Ransomware Decryptors: Your Key to Recovering Encrypted Files

Published on: September 20, 2023

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17 min read

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For German Version

Ransomware assaults frequently make the news, with ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) providers aggressively looking to infect unsuspecting users and take advantage of network flaws. The banking and healthcare industries are particularly susceptible to ransomware attacks because they retain sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) that may be exploited for fraud and identity theft, two very lucrative crimes.

Cybercriminals encrypt this critical data after a successful ransomware attack, preventing enterprises from accessing it. The attackers seek a sizable cryptocurrency ransom in return for a decryption key that enables access to the data once more.

Time is of the essence if ransomware has infiltrated your company in order to stop more data breaches. Luckily, there are now a lot of decryption tools available to assist you in protecting yourself from popular ransomware variations. Continue reading to discover how to decrypt ransomware, take defensive steps to stop more outbreaks, and find detailed information about:

• Understanding Ransomware Attacks
• What are the Best Tools to Decrypt Ransomware?
  1. No More Ransomware Project
  2. Kaspersky Rakhni Decryptor
  3. Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor
  4. AVG Ransomware Decryption Tools
  5. BitDefender Anti-ransomware
  6. McAfee Ransomware Recover
  7. Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools
  8. Quick Heal - Free Ransomware Decryption Tool
• Best Practices for Ransomware Prevention and Recovery
• How long does it take to decrypt ransomware?

Understanding Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that threatens to publish or block access to data or a computer system, usually by encrypting it, unless the victim pays a ransom fee to the attacker. A deadline is typically included in the ransom demand. The data is destroyed forever, or the ransom fee increases if the victim doesn't pay on time. Ransomware-based attacks have become all too common. It has an impact on both sizable companies in North America and Europe. Cybercriminals may attack any client or business in any industry.

The FBI and other government organizations, like the No More Ransom Project, advise against paying the ransom in order to prevent promoting the ransomware cycle. Additionally, if the ransomware is not removed from the system, 50% of the victims who pay the ransom will probably experience repeated ransomware assaults.

How Ransomware Works

By restricting or denying access to the data on its victims' devices, malware, often known as ransomware, is used to extract money from its victims. Encryptors and screen locks are the two forms of ransomware that are most frequently used. As their name suggests, encryptors encrypt data on a system, rendering the information worthless without the decryption key. Although they claim that the system is encrypted, screen lockers just limit access to the system with a "lock" screen.

In many cases, victims are advised to buy a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin to pay the ransom fee via a lock screen (common to both encryptors and screen lockers). Customers who have paid the ransom can try to decrypt files after receiving the decryption key. The likelihood of decryption after paying a ransom varies, according to numerous sources, so it cannot be taken for granted. The keys may never reach the victims in some cases. Even after the ransom is paid and the data is released, some attacks still leave malware on the computer system.

Since businesses frequently pay more than individuals to unlock crucial systems and resume daily operations, encrypting ransomware has turned its attention from personal computers to business users, who were initially the primary target.

Malicious emails are frequently the first step in an enterprise ransomware infestation or virus. Unaware users open attachments or click on hacked or malicious links.

The victim's Computer and any associated file shares are then encrypted by a ransomware agent that has been deployed at that time. The ransomware shows a message on the infected device after encrypting the data with instructions on how to pay the hackers. The ransomware assures the victims that they will receive a code to unlock their data if they pay.

Examples of Ransomware

Organizations may obtain a good understanding of the key ransomware attacks' strategies, vulnerabilities, and traits by studying the ones listed below. Although ransomware targets, functionalities, and algorithms are constantly changing, attack innovation is often modest. The major ransomware examples are as follows:

