How to remove DEMON Ransomware and decrypt .DEMON files

What is DEMON Ransomware

DEMON Ransomware is a pernicious form of malware discovered by GrujaRS that encrypts users’ files using strong encryption algorithms, rendering them inaccessible without a decryption key. Often infiltrating computers through spam campaigns, fake software updaters, and untrusted download sources, it adds the .DEMON extension to each encrypted file. For example, document.docx becomes document.docx.DEMON, clearly marking the files as compromised. After encryption, the ransomware creates a README.txt file in all directories containing encrypted files and displays a ransom note in a pop-up window, demanding a hefty $10,000 in Bitcoins to decrypt the affected files. According to the ransom note, victims have a narrow window of 600 minutes (10 hours) to comply, or their data will be destroyed or sold to third parties.

Currently, there are no publicly available decryption tools for DEMON Ransomware due to the robust encryption it employs. While paying the ransom might seem like a straightforward solution, it is highly discouraged as it does not guarantee the retrieval of the decryption key and encourages further criminal activity. Instead, victims are advised to focus on removing the malware from their system using reputable antivirus software like SpyHunter. Unfortunately, decrypting .DEMON files without a viable decryption tool is nearly impossible, and victims are often left with only one practical option: restoring their files from a previous backup, if available. This underscores the importance of maintaining regular data backups on external storage devices or cloud services to mitigate the damages of such malicious attacks.

How DEMON Ransomware infects computers

DEMON Ransomware primarily infiltrates computers through a variety of deceptive tactics. The most common method involves spam campaigns where cybercriminals send phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links. These emails are often disguised as legitimate communications from trusted sources, tricking users into downloading and executing the ransomware. Additionally, DEMON can spread via fake software updaters and untrusted download sources, such as peer-to-peer networks and freeware sites, which bundle the ransomware with legitimate-looking software. Another vector includes Trojans, which, once installed, can download and execute DEMON Ransomware without the user’s knowledge. To mitigate the risk of such infections, users should be cautious about opening unsolicited email attachments, downloading software from reputable sources, and maintaining updated security software.

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

DEMON Ransomware files:


README.txt
{randomname}.exe


DEMON Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .DEMON files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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