How to Recover Encrypted .traders Files After Traders Ransomware Attack?
Introduction to Traders Ransomware
Traders ransomware is a malicious encryption threat designed to lock users out of their data and demand payment for recovery. Identified on VirusTotal, this ransomware appends the .traders extension to compromised files, leaving victims unable to access their documents, photos, and databases. Like many modern ransomware strains, Traders also delivers a ransom note named README.TXT, threatening to leak or sell stolen data if payment is not made.
Related article: How to Decrypt .blackfield Files from Blackfield Ransomware?
How Traders Ransomware Alters Files?
Once inside a system, Traders scans for files across drives and encrypts them. Every file is renamed with a unique victim ID and the .traders suffix. For instance, a file called report.docx becomes report.docx.{uniqueID}.traders. This identifier helps attackers track each victim for ransom negotiations.
The ransom note emphasizes that recovery without their decryption tool is impossible, warning victims not to attempt third-party solutions.
Also read: How to Remove Charon Ransomware (.Charon) and Restore Encrypted Data?
Key Characteristics of the Ransom Note
The README.TXT file serves as the attacker’s communication channel. It informs the victim that files are encrypted and urges them to contact the group via traders@mailum.com or through a Session messenger ID. The note claims that failure to comply will result in data publication or sale on the dark web.
Notably, the note attempts to instill urgency by demanding contact within 24 hours, underlining that attackers have already been inside the victim’s network for a significant time.
How Traders Ransomware Spreads?
Traders is distributed using common ransomware techniques. These include malicious email attachments disguised as invoices, pirated software downloads, cracked tools, and infected installers. Other infiltration methods may involve compromised websites, malicious ads, USB drives, and peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms.
Software vulnerabilities in outdated applications or operating systems also present a major risk vector, as attackers exploit unpatched flaws to inject the ransomware.
Immediate Steps After Infection
Victims of Traders ransomware must act quickly to contain damage.
- Disconnect infected systems from the network to prevent further spread.
- Preserve ransom notes and encrypted files for analysis; deleting them can reduce recovery chances.
- Avoid rebooting or formatting affected devices, as this could trigger additional encryption.
- Consult cybersecurity experts to assess safe recovery strategies instead of attempting risky manual decryption.
Free Recovery Approaches
Some methods may help recover files without payment, but their effectiveness depends on the ransomware variant and backup availability.
1. Third-Party Decryptors
At present, there is no official free decryptor for Traders ransomware. If vulnerabilities are later discovered in its encryption algorithm, security vendors might release a decryptor tool.
2. Backup Restoration
Organizations with offline or cloud backups stand the best chance of recovery. Restoring clean backups ensures that systems return to a pre-infection state, but it requires that backups are fully isolated from the attack.
3. Shadow Copies and Snapshots
System shadow copies and VM snapshots may sometimes restore data, but Traders often deletes shadow copies to prevent easy recovery. Victims must verify snapshot integrity before attempting restoration.
Paid Recovery Options
When free solutions fail, paid recovery methods remain. These carry risks but may be the only option for organizations with critical encrypted data.
Paying the Ransom
Attackers demand payment in exchange for a decryption key. While some victims receive working tools, there’s no guarantee of full file recovery. Additionally, paying ransom funds cybercrime and may be illegal in some jurisdictions.
Negotiation Services
Third-party negotiators can act as intermediaries, verifying the attacker’s decryptor and attempting to reduce ransom demands. These services come at a high cost and may prolong recovery.
Our Proprietary Decryptor for Traders
Our team has engineered a specialized Traders Decryptor, designed to restore files with the .traders extension. This tool uses cloud-powered AI validation combined with victim ID mapping from ransom notes.
- Secure Execution: Read-only file scans prevent corruption.
- Cloud Validation: Blockchain ensures data integrity.
- Universal Mode: Even without a ransom note, our premium decryptor supports the latest variants.
This solution has been successfully deployed across multiple environments, offering organizations a reliable alternative to paying criminals directly.
Step-by-Step Recovery Guide with Our Traders Decryptor
1. Assess the Infection
Confirm the presence of the .traders extension on encrypted files and check for the ransom note named README.TXT. These are clear indicators of Traders ransomware.
