How to remove Craxsrat Ransomware and decrypt .craxsrat files

What is Craxsrat Ransomware

Craxsrat Ransomware is a malicious software program classified under ransomware, which is notorious for encrypting victims’ files and demanding a ransom payment for their decryption. Upon infection, Craxsrat appends a .craxsrat extension to each encrypted file name, altering the structure and rendering them inaccessible. For instance, a file named photo.jpg becomes photo.jpg.craxsrat. This ransomware deploys the RSA cryptographic algorithm, known for its robust encryption capabilities, using separate keys for encryption and decryption, which makes data recovery without the decryption key nearly impossible. After encrypting files, the ransomware creates a ransom note titled HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt, typically located in every affected folder. The note instructs the victim to pay an amount of $50 in Bitcoin in exchange for a decryption key and allows for the decryption of a single file as proof, although fulfilling ransom demands often does not guarantee data recovery or the development of trustworthy tools.

As of now, there are no free decryption tools available for Craxsrat ransomware, which adds a layer of complexity to resolving these attacks. The decryption of files encrypted by Craxsrat ransomware is largely impeded by the formidable RSA encryption, making it nearly impossible without intervention from the original developers, who retain the unique decryption keys. Victims are strongly discouraged from paying the ransom, as it not only fails to ensure file restoration but also perpetuates criminal activities. Instead, potential solutions include maintaining regular backups and exploring legitimate recovery options, such as professional data recovery services or engaging with cybersecurity communities and projects like “No More Ransom.” Although these resources might not yet provide a specific tool for Craxsrat, they can offer valuable guidance and up-to-date information on available recovery methods, advocating against yielding to cybercriminal demands.

How Craxsrat Ransomware infects computers

Craxsrat Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive tactics often employed by cybercriminals. This ransomware is typically distributed via phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or links, masquerading as legitimate communications to trick users into downloading them. Once a user interacts with these attachments, the ransomware is executed, encrypting the user’s files and appending a “.craxsrat” extension. In addition to phishing, Craxsrat can also spread through compromised websites and malvertising, where unsuspecting users are led to download the malware without realizing it. Another common vector is through software vulnerabilities, making computers with outdated software particularly vulnerable. To minimize the risk of infection, it’s crucial to maintain updated security software, exercise caution with email attachments, and ensure all system applications are regularly updated.

1. Download Craxsrat Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .craxsrat 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 Craxsrat Ransomware

Craxsrat Ransomware files:


HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt
{randomname}.exe


Craxsrat Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .craxsrat files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .craxsrat 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 .craxsrat 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 Craxsrat 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 .craxsrat 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 Craxsrat 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. Craxsrat 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