How to remove DarkN1ght Ransomware and decrypt .3hok files

What is DarkN1ght Ransomware

DarkN1ght Ransomware is a malicious software variant that encrypts files on infected computers, making them inaccessible to the user unless a ransom is paid. This ransomware is based on the Chaos ransomware family and exhibits behaviors typical of modern ransomware threats, meticulously encrypting critical data and demanding a ransom for decryption. Upon infiltrating a system, DarkN1ght appends file extensions composed of four random characters to encrypted files, examples of which include extensions such as .3hok, .7oyv, and .6003. After encryption, affected files might be renamed from, say, 1.jpg to 1.jpg.3hok, exemplifying the alteration that occurs. This renaming serves as a clear indicator that the files are no longer directly accessible. The process of encryption utilized by DarkN1ght is assumed to be complex, possibly employing an asymmetric encryption algorithm, though specific details on its cryptographic methods remain undisclosed by researchers. In terms of communication, DarkN1ght Ransomware drops a poignant ransom note named read_it.txt on the victim’s desktop and within various directories across the system.

This note informs victims that their files have been encrypted and provides payment instructions, typically requesting bitcoins as the chosen currency for ransom transactions. A noteworthy point in DarkN1ght’s ransom demand is that the included text is present in both English and Vietnamese, serving possibly to target a broader audience or indicate the attacker’s origin. Unfortunately, as of now, there are no known decryption tools publicly available to decrypt files encrypted by DarkN1ght, leaving victims with limited options outside of restoring from backups. Without a legitimate decryption tool, it is impossible to decrypt .3hok files or any others encrypted, thus reinforcing the importance of maintaining regular and safe data backups as a preventive measure against such ransomware infections. Pursuing the attacker’s demand is highly discouraged since there is no guarantee of file recovery.

How DarkN1ght Ransomware infects computers

DarkN1ght Ransomware infiltrates computers through various deceptive methods commonly employed by cybercriminals. One prevalent tactic involves sending phishing emails with malicious attachments or links, luring unsuspecting users to download and execute the ransomware. Additionally, attackers exploit software vulnerabilities by embedding the malware within seemingly innocuous files such as MS Office documents, PDFs, or script files. DarkN1ght can also spread through malicious advertisements and compromised websites, where users inadvertently download the ransomware by interacting with infected content. Peer-to-peer networks and pirated software are other avenues for distribution, as threat actors often disguise the ransomware in cracked software or key generators. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should exercise caution with email attachments, maintain up-to-date software, and avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.

1. Download DarkN1ght Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .3hok 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 DarkN1ght Ransomware

DarkN1ght Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


DarkN1ght Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .3hok files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .3hok 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 .3hok 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 DarkN1ght 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 .3hok 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 DarkN1ght 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. DarkN1ght 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