How to remove Cipher (Proton) Ransomware and decrypt .cipher files

What is Cipher (Proton) Ransomware

Cipher (Proton) Ransomware is a notorious cyber threat that belongs to the Proton ransomware family, which primarily targets users by encrypting their valuable data and demanding ransom for decryption. Upon infection, this malware appends the .cipher extension to the filenames of encrypted files, marking them distinctly. For example, a file initially named document.jpg would be modified to document.jpg.[watchdogs20@tuta.io].cipher, highlighting the attacker’s contact email. Using asymmetric encryption, Cipher (Proton) employs sophisticated cryptographic algorithms that render files unusable without a decryption key that only the attackers possess. Once encryption completes, the ransomware generates ransom notes in multiple forms: a full-screen message before the log-in screen, desktop wallpaper alterations, and text files named #Read-for-recovery.txt. These notes evade detailing the encryption process and solely urge victims to contact the cyber criminals via email for further instructions.

Unfortunately, decryption tools for Cipher (Proton) Ransomware are currently unavailable due to the complexity and strength of the used encryption algorithms. This absence of dedicated decryption tools leaves victims with limited options for data recovery. Attempting to decrypt .cipher files without paying the ransom typically turns futile, as successful decryption necessitates the keys held by the attackers. Moreover, even if victims decide to pay, there is no guarantee of receiving the decryption tools, and it is discouraged to comply with the ransom demands as it fosters illegal activities. The recommended course is to remove the infection immediately to prevent further data encryption and restore any affected files from previously created backups stored securely offline. Employing reliable antivirus software for malware removal is also essential. For future protection, maintaining updated and regular backups across multiple storage solutions and enhancing cybersecurity practices are crucial to mitigate the impact of such ransomware attacks.

How Cipher (Proton) Ransomware infects computers

Cipher (Proton) Ransomware primarily infiltrates computers through phishing and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals often disguise the ransomware as legitimate files or bundle it with seemingly harmless content, such as email attachments, malicious links, or downloads from untrustworthy sources like torrent websites and free file-hosting services. Once the victim executes the infected file, the ransomware is installed and begins encrypting the user’s data. Additionally, some variants exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software or use malicious advertisements to silently download the ransomware onto the target system. The ransomware also has the potential to spread across local networks and infect external storage devices, amplifying its impact.

1. Download Cipher (Proton) Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .cipher 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 Cipher (Proton) Ransomware

Cipher (Proton) Ransomware files:


#Read-for-recovery.txt
{randomname}.exe


Cipher (Proton) Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .cipher files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .cipher 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 .cipher 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 Cipher (Proton) 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 .cipher files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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 a 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 a 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 an 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 Cipher (Proton) 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. Cipher (Proton) 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