How to remove DeathGrip Ransomware and decrypt .DeathGrip files

What is DeathGrip Ransomware

DeathGrip Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts the victim’s files and demands a ransom payment for their decryption. Reportedly based on Chaos ransomware, DeathGrip Ransomware is designed to encrypt data using sophisticated cryptographic algorithms and append the .DeathGrip extension to the filenames. For example, a file named photo.jpg will be transformed into photo.jpg.DeathGrip, rendering it inaccessible without the decryption key. Once the encryption process is complete, the ransomware alters the victim’s desktop wallpaper and creates a ransom note within a text file titled read_it.txt. This file contains a message from the attackers, claiming affiliation with a “Russian ransomware community” and demanding a ransom of $100 for the decryption tool. They emphasize that failure to pay could result in the permanent loss of the data or even data leaks.

In terms of decryption tools, the situation is dire. Currently, there are no available decryptors for .DeathGrip files due to the robust encryption algorithms employed by this ransomware. As a result, decrypting these files without the original decryption key held by the attackers is virtually impossible. Victims are strongly advised against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the criminals will provide the promised decryption tool. Instead, efforts should be focused on removing the ransomware from the system using reputable antivirus software and attempting to restore files from a pre-infection backup if available. Utilizing data recovery tools like Recuva might offer limited success in retrieving lost files, but the efficiency of this method is not ensured. Overall, prevention and regular data backups remain the most effective strategies against such ransomware threats.

How DeathGrip Ransomware infects computers

DeathGrip Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through phishing emails, malicious attachments, or exploit kits that take advantage of software vulnerabilities. These emails often masquerade as legitimate communications, enticing users to click on embedded links or download infected files. Once executed, the ransomware encrypts files on the victim’s system, appending a unique extension to each affected file and rendering them inaccessible. The attackers then display a ransom note, demanding payment in cryptocurrency to decrypt the files. Additionally, DeathGrip may propagate through unpatched software or compromised remote desktop protocols (RDP), further broadening its reach within networks. Unwitting users and insufficient security measures remain the primary vectors for such infections.

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

DeathGrip Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


DeathGrip Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .DeathGrip files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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