• WannaCry: Using a potent Microsoft vulnerability, the ransomware worm WannaCry spread to over 250,000 devices before a kill switch was triggered to halt it. The kill switch was located in a sample that was identified by Proofpoint, and the ransomware was broken down.
• CryptoLocker: An early version of today's ransomware that encrypts a user's hard disk and any associated network drives and demands payment in cryptocurrency (Bitcoin). Emails with attachments posing as FedEx and UPS tracking notices were used to disseminate CryptoLocker. For this, a decryption tool was released in 2014. Nonetheless, other media indicate that CryptoLocker demanded as much as $27 million.
• NotPetya: NotPetya is said to be one of the most dangerous ransomware attacks. It used tactics similar to those of its namesake, Petya, such infecting and encrypting a Microsoft Windows-based system's master boot record. NotPetya quickly distributed payment requests in Bitcoin to reverse the alterations by targeting the same vulnerability as WannaCry. Because NotPetya cannot reverse its changes to the master boot, some have categorized it as a wiper.
• Bad Rabbit: This ransomware was visible and appeared to target Russian and Ukrainian media firms. It is regarded as a relative of NotPetya and spreads using similar code and vulnerabilities. Bad Rabbit, unlike NotPetya, did provide decryption if the ransom was paid. The majority of incidents showed that a phony Flash player update that targeted users directly was how it propagated.
• REvil: A gang of attackers with financial motives created REvil. In order to force its intended victims to pay if they decide not to submit the ransom, it exfiltrates data before encryption. IT management software that was used to patch Windows and Mac infrastructure was hacked, which led to the assault. Attackers used Kaseya software to install the REvil ransomware on commercial computers.
• Ryuk: Ryuk is a ransomware program that is primarily disseminated manually and used in spear-phishing. Through reconnaissance, targets are carefully selected. Thereafter, all data housed on the infected machine is encrypted once emails to selected victims are sent.

Ransomware Statistics

Although the frequency of ransomware attacks has changed over time, they continue to be among the most frequent and expensive cyberattacks on businesses. The worrying statistics surrounding ransomware attacks should spur businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses and security awareness programs.

• In 2021, ransomware attacks affected 66% of organizations, up sharply from 78% in 2020 to 66% in 2021, according to Sophos' The State of Ransomware 2022 report.
• In Proofpoint's 2023 State of the Phish report, 64% of respondents claimed that ransomware had affected them in 2022, which is more than two-thirds of the organizations surveyed. In turn, experts speculate that the actual number of incidents and associated losses last year were much higher than reported.
• With an 85% ransom payment rate, the healthcare sector continues to be the most often attacked by ransomware. Yet, according to BlackFog's 2022 Ransomware Report, educational institutions have seen the most growth in ransomware assaults (28% in 2021).
• According to Google's VirusTotal database, Windows PCs made up the great majority of afflicted systems and 95% of ransomware virus assaults.
• By 2031, ransomware assaults would cause victims yearly losses of over $265 billion, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.

Ransomware's Impact on Business

A company that contracts ransomware suffers productivity losses and data losses costing thousands of dollars. Attackers having access to data threaten to disclose the data and reveal the data breach in an effort to coerce victims into paying the ransom. Companies that don't pay on time risk further negative consequences, including lawsuits and brand harm.

As ransomware reduces productivity, containment is the first approach. Following containment, the company has the option of paying the ransom or restoring data from backups. Even while law enforcement gets engaged in investigations, finding the people who created the ransomware takes time, which slows down recovery. Although root-cause research can pinpoint the weakness, any recovery delays have an adverse effect on output and financial performance.

What are the Best Tools to Decrypt Ransomware?

Typically, ransomware attacks work by infecting targets with software that encrypts data to prevent victims from accessing it and then demands a payment to unlock or decode the contents. The victim will lose access to their files forever if they refuse to pay the ransom. There is no assurance that attackers will keep their promises if you agree to pay the ransom, as is the case with the majority of ransomware attacks. Attacks using ransomware have gotten worse over the last few years. Now, there are more than 50 different types of ransomware in use, and new ones are always emerging with improved encryption, new functionality, and new operating methods. It is important that no one ignore this. What should you do in such circumstances?

Focusing on preventative actions is the best course of action. Do penetration testing and simulated assaults, and make sure that any security gaps are closed as quickly as possible to prevent attackers from taking advantage of such vulnerabilities. Your employees should get regular security awareness training, and all users and systems should be using security best practices, including the least privilege principle and multi-factor authentication.

