How to remove Crypto24 Ransomware and decrypt .crypto24 files

What is Crypto24 Ransomware

Crypto24 Ransomware is a particularly malicious type of software designed to encrypt files on a victim’s computer and demand payment for their release. Once it infiltrates a system, it systematically encrypts personal data by appending the .crypto24 extension to filenames. For instance, a file named example.jpg would be transformed into example.jpg.crypto24, rendering it inaccessible. Following encryption, the ransomware generates a ransom note titled Decryption.txt. This file is usually placed in all affected directories and details the attack, informing victims that their data has been encrypted and providing instructions on how to pay the ransom. It warns against renaming or modifying the encrypted files, as doing so might render them permanently irrecoverable.

Unfortunately, there are currently no decryption tools available to freely decrypt files compromised by Crypto24 Ransomware. The encryption methods employed are sophisticated, often utilizing high-grade cryptographic algorithms that make unauthorized decryption impossible. As a result, without access to the attackers’ unique decryption key, victims are usually unable to retrieve their files. The best prevention method against such attacks involves maintaining regular backups on separate, offline storage devices. If affected by Crypto24, the most advised course of action is not to pay the ransom due to the uncertain likelihood of receiving a decryption key even after the payment, along with the ethical standpoint of not financing criminal activity. Instead, victims should focus on removing the ransomware from their systems to prevent further damage and considering data recovery solutions that might help in certain cases.

How Crypto24 Ransomware infects computers

Crypto24 Ransomware primarily infiltrates computers through deceptive tactics such as phishing emails, malicious attachments, and exploit kits. Cybercriminals often disguise the ransomware as legitimate files, tricking users into downloading and opening them. Once executed, the ransomware exploits vulnerabilities in the system or software to gain control. It then encrypts files on the victim’s computer, appending a “.crypto24” extension to each affected file. In addition to email attachments, Crypto24 can also spread through compromised websites, malicious ads, and social engineering techniques, making it crucial for users to exercise caution and maintain updated security measures.

1. Download Crypto24 Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .crypto24 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 Crypto24 Ransomware

Crypto24 Ransomware files:


Decryption.txt
{randomname}.exe


Crypto24 Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .crypto24 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .crypto24 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 .crypto24 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 Crypto24 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 .crypto24 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 Crypto24 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. Crypto24 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