victims’ files and demands payment for decryption. It appends the “.RALEIGHRAD” extension to encrypted files and drops a ransom note named RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt. The attackers threaten to publish stolen data if not contacted within three days via the qTOX messaging platform.

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RALEIGHRAD Ransomware Overview

RALEIGHRAD encrypts files on the infected system, rendering them inaccessible. It changes the file extensions to .RALEIGHRAD and creates a ransom note instructing victims to contact the attackers through qTOX. The note claims that sensitive data has been exfiltrated and will be published if the victim fails to respond within three days. RALEIGHRAD resembles other ransomware variants such as ADMON, PARKER, and ZORN.

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RALEIGHRAD Ransomware Summary

Category	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.RALEIGHRAD
Ransom Note File Name	RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt
Associated Contact	qTOX messenger
Detection Names	Win32:MalwareX-gen [Misc], Trojan.MSIL.Basic.6.Gen, A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.Thanos.A, HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic, Ransom:MSIL/Thanos.MK!MTB
Symptoms of Infection	Files encrypted with .RALEIGHRAD extension, ransom note appears, inability to access files
Damage	File encryption, potential data exfiltration and exposure
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, pirated software, rogue ads, torrent downloads
Danger Level	High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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Understanding the RALEIGHRAD Threat

How Did I Get Infected?

RALEIGHRAD spreads through a variety of infection vectors:

• Malicious email attachments or links
• Pirated software and key generators
• Malicious online advertisements
• Torrent sites and peer-to-peer sharing
• Fake or bundled software installers

Infection typically occurs when the user unknowingly executes a malicious file.

What Does It Do?

Once inside a system, RALEIGHRAD:

• Encrypts files, appending the .RALEIGHRAD extension
• Drops a ransom note labeled RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt
• Claims to have stolen and encrypted sensitive data
• Threatens to publish data unless contacted via qTOX within 3 days
• Demands ransom in exchange for a decryption key and deletion of stolen data

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. RALEIGHRAD is a high-risk ransomware variant. Its dual-threat of encryption and data exposure significantly increases its potential for damage. Victims can lose access to personal or business data, and there is also the risk of sensitive information being made public. Removing this ransomware with a reliable tool is essential to limit further damage.

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RALEIGHRAD Ransom Note Text

The contents of the ransom note RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt include the following:

“Your sensitive data, such as contracts, customer information, financial data, HR records, and databases, have been downloaded. If you do not contact us within three days, we will publish the obtained data. Contact us via qTOX to negotiate the ransom. Upon payment, we will decrypt your data and delete the stolen files from our servers.”

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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.

Conclusion

RALEIGHRAD ransomware is a dangerous threat capable of encrypting your files and leaking stolen data. Victims are urged not to pay the ransom but to use a trusted removal tool like SpyHunter to eliminate the infection. Prevention through backup and cautious online behavior remains the best defense against ransomware attacks.