How to remove DARKSET Ransomware and decrypt .DARKSET files

What is DARKSET Ransomware

DARKSET Ransomware is a malicious program that falls under the category of ransomware, designed specifically to encrypt files on the victim’s computer and demand a ransom for their decryption. Upon infection, this ransomware scans the system for specific types of files and encrypts them, appending the .DARKSET extension to each affected file. This means a file originally named 1.jpg will appear as 1.jpg.DARKSET after encryption. The cryptographic algorithm used by DARKSET is sophisticated, often employing strong symmetric or asymmetric encryption methods making it nearly impossible to decrypt files without a key. After the encryption process is complete, DARKSET alters the desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note titled ReadMe.txt in various locations on the affected machine. This text file contains instructions for the victim to contact the cybercriminals via email in order to obtain a decryption key upon payment of a ransom.

Currently, there are no publicly available decryption tools for DARKSET, primarily due to the robust encryption methods that it implements, which prevent decryption without access to the attackers’ unique key. To decrypt .DARKSET files, affected users are usually left with limited options: comply with the ransom demand, which is discouraged as it funds criminal activities and does not guarantee file recovery, or attempt data recovery through third-party software, which might have success with recovering files from unencrypted backups. The best preventive measure is regular, secure backups stored separately from the system, making restoration possible without relying on decryption. Moreover, it is advisable to seek professional assistance from cybersecurity experts to ensure all traces of the ransomware are removed from the system to prevent further encryption or infection.

How DARKSET Ransomware infects computers

DARKSET Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive tactics such as phishing emails, malicious attachments, and compromised websites. Cybercriminals often disguise the ransomware as legitimate files, such as PDF documents or software updates, luring users into downloading and executing the malicious payload. Once executed, DARKSET exploits vulnerabilities in the system or relies on social engineering to bypass security measures. Additionally, it may spread through network shares and removable storage devices, leveraging its self-propagating capabilities to infect multiple systems within a network. The ransomware also employs drive-by downloads, where simply visiting an infected website can trigger the download and installation of the malware without user interaction. To minimize the risk of infection, users are advised to maintain updated security software, exercise caution with unsolicited communications, and avoid downloading files from unverified sources.

1. Download DARKSET Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .DARKSET 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 DARKSET Ransomware

DARKSET Ransomware files:


ReadMe.txt
{randomname}.exe


DARKSET Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .DARKSET files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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