How to remove 1337 Ransomware and decrypt .1337 files

What is 1337 Ransomware

1337 Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on a victim’s computer and demands a ransom for their decryption. It was discovered during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. The ransomware appends the .1337 extension to the filenames of encrypted files. For instance, a file initially titled 1.jpg would appear as 1.jpg.1337 after encryption. While the specific encryption method used by 1337 Ransomware is not yet determined, it is common for ransomware to use strong encryption methods, such as AES-256 or RSA-2048, to make the victim’s files inaccessible. After encrypting the files, 1337 Ransomware drops a ransom note titled yourhope.txt. This note informs the victim that their data has been encrypted and reassures them that recovery is possible. It encourages the victim to contact the attackers, presumably for instructions on how to pay the ransom and decrypt their files.

Currently, the only reliable method to recover files encrypted by 1337 Ransomware is to restore them from a backup, if one is available. Removing the ransomware from the operating system will prevent further encryptions, but it will not restore already locked files. It is highly recommended to store backups in multiple different locations, such as remote servers and unplugged storage devices, to ensure data safety.

In the absence of a backup, victims may have to rely on professional data recovery tools or services like Stellar Data Recovery Professional, although success is not guaranteed. It’s also worth keeping an eye on websites like Avast’s Free Ransomware Decryption Tools page, as new decryption tools are being developed and released regularly.

How 1337 Ransomware infects computers

Ransomware like 1337 primarily spreads using phishing and social engineering techniques. Common distribution methods include stealthy or deceptive downloads, dubious download sources such as freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, malicious attachments or links in spam emails/messages, online scams, malvertising, illegal program activation tools (“cracks”), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can even self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices like external hard drives and USB flash drives. These malicious software are usually disguised as or bundled with ordinary program/media files.

1. Download 1337 Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .1337 files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like 1337 Ransomware

1337 Ransomware files:


yourhope.txt
{randomname}.exe


1337 Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .1337 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .1337 files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .1337 files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with 1337 Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .1337 files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like 1337 Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. 1337 Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro