How to remove Dark Eye Ransomware and decrypt .darkeye files

What is Dark Eye Ransomware

Dark Eye Ransomware is a malicious software belonging to the Xorist family, designed to encrypt files on an infected system and demand a ransom for their decryption. Upon infection, this ransomware appends the .darkeye extension to all encrypted files. For example, a file named 1.jpg will be altered to 1.jpg.darkeye. The ransomware then prompts a detailed ransom note, altering the desktop wallpaper, displaying a pop-up window, and generating a HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt file. This note informs the victim about the encryption, warning that only five attempts are allowed to enter the correct decryption password, after which decryption will be impossible. The note instructs victims to contact the provided email address and pay $60 in Bitcoin to receive the decryption password.

Currently, no universally applicable decryption tools exist for Dark Eye Ransomware, making it particularly insidious. Victims are often left with limited options, primarily reliant on restoring files from backups. Attempting to decrypt .darkeye files without the proper decryption key—held by the attackers—remains largely ineffective, as the encryption methods used by Dark Eye are sophisticated and secure. Tools like Spyhunter can help remove the ransomware, preventing further encryption, but they cannot decrypt the already affected files. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain regular backups and avoid any interaction with the attackers, as paying the ransom does not guarantee the retrieval of decryption keys and only encourages future attacks.

How Dark Eye Ransomware infects computers

Dark Eye Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through deceptive tactics such as phishing emails, malicious attachments, and compromised websites. Cybercriminals often disguise malicious files as legitimate documents or use enticing subject lines to lure users into clicking on infected links. Once executed, the ransomware exploits software vulnerabilities to gain access to the system, encrypting files and appending the “.darkeye” extension. Additionally, Dark Eye can spread through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, pirated software, and infected USB drives. Immediate disconnection from the internet and isolation of the infected device are crucial steps in mitigating further damage and preventing the spread of the ransomware.

1. Download Dark Eye Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .darkeye 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 Eye Ransomware

Dark Eye Ransomware files:


HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt
{randomname}.exe


Dark Eye Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .darkeye files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .darkeye 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 .darkeye 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 Eye 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 .darkeye 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 Dark Eye 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 Eye 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