OpenRansomware is a file-encrypting malware variant that emerged in early 2018 as part of the broader ransomware-as-a-service ecosystem. This threat targets Windows systems and encrypts user files using strong cryptographic algorithms, appending distinctive extensions to locked files and demanding payment in cryptocurrency for decryption keys. Unlike some amateur ransomware projects, OpenRansomware demonstrates moderately sophisticated behavior including persistence mechanisms and anti-recovery techniques designed to maximize pressure on victims.
The malware gained attention within the security community for being distributed through multiple channels and for featuring customizable ransom notes that attackers could tailor to their specific campaigns. While not as widespread as major ransomware families like WannaCry or Ryuk, OpenRansomware has affected small businesses and home users across multiple countries, with victims reporting encrypted documents, photos, and databases.
Threat Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Threat Family | Crypto-Ransomware |
| Aliases | Open.Ransom, OpenCryptor, Crysis-OpenRansomware variant |
| Platform | Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 (32-bit and 64-bit) |
| First Observed | January 2018 |
| Distribution | Malicious email attachments, exploit kits, compromised RDP connections, bundled software installers |
| Encryption Method | AES-256 or RSA-2048 (typical for this family), targets common document/media file types |
| File Extension | Varies by campaign; commonly appends victim ID + email address (e.g., .id-[random].[attacker-email].open) |
| Persistence Mechanism | Registry Run keys, scheduled tasks, startup folder entries |
| Ransom Note Names | Varies; commonly "FILES ENCRYPTED.txt", "HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.html", or "!!!READ_IT!!!.txt" |
| Payment Demand | $300-$1500 USD equivalent in Bitcoin, varies by campaign and perceived victim value |
| Network Behavior | Contacts C&C servers for key exchange, may scan local network for additional targets |
| Anti-Recovery Features | Deletes Volume Shadow Copies, disables System Restore, may terminate backup-related processes |
| Removal Difficulty | Moderate—binary removal is straightforward, but file decryption without the key is typically impossible |
How It Spreads
OpenRansomware primarily reaches victims through social engineering tactics combined with technical exploitation. The most common infection vector involves phishing emails with malicious attachments disguised as invoices, shipping notifications, or business documents. These attachments typically appear as PDF files or Word documents but actually contain obfuscated JavaScript or macro code that downloads and executes the ransomware payload when opened.
Another significant distribution method involves compromised Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections. Attackers scan the internet for exposed RDP ports, then use brute-force attacks or credential-stuffing techniques to gain access to poorly secured Windows systems. Once inside, they manually deploy the ransomware, sometimes conducting reconnaissance first to identify valuable data and maximize ransom potential. This manual deployment approach is particularly common in attacks targeting small businesses.
Additional infection vectors include:
- Malicious advertisements (malvertising) on legitimate websites that redirect to exploit kit landing pages
- Software bundling where the ransomware is packaged with pirated software, key generators, or "free" utilities downloaded from questionable sites
- Compromised software updates where attackers inject the payload into legitimate-looking update prompts
- Watering hole attacks targeting industry-specific websites frequented by potential victims
- USB drives and removable media configured with autorun features that trigger infection when connected
- Secondary infection from existing malware like trojans or backdoors that download OpenRansomware as a follow-up payload
What It Does On Your Machine
Upon successful execution, OpenRansomware follows a methodical infection sequence designed to maximize damage while evading detection. The malware first establishes persistence by copying itself to hidden locations within the Windows system directories—typically using random names or disguising itself as legitimate Windows processes. It creates registry entries in the Run and RunOnce keys to ensure it launches on every system boot, and may also establish scheduled tasks that trigger even if the registry entries are removed.
Before beginning encryption, OpenRansomware executes several preparatory actions intended to prevent recovery. It targets Windows' built-in backup features by deleting Volume Shadow Copies using the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMIC) command-line tool or the VSSAdmin utility. The malware disables System Restore, terminates database and backup application processes (to ensure files aren't locked by other programs), and may even attempt to disconnect or encrypt network-attached storage devices if they're accessible from the infected machine.
The encryption phase begins immediately after these preparatory steps. OpenRansomware scans all accessible drives—including mapped network drives, external USB storage, and cloud storage folders that sync locally—for target file types. It focuses on high-value data including documents (.doc, .docx, .pdf, .xls, .xlsx), images (.jpg, .png, .psd, .raw), databases (.sql, .mdb, .accdb), archives (.zip, .rar, .7z), and media files (.mp4, .avi, .mp3). Each encrypted file receives a new extension that typically includes a victim identification number and the attacker's contact email address.
After encryption completes, OpenRansomware displays its ransom note—either as a text file dropped in every affected folder, a popup window, or by changing the desktop wallpaper to an image containing payment instructions. The note typically provides a Bitcoin wallet address, a deadline for payment (often claiming files will be permanently deleted afterward), and contact information for negotiating with the attackers. Some variants include "proof of decryption" offers where victims can submit one or two small encrypted files to verify the attackers possess working decryption keys.
Manual Removal — Step by Step
Isolate the infected system immediately
Disconnect all network cables and disable Wi-Fi to prevent the ransomware from spreading to other devices on your network or encrypting network-attached storage. If you're on a business network, notify your IT department immediately. Do not reconnect until the malware is completely removed and your network administrator has verified the system is clean.
Document the infection before taking action
Take photos of any ransom notes with your phone, noting the exact file extensions added to your encrypted files and any email addresses or Bitcoin wallet IDs provided. This information may be useful to law enforcement and could help identify if a decryption tool becomes available. Check sites like NoMoreRansom.org or ID Ransomware to see if free decryptors exist for your specific variant.
Boot into Safe Mode with Networking
Restart your computer and press F8 (or Shift+F8 on Windows 10/11) during boot to access Advanced Boot Options. Select "Safe Mode with Networking" to load Windows with minimal drivers and services, which prevents most malware from launching automatically. On Windows 10/11, you can also access Safe Mode through Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Advanced startup → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press 4 or F4.
Terminate malicious processes
Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and look for suspicious processes with random names, processes running from AppData folders, or anything consuming unusual system resources. Right-click suspicious entries and select "Open file location"—if it leads to temporary directories or hidden AppData folders with random names, it's likely malicious. End these processes, but document their names and locations first.
Remove persistence mechanisms
Press Windows+R, type "regedit" and press Enter to open Registry Editor. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. Look for entries pointing to suspicious locations (especially AppData folders with GUIDs or random names) and delete them. Also open Task Scheduler (taskschd.msc) and review scheduled tasks—delete any with random names or pointing to suspicious executables.
Delete the malware files
Navigate to the folders where you found the malicious executables (typically in %LOCALAPPDATA%, %APPDATA%, or %TEMP%) and delete the entire containing folders. Show hidden files first (File Explorer → View → Hidden items). Be thorough—OpenRansomware often creates multiple copies. Delete any ransom note files from your desktop and folders, though keep one copy for documentation purposes if you haven't already photographed it.
Run reputable anti-malware scanners
Download and run Malwarebytes (in Safe Mode with Networking) to perform a thorough system scan. Follow up with a second-opinion scanner like Emsisoft Emergency Kit or ESET Online Scanner. These tools often detect remnants that manual removal misses, including rootkit components or secondary payloads. Update the scanner definitions before scanning, and quarantine or delete everything identified as malicious.
Check for and remove browser modifications
OpenRansomware sometimes arrives bundled with browser hijackers or adware. Reset your browsers to default settings: In Chrome, go to Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to original defaults. In Firefox, type "about:support" in the address bar and click "Refresh Firefox." In Edge, go to Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their default values. This removes malicious extensions and restores safe default behaviors.
