How to remove Dark 101 Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is Dark 101 Ransomware

Dark 101 Ransomware is a malicious software program that operates by encrypting files on infected systems and then demanding a ransom payment, often presenting itself through hacktivist inspired messages. Based on the Chaos ransomware variant, this specific malware appends file names with a unique extension comprised of four random characters, altering something like photo.jpg into photo.jpg.9xdq. This encryption method creates significant challenges for victims, as it utilizes robust cryptographic algorithms to block access to files until the decryption key is provided—allegedly after ransom payment. Upon completion of the encryption process, the ransomware delivers its ransom note through a text file named Dark101_read_it.txt, left on the infected computer’s desktop, and alters the desktop wallpaper with further instructions.

Despite the alarming situation left by Dark 101 Ransomware, currently, no universal decryption tools are available to rescue encrypted files without engaging the cybercriminals. Typically, the ransom note attributes its demands to humanitarian causes, suggesting the payment be seen as a “donation” to people in need. However, the recommendation for victims remains consistent: refrain from paying the ransom, as it funds further criminal activities and does not guarantee file decryption. For those impacted, the practical approach to file recovery is through reliable backups made prior to the infection. Without proper backups, the data remains inaccessible given the advanced encryption employed by the ransomware. While victims may explore data recovery software as a potential lifeline, success is contingent on the specifics of the ransomware’s encryption and the tools themselves, with no assurance of recovering encrypted files without the original decryption keys.

How Dark 101 Ransomware infects computers

Dark 101 Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through phishing and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals often disguise the malicious software as legitimate files or bundle it with seemingly harmless downloads. These files can be distributed via infected email attachments, compromised websites, or through malicious ads online. Once a user unknowingly executes the file, the ransomware encrypts the system’s data, appending a unique extension to affected files. In addition, Dark 101 can spread across local networks and infect external storage devices if connected, making immediate isolation of the affected device crucial. Users are urged to practice caution when downloading files or clicking on links from unverified sources and to regularly update their security software to mitigate the risk of such infections.

1. Download Dark 101 Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted 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 Dark 101 Ransomware

Dark 101 Ransomware files:


Dark101_read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


Dark 101 Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted 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 encrypted 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 Dark 101 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 encrypted 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 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 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 Dark 101 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. Dark 101 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