Depending on the type of ransomware you are dealing with, there are a number of programs you may use to decrypt your data if, for some reason, you still become infected with it. First off, keep in mind that there isn't a single tool available that can decrypt every ransomware variation. Instead, each decryption tool is made expressly to cope with a certain version. As a result, you must determine what type of ransomware locked your information by looking at the warning message the ransomware displayed. After you've located it, you may use the decryption tool made especially for dealing with that ransomware. Second, be sure to remove or quarantine the ransomware infection from your machine before proceeding with the decryption. Your data will be encrypted all over again if you don't do this.

Most decryption software can decode files encrypted by common varieties of ransomware such as Wannacry, Petya, NotPetya, TeslaCrypt, DarkSide, REvil, Alcatraz Locker, Apocalypse, BadBlock, Bart, BTCWare, EncrypTile, FindZip, Globe, Jigsaw, LambdaLocker, Legion, NoobCrypt, and Stampado, among others. Developers of ransomware react quickly whenever a new decryptor is made available. By altering their virus to resist the decryptor, they achieve this. In a seemingly never-ending arms race, ransomware decryptor creators must likewise upgrade and modify their software to maintain its efficacy. Because of this, the majority of decryptors lack warranties. The top ransomware decryption tools are reviewed below to assist you in decrypting encrypted data:

1. No More Ransomware Project
2. Kaspersky Rakhni Decryptor
3. Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor
4. AVG Ransomware Decryption Tools
5. BitDefender Anti-ransomware
6. McAfee Ransomware Recover
7. Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools
8. Quick Heal - Free Ransomware Decryption Tool

1. No More Ransomware Project

The European Cybercrime Centre of Europol, Kaspersky, and McAfee have joined forces to launch the No More Ransom project, which aims to assist victims of ransomware in recovering their encrypted data without having to pay the perpetrators. The initiative attempts to inform users about the operation of ransomware and the efficient anti-infection procedures.

No More Ransom provides the largest collection of decryptor tools and a database of keys that can unlock more than 100 different ransomware strains. Just upload two test files from your PC if you don't know which ransomware affected your system. When you submit them, the website will determine whether they contain ransomware and, if so, provide you access to the required decryption tool.

2. Kaspersky Rakhni Decryptor

You may use a number of tools provided by Kaspersky to decrypt files encrypted by ransomware without having to pay a ransom. The tools, however, are intended to combat certain ransomware attacks. As a result, before choosing the best tool to decrypt files, you must determine the type of ransomware outbreak you are dealing with. The various Kaspersky file decryptors for ransomware are listed below:

• Shade Decryptor: The ransomware malware Win32. The Shade ransomware tries to encrypt and lock up files on a victim's PC. All variants of the Shade ransomware may be removed from files using the Kaspersky Shade Decryptor program. In order to function, ShadeDecryptor searches its database for the decryption key. The files are decrypted if the key is discovered. If not, a request for new keys that need an internet connection will be sent to the Kaspersky server. Shade Decryptor may be downloaded without cost.
• Decryptor Rakhni: All variants of the Rakhni ransomware, including Agent.iih, Aura, Autoit, Pletor, Rotor, Lamer, Cryptokluchen, Lortok, Democry, Bitman, and many more, are decrypted using the Kaspersky Rakhni Decryptor tool. Free downloads of Rakhni Decryptor are offered.
• Decryptor Rannoh: All Trojan-Ransom versions affected by files may be decrypted using the Rannoh Decryptor. Win32. Those with the AutoIt, Cryakl, Crybola, Polyglot, and Fury file extensions are included in the Rannoh (Rannoh ransomware) family. The application may be downloaded without charge.
• Decryptor for CoinVault: All Trojan-Ransom versions affected by files may be decrypted using CoinVault Decryptor. MSIL. CoinVault. Decryptor for CoinVault is free to access.
• Wildfire Decryptor: Decrypts files with the WFLX extension or files impacted by Wildfire Locker. Downloading Wildfire Decryptor is cost-free and openly accessible.
• Xorist Decryptor: Data encrypted by ransomware from the Trojan-Ransom family is decrypted. Trojan-Ransom and Win32.Xorist and Win32.Vandev (Xorist and Vandev). The utility may be downloaded without charge and is also freely accessible.

3. Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor

The Trend Micro ransomware file decryptor can decrypt files encrypted by 27 known ransomware families, including well-known varieties like WannaCry, Petya, TeleCrypt, Jigsaw, CryptXXX, and TeslaCrypt (Versions 1, 2, 3, and 4). The Trend Micro ransomware file decryptor is not a universal, one-size-fits-all piece of software, like some others. Before choosing the best tool to decrypt files, you must instead determine the ransomware family you are afflicted with or the name of the ransomware file extension.

Let's say that you are unaware of the ransomware's name or file extension. If that happens, the tool could analyze the file automatically and determine the ransomware based on the file signature, or it might prompt you for further details about the files; if not, choose "I don't know the ransomware name". On your computer, you will be asked to choose a target file or folder for the decryption procedure. Yet the program is effective enough to recognize and decrypt a variety of ransomware file formats. Nevertheless, neither the consistency of its efficacy nor the integrity of the translated files are 100% guaranteed.

4. AVG Ransomware Decryption Tools

For decrypting data that has been ransomware-encrypted, AVG offers a variety of free tools. Tools used by ransomware include Apocalypse, Bart, BadBlock, Crypt888, Legion, SZFLocker, and TeslaCrypt. Moreover, AVG's endpoint security solutions, such as AVG Internet Security, include a built-in ransomware prevention capability. Preventing file changes, deletions, and encryption contributes to the protection of files on endpoint devices and helps avoid ransomware assaults.

5. BitDefender Anti-ransomware

The most often used families of crypto ransomware are CTB-Locker, Locky, and TeslaCrypt. BD AntiRansomware (also known as BitDefender Anti-Ransomware Vaccination) is a potent program that will defend you against both known and potential future variants of these families. By taking advantage of holes in the crypto ransomware's distribution strategies and preventing them from infecting your machine, it assures your safety. The clever BD AntiRansomware blocks the notorious ransomware attacks CryptoWall and CryptoLocker.

As a preventative measure, Bitdefender Anti-Ransomware will immunize your system and prevent the activation of software from the "AppData" and "Startup" directories. It will continuously keep an eye on your machine and stop known ransomware encryption techniques.

The fact that the venerable BitDefender security company produces this tool already guarantees its high level of dependability. Moreover, Bitdefender Anti-Ransomware is compact, uncomplicated, portable, and straightforward to use. Anyone can operate it thanks to its simple interface. Also, it is totally free.

6. McAfee Ransomware Recover

A framework called McAfee Ransomware Recover (Mr2) enables the decryption of files that have been encrypted by different ransomware strains. The utility can decrypt ransomware-encrypted user files, apps, databases, applets, and other files and objects. The excellent thing about this program is that it is consistently updated when new decryption algorithms and keys become available to unlock files being held hostage by crooks. McAfee advises the following steps before utilizing this tool:

• Ensure network connectivity on your computer.
• Before using a specific decryption tool, eliminate and isolate any ransomware that is currently active on your system by upgrading your antimalware product's most recent signature.
• Make sure you have the patch or update for this Microsoft security advisory installed on your system if you are using Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows Server 2008.

7. Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools

One of the best ransomware decryption programs for Windows computers is Emsisoft. A large number of free specialist tools are available from Emsisoft for decrypting different ransomware strains, including PClock, CryptoDefense, CrypBoss, DMA Locker, Xorist, Apocalypse, WannaCryFake, Cyborg, and many others.

The integrity of the decrypted files is not guaranteed by Emsisoft tools, though. So, unless this option is deliberately deactivated, the decryptor will not destroy any encrypted files once they have been decrypted, especially if you have a restricted amount of storage space.

8. Quick Heal - Free Ransomware Decryption Tool

The Fast Heal ransomware decryption program can unlock data locked by 17 different ransomware strains. The program automatically searches the encrypted files on your infected device for those that it can decode before replacing the encrypted files with the decrypted ones. To use this utility to decrypt a file, follow these steps:

1. On the system where the encrypted files are located, click Download Tool, save, and then extract the zip file.
2. To see the Decryption Window, right-click on the extracted file and choose "Run as administrator."
3. To begin the scan, press Y. For supported encrypted files, the utility will automatically search the whole system. When an encrypted file is discovered, the program will maintain a duplicate of the encrypted file while concurrently decrypting the file in its appropriate folder.
4. The decryption tool will reveal the final status when the scan is finished, including how many encrypted files were discovered and how many were successfully decoded. The "Decryption.log" created in the same folder as the tool contains extensive information about the state of each file's decryption.
5. Following that, you may check to see if the encrypted files are once again readable and accessible by opening them.

