How to remove DeathHunters Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is DeathHunters Ransomware

DeathHunters Ransomware represents a severe and malicious threat to computer systems, operating by encrypting essential user files and demanding a ransom for their release. It is a variant of Chaos ransomware, known for its debilitating effects on infected devices. Once a system is compromised, DeathHunters swiftly encrypts files, appending their names with an extension comprising four random characters, such as changing 1.jpg to 1.jpg.zypx. This malware then alters the user’s desktop wallpaper to display a harrowing message that falsely accuses the user of pedophilia, attempting to pressure victims into paying a ransom. It also creates a file titled Read_it_or_Death.txt, which serves as the ransom note. This note demands a payment of 1,000 euros in Bitcoin to provide a decryption tool, warning that failure to comply will result in compromising personal information being leaked online and to the authorities.

Regrettably, there are no known decryption tools available to reverse the damage inflicted by DeathHunters ransomware without involvement from the attackers. Attempting to decrypt the files independently or with third-party services can often lead to further data corruption, making recovery even more challenging or impossible. Experts typically advise against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the decryption key will be provided, and paying only incentivizes and funds further criminal activity. Instead, individuals are encouraged to maintain regular backups of important data on offline or cloud storage to mitigate the risks of data loss. Those affected can protect their systems from future attacks by using robust antivirus solutions and practicing caution with email attachments, downloads, and other potential sources of ransomware.

How DeathHunters Ransomware infects computers

DeathHunters Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through phishing and social engineering tactics, which are common methods employed by cybercriminals to distribute malware. Often, this malicious software is disguised as or bundled with legitimate software and media, making it difficult for users to detect. The initial infection typically occurs when users open malicious email attachments or click on deceptive links, which then trigger the download and installation of the ransomware. Additionally, DeathHunters can spread via drive-by downloads, where simply visiting a compromised website can result in infection without any direct user interaction. Untrustworthy download sources, such as torrent sites and third-party platforms, also serve as common distribution channels for this ransomware. Once inside the system, DeathHunters encrypts files and demands a ransom, leaving victims in a precarious position without proper precautionary measures in place.

1. Download DeathHunters Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted 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 DeathHunters Ransomware

DeathHunters Ransomware files:


Read_it_or_Death.txt
{randomname}.exe


DeathHunters Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted 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 encrypted 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 DeathHunters 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 encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 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 DeathHunters 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. DeathHunters 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