How to remove Destroy Ransomware and decrypt .destroy30 files

What is Destroy Ransomware

Destroy Ransomware is a type of malicious software belonging to the MedusaLocker ransomware family, designed to encrypt vital data and then demand a ransom for decryption. Upon infection, this ransomware specifically targets files by locking their access and modifies their filenames by appending a distinct extension, which in this case is .destroy30. The encryption technique used combines RSA and AES algorithms, which are state-of-the-art cryptographic measures guaranteeing that without the proper decryption key, the files remain inaccessible. After the encryption process is completed, a ransom note is generated, typically labeled as How_to_back_files.html. This file is placed in every directory containing encrypted data. The note conveys to victims the dire state of their compromised files and the demands for a ransom payment, frequently warning against using third-party decryption tools, which, as attackers claim, could lead to irreversible data loss.

Unfortunately, there are currently no publicly available decryption tools for Destroy Ransomware. This situation stems from the robust cryptographic measures it employs, leaving decryption practically impossible without exclusive access to the keys held by the attackers. For those looking to decrypt files with the .destroy30 extension, the primary course of action is data recovery from external backups if they exist, ensuring that these were created before the ransomware infection took place. Resorting to paying the ransom is deeply discouraged by cybersecurity experts because it not only fails to guarantee the recovery of the data but also empowers and funds further illegal activities perpetrated by cybercriminals. For users already affected, removing the ransomware via professional antivirus solutions is advisable to prevent further infections, but file recovery largely hinges upon preventive measures like maintaining regular, secure, and isolated backups.

How Destroy Ransomware infects computers

Destroy Ransomware primarily infiltrates computers through phishing and social engineering tactics, where malicious files are disguised as legitimate attachments or links in emails, instant messages, or social media channels. Users unknowingly initiate the infection chain by opening these deceptive files, which can be in formats like ZIP archives, executable files (.exe), or malicious document files (.docx, .pdf) often embedded with macros. Additionally, ransomware is disseminated through drive-by downloads, which occur when unsuspecting users visit compromised websites that automatically download and execute the malware. Trojans, which are malicious programs that masquerade as benign software, can also serve as backdoors to introduce Destroy Ransomware into systems. Furthermore, unreliable download sources such as torrent sites, fake software updates, and illegal software activation tools (commonly known as “cracks”) are notorious vectors for spreading this type of malware, highlighting the importance of cautious online behavior and verified downloads.

1. Download Destroy Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .destroy30 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 Destroy Ransomware

Destroy Ransomware files:


How_to_back_files.html
{randomname}.exe


Destroy Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .destroy30 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .destroy30 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 .destroy30 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 Destroy 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 .destroy30 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 Destroy 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. Destroy 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