How to remove Code Ransomware and decrypt .code files

What is Code Ransomware

Code is the name of a new ransomware variant that infects organizations in order to run encryption of data and extort money in return for the decryption key. During encryption, it appends the .code extension and creates a ransom note (called !!!HOW_TO_DECRYPT!!!.txt) with instructions on how to decrypt the blocked data. Here is what an infected file would look like after encryption – 1.pdf.code, 2.png.code, and so forth with other file types targeted by the virus.

In the note, cybercriminals try to persuade victims into paying the ransom for decryption. It is said victims have to install the TOX messenger and write to extortionists using the provided TOX ID. Unless victims meet these demands and refuse to purchase decryption, threat actors threaten to start randomly sharing the encrypted data with other parties or leak/sell it on the dark web and other shady resources. Unfortunately, it is typically only cybercriminals who have the right instruments and decryption keys to unlock access to data completely and safely. As of the moment of writing, no third party is known to have the capability to bypass the encrypted run by Code Ransomware. The only available options for data recovery are to either collaborate with ransomware developers or retrieve data from existing backup copies. Backups are copies of data stored on external devices such as USB drives, external hard drives, or SSDs. The only downside of self-recovery is that threat actors may indeed put your data at reputational risk by disclosing it to parties that may abuse it for financial purposes.

Using your own backups is less risky than paying swindlers. Some cybercriminals may deceive their victims and not provide any promised decryption tools/keys even after obtaining the payment. It is highly advised to create regular and scheduled backups in order to ensure the majority of data can be recovered in the event of unexpected loss or ransomware affection. If no backups are present, you can try some third-party tools or attempt to recover from windows shadow copies. However, these alternatives may not always be effective and are only successful in rare cases. Before starting manual recovery without the involvement of cybercriminals, it is crucial to delete the ransomware virus from your system so that it does not impact other files or spread to neighboring systems connected to the same network. Even if you choose to collaborate with them to decrypt files, it is still important to remove the ransomware afterwards. Follow the steps in our guide to perform full-fledged ransomware removal and protect your system against such threats in the future.

How Code Ransomware infected your computer

The most common ways through which ransomware gets carried into the system are phishing e-mail letters, unprotected RDP configuration, infected software installers (pirated or cracked), exploit kits, trojans, fake updates/license cracking tools, unreliable ads, backdoors, keyloggers, and other dubious channels. The primary goal of these distribution techniques is to trick users into downloading and opening some malicious file or link. For instance, fraudelent e-mails often disguise harmful attachments as legitimate and genuine files, such as .DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF, .EXE, .ZIP, .RAR, or .JS. Cybercriminals make such messages look legitimate by impersonating templates of trustworthy organizations (e.g., delivery companies, tax authorities, banks, and so forth). Thus, it is important to maintain a high level of caution when dealing with content that could be potentially harmful.

Avoid interacting with dubious download resources, torrent-sharing websites, suspicious ads, potentially malicious attachments/links, and other types of content that may find suspicious or compromised. To prevent drive-by installations of malware, make sure software is downloaded only from official and trusted resources. You can also read our guide below to discover practical techniques and advice for keeping your system protected against ransomware and other types of malware in the future.

1. Download Code Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .code 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 Code Ransomware

Code Ransomware files:


!!!HOW_TO_DECRYPT!!!.txt
{randomname}.exe


Code Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .code files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .code 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 .code 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 Code 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 .code 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 Code 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. Code 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