RDAT Ransomware

The RDAT ransomware is a file-encrypting threat from the notorious Dharma/Crysis family. It locks victims’ files with a unique extension and demands payment for a decryption key via a ransom note. RDAT is designed to quietly infiltrate systems, encrypt personal and business data, and extort money from victims who are often desperate to recover critical files.

Once installed, RDAT ransomware renames files with the .id-[victimID].[rdat@goat.si].RDAT extension and leaves behind FILES ENCRYPTED.txt to instruct users on how to pay the ransom. Unfortunately, there’s no public decryptor available for RDAT as of now, and paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee file recovery.

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RDAT Ransomware Overview

Threat Type	Ransomware (Crysis/Dharma family)
Encrypted File Extension	.id-[random].[rdat@goat.si].RDAT
Ransom Note Filename	FILES ENCRYPTED.txt
Email Contact	rdat@goat.si, rdata@airmail.cc
Detection Names	Trojan.Ransom.Crysis, Win32/Filecoder.RDAT
Symptoms	Encrypted files, ransom note, file extension change
Damage + Distribution Methods	Data encryption, spread via cracked software, email attachments, RDP brute-force
Danger Level	🔴 High

➡️ Download SpyHunter to Remove RDAT Ransomware

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How Did I Get Infected With RDAT Ransomware?

RDAT usually infiltrates systems via insecure Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections, phishing emails, malicious attachments, or bundled installers posing as legitimate software or cracks. Once executed, it deploys its encryption module silently in the background, often avoiding detection by traditional antivirus tools.

Users who download pirated software or ignore system updates are especially vulnerable. RDAT often spreads through disguised .exe files sent via spam campaigns or shady freeware installers.

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What RDAT Ransomware Does to Your Files

RDAT begins by scanning your system for personal and business-related files such as documents, photos, videos, and databases. Once detected, it encrypts these files using robust algorithms and renames them with the following format:

originalfilename.jpg → originalfilename.jpg.id-928347283.[rdat@goat.si].RDAT

After encryption, RDAT drops its ransom note FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, demanding contact and payment in exchange for the decryption key. It also modifies Windows registry keys and can attempt to disable recovery options like System Restore or Shadow Copies, further locking victims out of data recovery options.

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Should You Be Worried About RDAT Ransomware?

Yes — RDAT is part of the Dharma ransomware family, which has a long history of aggressive behavior and zero tolerance for non-paying victims. It encrypts data using AES+RSA encryption, which makes brute-forcing the key virtually impossible.

⚠️ Even worse: Paying the ransom often leads nowhere. Victims report that even after payment, attackers may ghost them or demand more money.

Key risks of RDAT:

• Permanent loss of sensitive data
• Business disruption and downtime
• Risk of repeat infection
• Potential data exposure or resale

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Ransom Note Dropped by RDAT

RDAT leaves behind a plain text file called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, which contains ransom demands and email instructions. Here’s a typical message:

All your files have been encrypted!
Contact us at: rdat@goat.si
If you don’t get a reply within 24 hours, contact rdata@airmail.cc
You have 72 hours to respond or your decryption key will be destroyed.

The note may also threaten data leaks or deletion if the victim delays communication.

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

RDAT ransomware is an extremely dangerous and invasive threat that encrypts user data and demands ransom payments with no guarantees. Victims should never pay the ransom and instead remove the infection with a reputable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter. Backups remain the best method for restoring encrypted files—if you have one, use it after cleaning the system.

Until a public decryption tool is available, prevention is your strongest weapon. Keep backups, secure your RDP ports, avoid pirated software, and invest in real-time malware protection.

➡️ Download SpyHunter to Eliminate RDAT Ransomware