How to remove Chaos Ransomware and decrypt .axiom, .teddy or .astralocker files

What is Chaos Ransomware

Chaos is a popular ransomware family that spreads a number of malware versions. Upon its infection, most files stored on a system get readjusted becoming no longer accessible. This is done by cybercriminals to extort the so-called ransom from victims in exchange for unblocking data. At the moment, there are 4 most popular versions propagated by Chaos – Axiom, Teddy, and AstraLocker Ransomware. All 4 assign their own extension whilst blocking access to data. For instance, a file like 1.pdf may change to 1.pdf.axiom, 1.pdf.teddy, 1.pdf.encrypted, or 1.pdf.astralocker depending on which version attacked your network. Initially, Chaos used to be called Ryuk.Net Ransomware, but then upgraded and started getting proliferated by the new name. What is more, Ryuk.Net only mimicked encryption with AES+RSA algorithms, but actually used Base64 coding to damage the structure of files. Not excluded the same can be faced in newer versions as well. It is also possible to see a version of Chaos appending a string of random characters to encrypted files – like 1.pdf.us00, 1.pdf.wf1d, and so forth. As soon as encryption (or fake encryption) gets to a close, the virus creates a text note with instructions on how to recover your data. Here are the names as well as the content of each text note created by different versions (README.txt, read_it.txt, READ_ME_NOW.txt):

In general, all Chaos versions say you can recover the data only by opting for special decryption software. The price for such software may vary depending on versions but can go up to 1,500$. The specified amount has to be paid in cryptocurrency (usually Bitcoin or Monero) to the attached wallet address. After this, cyber criminals promise that victims will obtain the necessary software to decrypt files and remove ransomware from their system. Usually, there are communication channels like e-mail attached by developers to maintain contact with them, however, this is not the case with many Chaos versions. This is why it is impossible to contact developers and negotiate in case something goes wrong. Some versions do not even have payment credentials, which means they are likely to be still under development. Whatever the case, it is advised against paying the ransom especially when there is such an ambiguity. Extortionists do not always keep their promise and fool desperate users by not sending any decryption tools. Luckily, there are some Chaos variants that can be approached by third-party decryption - to avoid paying the ransom. You just need to upload your sample to special decryption software and check if it can be unlocked. In case your files cannot be decrypted, the best and secure way to regain them is using backup copies stored on unplugged devices or cloud services. You can read the full information on ransomware removal as well as potential recovery options in our tutorial below.

How Chaos Ransomware infected your computer

In most cases, ransomware infections are spread by hacking unprotected RDP configuration, via email spam containing malicious attachments, fraudulent downloads, botnets, exploits, trojans, malicious ads, web injectors, fake updates, repacked and infected installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), free file hosting websites, unofficial websites, and so forth. As statistics show, most people end up infected with malware after interacting with files like Microsoft Office documents, PDFs, ZIP or RAR Archives, Executables, and JavaScript formats that have been reconfigured for storing infections. Such content is usually spread via e-mail from ostensibly legitimate firms. Cybercriminals disguise their letters as delivery companies, local authorities, and other institutions that can be trusted by users. By doing so, most users get curious and open files or links leading to the installation of malware. In most other cases, ransomware reaches successful installation due to personal negligence and inexperience. Users can download fake updates or software via ads claiming their PC to be outdated or even infected. Most uneducated believe it and fall into the trap of malware. This is why it is important to keep your head on a swivel whenever it comes to online activity. Always be careful and back yourself up with special protection instruments that help users combat potentially dangerous content. To learn more information on this, read our guidelines below.

1. Download Chaos Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .axiom, .teddy or .astralocker 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 Chaos Ransomware

Chaos Ransomware files:


README.txt
read_it.txt
READ_ME_NOW.txt
README.md
svchost.exe
Ryuk .Net Ransomware Builder.pdb
Ryuk .Net Ransomware Builder.exe
{randomfilename}.exe


Chaos Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .axiom, .teddy or .astralocker files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .axiom, .teddy or .astralocker 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 .axiom, .teddy or .astralocker files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of 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 Chaos 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 .axiom, .teddy or .astralocker 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 is no items in the list choose 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 Chaos 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. Chaos 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