2. Secure the Environment
Immediately disconnect affected systems from the network to prevent further spread. Ensure that no new encryption processes are running in the background.
3. Submit Encrypted Samples
Provide a copy of the ransom note along with a few encrypted files. This allows our team to confirm the variant and prepare a tailored recovery strategy.
4. Launch the Traders Decryptor
Run our decryptor tool with administrator privileges to ensure full system access. The software performs read-only scans before attempting decryption, protecting files from further damage.
5. Enter Your Victim ID
The ransom note contains a unique ID assigned to your case. Enter this ID into the decryptor so it can map your encryption batch to the right recovery keys.
6. Start the Decryption Process
Once initiated, the decryptor safely restores files to their original state. The process is automated, and decrypted files are verified for integrity through blockchain-powered validation.
7. Choose Between Online or Offline Recovery
- Online Decryption: Recommended for fast recovery. The tool securely connects to our cloud servers for key matching and integrity checks.
- Offline Decryption: Useful in air-gapped or sensitive environments. Files can be decrypted without internet connectivity using locally processed recovery modes.
Also read: How to Decrypt MedusaLocker3 / Far Attack Ransomware (.lockfile4) and Recover Files?
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
Traders ransomware leaves behind several digital footprints that security teams can monitor.
- Encrypted file extensions: .traders
- Ransom note: README.TXT
The ransom note contains the following text:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.
You will not be able to decrypt it yourself! The only way to recover your files is to buy a unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.To make sure that we have a decryptor and it works, you can send an email to: and decrypt one file for free.
But this file must not be of any value!Do you really want to recover your files?
MAIL:traders@mailum.com
Session:Download the (Session) messenger (hxxps://getsession.org) You fined me: “0521cec653f519982a9af271f7ada8a41df1874549be9df509f6e8e0f2f53bb029”Attention!
* Do not rename encrypted files.
* Do not try to decrypt your data with third-party software, this may lead to irreversible data loss.
* Decrypting your files with a third party may increase the price (they add their fee to ours) or you may become a victim of fraud.
* We have been in your network for a long time. We know everything about your company, most of your information is already uploaded to our servers. We recommend that you do not waste your time, if you do not, we will start the second part.
* You have 24 hours to contact us.
* Otherwise, your data will be sold and published.
- Contact email: traders@mailum.com
- Session Messenger ID provided in ransom note
- Outbound traffic anomalies to unknown servers
Tools and TTPs Used by Traders Operators
Attackers behind Traders rely on a mix of custom-built malware and legitimate utilities.
- Initial Access: Phishing emails, cracked software, RDP brute force.
- Privilege Escalation: Stolen credentials via keyloggers or Mimikatz-like tools.
- Lateral Movement: Exploitation of SMB and RDP.
- Evasion Techniques: Use of legitimate drivers and disabling antivirus solutions.
- Data Exfiltration: Tools like FileZilla or RClone for stealth transfer.
- Encryption: Symmetric file encryption with unique victim ID mapping.
This operational toolkit maps to multiple MITRE ATT&CK techniques, including credential dumping, defense evasion, and double extortion extortion strategies.
Global Impact of Traders Ransomware
Traders has not yet reached the same scale as Akira or Conti, but it has targeted organizations across industries, with a focus on business networks rather than individual users.
Countries Most Affected
Organizations Targeted
Timeline of Attacks
How to Protect Against Traders Ransomware?
Preventing ransomware attacks is far more cost-effective than recovering from them. Users and businesses should:
- Keep systems patched and updated.
- Use strong authentication for remote access.
- Avoid downloading pirated or cracked software.
- Rely on reputable antivirus and firewall solutions.
- Maintain offline and cloud-based backups.
- Educate staff about phishing and suspicious attachments.
Conclusion: Recovery is Possible
Traders ransomware poses a serious threat by encrypting valuable files and demanding ransom. While free decryption is not currently available, victims can pursue recovery via backups, snapshots, or specialized decryptor solutions. Our Traders Decryptor provides an expert-engineered path to restoring encrypted files safely.
By acting quickly, preserving evidence, and consulting professionals, organizations can minimize damage and recover their operations without falling prey to extortion.
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