How to remove DataDestroyer Ransomware and decrypt .destroyer files

What is DataDestroyer Ransomware

DataDestroyer Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts files on an infected computer, rendering the data inaccessible to the user. It typically targets essential files and modifies their extensions to ensure that victims can’t open them without a decryption key. With this ransomware, the affected files are appended with the extension .destroyer, making it easy to identify which files have been compromised. The encryption algorithm used by DataDestroyer Ransomware is usually robust and complex, often employing AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) to securely lock the files. This level of encryption is nearly impossible to break without the corresponding decryption key, making it very challenging for victims to recover their data without paying the ransom. When the ransomware completes its encryption process, it creates a ransom note, typically labeled as note.txt, which is placed in every directory containing encrypted files. This note informs the victim of the attack and provides instructions on how to pay the ransom to receive the decryption key.

As of now, there are no publicly available decryption tools that can unlock files encrypted by DataDestroyer Ransomware without fulfilling the hacker’s demands. If you have encountered this ransomware, it is highly recommended to avoid paying the ransom as it does not guarantee the safe return of your data and further encourages malicious actors. Instead, one should focus on removing the ransomware, restoring files from backups, and employing robust cybersecurity measures to prevent further infections. Decryption of files with the .destroyer extension currently relies heavily on backups or professional data recovery services.

How DataDestroyer Ransomware infects computers

DataDestroyer Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through phishing emails, malicious attachments, and compromised websites. These phishing emails often masquerade as legitimate communications, enticing users to click on links or download attachments that contain the ransomware payload. Once executed, the malware exploits vulnerabilities in the system or software to establish a foothold. Drive-by downloads from compromised websites can also deliver the ransomware without any user interaction. Additionally, DataDestroyer may exploit weak passwords and unpatched software vulnerabilities to gain access to networks, enabling it to spread laterally across connected systems. Once inside, it begins its destructive process by encrypting files and demanding a ransom for their decryption.

1. Download DataDestroyer Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .destroyer 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 DataDestroyer Ransomware

DataDestroyer Ransomware files:


note.txt
{randomname}.exe


DataDestroyer Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .destroyer files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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