Change all passwords from a clean device
Since some ransomware variants include information-stealing components, change passwords for critical accounts—email, banking, cloud storage—from a different, known-clean computer or your smartphone. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. Monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity for the next several months.
Reboot normally and verify system health
Restart your computer in normal mode and observe behavior for several hours. Watch for unusual CPU usage, network activity, or new suspicious files appearing. Run one final scan with Windows Defender or your primary antivirus. If the system appears clean and stable, you can cautiously begin restoring encrypted files from backups—but scan backup files before restoring them to ensure you're not reintroducing the infection.
Prevention
- Maintain offline backups using the 3-2-1 rule: Keep three copies of important data on two different types of media with one copy stored offline or offsite. Ransomware cannot encrypt drives that aren't connected to your system. Rotate external backup drives, keeping at least one permanently disconnected except during scheduled backups.
- Never enable macros in unexpected documents: Microsoft Office macros are a primary delivery mechanism for ransomware. Keep macros disabled by default and only enable them for documents from verified, trusted sources. Be especially suspicious of documents received via email that prompt you to "enable editing" or "enable content" to view properly.
- Secure Remote Desktop Protocol connections: If you must use RDP, never expose it directly to the internet. Use a VPN for remote access, implement account lockout policies after failed login attempts, require strong passwords or certificate-based authentication, and change the default RDP port 3389 to a non-standard port. Enable Network Level Authentication in RDP settings.
- Keep all software updated with security patches: Enable automatic updates for Windows, browsers, and common applications like Adobe Reader and Java. Ransomware frequently exploits known vulnerabilities in outdated software. Use a patch management tool if you're managing multiple business computers.
- Deploy email filtering and attachment blocking: Configure your email system to block executable attachments (.exe, .scr, .bat, .js, .vbs) and flag suspicious content. Train yourself and employees to verify sender identities before opening attachments, especially for invoices, shipping notifications, or unexpected documents. When in doubt, call the supposed sender using a known phone number—not one provided in the email.
- Use reputable antivirus with behavior-based detection: Modern security software that monitors for ransomware-typical behaviors (mass file encryption, shadow copy deletion, etc.) can stop infections before damage occurs. Enable real-time protection and cloud-based detection features. Consider enterprise solutions with ransomware-specific modules for business networks.
- Implement the principle of least privilege: Don't use administrator accounts for daily computing tasks. Run as a standard user—ransomware executed under limited user privileges causes less damage and has more difficulty achieving persistence. Create separate admin accounts used only when installing software or changing system settings.
- Educate all computer users in your household or business: Human error remains the weakest link. Conduct regular security awareness training covering phishing recognition, safe browsing practices, and proper responses to suspicious activity. Make reporting potential infections quickly and without fear of punishment a priority—early detection dramatically limits ransomware damage.
When Computer Repair Roswell removes malware from your system, we stand behind our work. If the same infection returns within 90 days—not due to reinfection from unsafe behavior—we'll fix it again at no additional charge. We also provide detailed guidance on preventing reinfection so you stay protected long-term.
Bring It In
OpenRansomware infections present significant challenges for typical computer users attempting DIY removal. While the malicious executable can be deleted, encrypted files usually remain locked without the attackers' private decryption key—and paying the ransom carries no guarantee of recovery while funding criminal enterprises. Professional assessment can determine whether partial data recovery is possible through shadow copy restoration, previous versions, or specialized forensic techniques. Our technicians have experience with ransomware families and can advise on the realistic prospects for your specific situation.
Computer Repair Roswell has served the North Atlanta area for years, helping homeowners and small businesses recover from malware infections and implement practical security measures. We're located at 1235 Hembree Road in Roswell, open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Saturdays 10 AM to 4 PM. Call us at (770) 637-2103 to discuss your ransomware situation—we'll provide honest assessment and transparent pricing before beginning any work. If your files are locked and your business is at a standstill, bring the infected machine to our shop and we'll evaluate your recovery options promptly.