How to remove Devil Ransomware and decrypt .devil files

What is Devil Ransomware

Devil Ransomware is a malicious program and part of the broader Phobos ransomware family. It renames encrypted files by appending the victim’s ID, the developer’s email address, and the .devil extension to filenames. For instance, a file named image.jpeg would be altered to image.jpeg.id[unique-ID].[email].devil. This ransomware employs strong encryption algorithms, typically AES-256, to lock users’ files, making them inaccessible without the unique decryption key held by the attackers. Upon infection, Devil Ransomware generates a ransom note in the form of a text file named info.txt and a pop-up window using info.hta. These notes provide instructions on contacting the cybercriminals and making a ransom payment, usually in Bitcoin, in exchange for the decryption tool.

Unfortunately, there are currently no publicly available decryption tools for victims of Devil ransomware. The cybercriminals claim that they will send a decryption tool upon payment, but trusting such promises is risky, and victims often find themselves scammed without receiving any decryption key. To potentially decrypt .devil files without paying the ransom, victims can restore their files from backup copies if available. If backups are not present, the only other option may be to monitor resources like the No More Ransom Project for any developments on decryption tools. Until a reliable solution is found, prevention, such as maintaining regular backups and avoiding suspicious email attachments, remains the best defense against ransomware attacks.

How Devil Ransomware infects computers

Devil Ransomware, part of the notorious Phobos family, primarily infiltrates computers through deceptive email campaigns and untrustworthy download sources. Cybercriminals often disguise emails as important communications from legitimate organizations, tricking users into opening malicious attachments or clicking on harmful links. These attachments can range from Microsoft Office documents with embedded macros to executable files and even compressed archives. Once the malicious file is executed, the ransomware encrypts the victim’s files and appends the “.devil” extension, rendering them inaccessible. Additionally, Devil Ransomware can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software or use Trojans to spread further within a network, making it crucial for users to maintain up-to-date security measures and exercise caution with unsolicited emails.

1. Download Devil Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .devil 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 Devil Ransomware

Devil Ransomware files:


info.hta
{randomname}.exe


Devil Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .devil files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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