Ransomware or Ransomware

Verified 15 March 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

What if your device (computer, tablet or mobile phone) is blocked and displays a message demanding money for a return to normal? You're probably a victim of facts that could be qualified Stopping Automated Data Processing Systems (Stad). This offense is more commonly referred to as ransomware or ransomware.

You're an adult

It is possible that you unknowingly ran a program and let the malware (malware) on the system.

The malware will require a sum of money in exchange for the decryption key that will restore the files.

All your content is susceptible to encryption and therefore rendered unusable.

These can be working documents, photos, music or even a hard disk that has remained plugged into your computer...

Each malware has its own operation and the methods of disinfection differ according to the type of software.

For assistance, you can visit cybermalligence.gouv.fr.

Getting help with malicious cyber activity

You can also check if a solution is available for the type of ransomware you have experienced.

Ransomware - Download a decryption solution

You can file a complaint (online, on-site or by mail) or make a report (online).

Online
  • The complaint is the act by which a victim of an offense informs the judicial authority.
    When you file a complaint, you must give your identity. This approach is binding on you and investigators can contact you. The complaint also provides an opportunity to seek compensation for the damage suffered and to be informed of the follow-up given to the case.
  • The alert consists solely in informing the investigation services of the existence of an infringement. You can remain anonymous. You will not be informed of the outcome of the case. You will not be able to claim compensation.

To file a complaint:

File a complaint for ransomware (THESEE)

To report:

Report ransomware or ransomware (THESEE)

On the spot

You must go to a police station or the gendarmerie of your choice.

Who shall I contact

The police or gendarmerie services are obliged to register the complaint.

The complaint is then forwarded to the public prosecutor for a decision on further action (investigation, closure without further action...).

If you don't know the perpetrator, you can fill out an online pre-complaint before traveling.

You will then get an appointment and the police or gendarmes will already have the elements of your complaint upon your arrival.

Online Pre-Complaint

By mail

You must write directly to the public prosecutor. We need to send a free-form letter in the court of the place of the offense or of the domicile of the offender.

The letter must specify the following information:

  • Complete marital status of the complainant and full contact details (address and telephone number)
  • Detailed account of the facts, date and place of the offense
  • Name of the alleged perpetrator if known (otherwise you should file a complaint against X)
  • Names and addresses of any witnesses to this offense
  • Description and provisional or definitive estimate of the damage
  • Evidence: medical certificates of injury, work stoppages, miscellaneous invoices, records in case of material damage
Who shall I contact

You can send your complaint by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, but it is not mandatory. You can send a simple letter.

In any case, a receipt will be given to you as soon as the prosecutor has registered your complaint.

You can also call Info Scams.

Who shall I contact

  • Back up your data to avoid losing everything in case of a new attack
  • Use an up-to-date antivirus settled on your machine
  • Implement anti-spam software
  • Regularly clean your PC (temporary files ...)
  • Go to nomoreransom.org to help victims of ransomware

You're a minor

It is possible that you unknowingly ran a program and let the malware (malware) on the system.

The malware will require a sum of money in exchange for the decryption key that will restore the files.

All your content is susceptible to encryption and therefore rendered unusable.

It can be school documents, photos, music or even a hard drive that is still plugged into your computer...

Each malware has its own operation and the methods of disinfection differ according to the type of software.

For assistance, you can visit cybermalligence.gouv.fr.

Getting help with malicious cyber activity

You can also check if a solution is available for the type of ransomware you have experienced.

Ransomware - Download a decryption solution

Report the violation (online)

Report ransomware or ransomware (THESEE)

File a complaint (on site)

You have to go to a police station or a gendarme brigade.

Who shall I contact

You may not be refused the receipt of the complaint.

The complaint is then forwarded to the public prosecutor.

Before going to the police station or the gendarmerie, you can fill in a pre-complaint online if you are the victim of an attack on property (theft, scam...) whose perpetrator is unknown to you. You will then get an appointment and the police or gendarmes will already have the elements of your complaint upon your arrival.

Online Pre-Complaint

  • Back up your data to avoid losing everything in case of a new attack
  • Use an up-to-date antivirus settled on your machine
  • Implement anti-spam software
  • Regularly clean your PC (temporary files ...)
  • Go to nomoreransom.org to help victims of ransomware