How to remove Cloak Ransomware and decrypt .crYpt files

What is Cloak Ransomware

Cloak Ransomware is a sophisticated form of malware designed to extort victims by encrypting valuable data on their systems and demanding payment for its decryption. Once it infiltrates a computer, it encrypts files and appends them with a distinct .crYpt extension, signifying their compromised status. For instance, a file named document.docx would be transformed into document.docx.crYpt. Employing robust cryptographic algorithms, Cloak Ransomware effectively locks data, making recovery challenging without the attacker’s decryption key. Upon encrypting files, it generates a ransom note, typically named readme_for_unlock.txt, which is dropped into affected directories, including the desktop. This note informs victims that their files have been encrypted and provides instructions for purchasing the decryption key, usually involving cryptocurrency payments via a Tor network website to maintain anonymity.

As daunting as this scenario appears, the availability of decryption tools for Cloak Ransomware is currently non-existent due to the complexity of its encryption mechanisms. Consequently, decrypting .crYpt files without the attackers’ cooperation is typically impossible, leaving victims reliant on alternatives such as restoring from backups. It is crucial to emphasize that paying the ransom is not recommended, as it does not assure data recovery and perpetuates the cycle of cybercrime. Instead, affected individuals should focus on removing the ransomware from their systems, ensuring it cannot encrypt additional data. This can be achieved through reliable antivirus software. If files have been backed up, they can be restored post-removal, ensuring minimal data loss. Additionally, staying informed about ransomware trends and strengthening security measures can significantly reduce the risk of future infections.

How Cloak Ransomware infects computers

Cloak Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through various deceptive methods, primarily leveraging phishing and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals often disguise malicious files as legitimate content, distributing them via email attachments, malicious links, or bundled with seemingly harmless software. These files can take multiple forms, including ZIP archives, executable files, or documents with embedded macros. Once a user inadvertently opens one of these infected files, the ransomware initiates its encryption process, targeting the victim’s data. Additionally, Cloak Ransomware can propagate through compromised websites, drive-by downloads, and peer-to-peer networks, exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain unauthorized access. To bolster its spread, it may also employ trojans and exploit removable storage devices, further increasing the risk of infection across connected systems.

1. Download Cloak Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .crYpt 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 Cloak Ransomware

Cloak Ransomware files:


readme_for_unlock.txt
{randomname}.exe


Cloak Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .crYpt files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .crYpt 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 .crYpt 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 Cloak 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 .crYpt 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 Cloak 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. Cloak 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