How to remove CATAKA Ransomware and decrypt encrypted files

What is CATAKA Ransomware

CATAKA is a type of ransomware, a malicious software that encrypts files on a victim’s computer and demands a ransom for their decryption. It was discovered while examining samples uploaded to the VirusTotal website. Once a computer is infected, CATAKA encrypts files and appends a random extension to filenames. The extension consists of five random characters, making each file’s extension unique. For example, it changes 1.jpg to 1.jpg.jslB3, 2.png to 2.png.f7J9a, and so forth. CATAKA ransomware uses a robust encryption algorithm to encrypt the victim’s files, making it seemingly impossible to access the files without a specific decryption key held by the attacker. Upon successful encryption, CATAKA changes the victim’s desktop wallpaper and provides a ransom note named Readme.txt. The ransom note is designed to convey a message from the attacker, apologizing for encrypting the victim’s files and assuring the victim that data recovery is possible by purchasing the decryption key for $1500 in Bitcoin.

The most secure method for recovering from a ransomware attack is to restore the affected files from secure, unaffected backups. If no backup is available, victims can explore the use of third-party decryption tools, although none are currently available specifically for CATAKA. It’s strongly advised against yielding to the demands of ransom payments to the attackers due to the lack of assurance that the promised decryption tools will be delivered. Furthermore, prioritizing the removal of ransomware from compromised systems is of utmost importance, as it plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of additional computers on the same network falling victim to infection and subsequent data encryption. If your computer is already infected with CATAKA, it is recommended to run a scan with a reputable antivirus software to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

How CATAKA Ransomware infects computers

CATAKA ransomware can infect computers through various methods. One prevalent avenue for infection is via exploit kits that target software vulnerabilities. When users fail to keep their operating systems and applications up-to-date with the latest security patches, cybercriminals can exploit these vulnerabilities to deliver ransomware onto their systems. In other cases, users cause computer infections via malicious ads, P2P networks, torrents, third-party downloaders, and similar channels.

1. Download CATAKA Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted 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 CATAKA Ransomware

CATAKA Ransomware files:


Readme.txt
{randomname}.exe


CATAKA Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted 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 encrypted 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 CATAKA 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 encrypted 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 CATAKA 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. CATAKA 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