A built-in active protection technique in Quick Heal reduces the impact of ransomware assaults by stopping malware from running automatically when it is introduced via portable storage devices.

Best Practices for Ransomware Prevention and Recovery

Although the adage "prevention is better than cure" is still valid, since malware prevention is an arms race, it is difficult to stop all present and future threats. Simple best practices may significantly lower the risk of ransomware attacks, including deploying endpoint protection technologies, antivirus software, and secure passwords. But it's a smart idea to take precautions to limit the harm that a ransomware attack is likely to do.

• Use immutability wherever possible: Protection against ransomware attacks can be provided by setting up immutable storage targets. Formerly, it was challenging to put this into practice. To help safeguard your data against ransomware, modern data security and backup systems make it simple to construct immutable targets and storage pools.
• Construct encrypted backups: If you haven't already, begin encrypting your backups right now. Since backups aren't intended to be used regularly, there won't be much of a speed hit from encrypting them. However, the security advantages of encrypted backups are too great to ignore. Apart from preventing other illegal access and data leaks, encryption would make it more challenging for ransomware attackers to access your files. Make sure encryption keys are safely maintained and available to the appropriate individuals at all times.
• Check Your Backups Often: Verify the consistency of your backups and that any automatic backups you are conducting are proceeding as you would anticipate. Verifying backups doesn't take long, and it gives you confidence that you can recover your data if something happens. If you and your IT team ever need to put your data recovery plans into action, just a few minutes once a week or once a month to double-check your backups might save you and your team a lot of grief. Your rehabilitation plan's automated simulations on a regular basis could be a step in that process.
• Restrict backup access: Every person who has access to your backups might be an attack vector. The most frequent cause of data breaches is stolen credentials. You lessen the impact of any potential data breaches by restricting who has access to your backups. In a perfect world, everyone would use strong passwords, avoid reusing them, and adhere to multi-factor authentication best practices. Regrettably, since individuals are flawed, they occasionally take chances or cut corners. It is your responsibility as a systems administrator to take all reasonable steps to reduce that risk. Providing users with only the information they require is a realistic first step.
• Actively Keep an Eye on Your Systems: Antivirus and malware programs may not always be able to detect the most recent varieties of ransomware because of their rapid evolution. You may detect an infection before it has a chance to cause a lot of harm by using tools to keep an eye out for symptoms of compromise. Something may be awry if you notice that a backup job has been modified or that files that aren't typically handled are being updated. In order to investigate the reason for strange behavior and possibly prevent permanent harm, you can take data offline or migrate to a "clean room" environment when you are alerted to signs of compromise.
• Plan your data recovery: Your larger business continuity strategy should include a data recovery strategy. Start developing a formal strategy if you still need to do so. If you do have a strategy in place, make sure to test it often. If you are following best practices, you will be doing frequent backups and will already be certain that they are successful. But does this include every file you need? Play through some role-playing scenarios to see whether you could, in the event of assaults on particular systems, retrieve all the data you want. Think about what you would do if you needed to shut down certain systems so you could clean up the virus on your network. Regularly test and assess your plans rather than assuming they are sound, especially if your procedures alter or you begin using new software. The stakeholder teams that may have to implement the recovery plans should be well-informed of and familiar with them.

How Long Does It Take to Decrypt Ransomware?

The downtime following a ransomware attack lasts, on average, 21 days. It can take many more days to get the decryption key and undo the encryption if you pay the ransom. Keep in mind that certain ransomware variations locate and delete backups on the hacked network. The recovery procedure may become more difficult if backups are lost or encrypted. Yet, recovery might still be a time-consuming procedure even if backups are useful, depending on the backup and recovery mechanisms you have in place. Plan for the full recovery procedure to take many days, whether you choose to pay the ransom or try to retrieve the data yourself. Prepare for some financial loss as well, whether it manifests as ransom payments, incident response expenses, or lost income as a result of downtime.