How to remove ELDER (Beast) Ransomware and decrypt .{random_string}.ELDER files

What is ELDER (Beast) Ransomware

ELDER (Beast) Ransomware is a notorious strain of ransomware based on the Beast ransomware family. Created to encrypt important data and then demand a ransom for decryption, it infiltrates through the guise of seemingly legitimate programs or media files. Once inside a system, it targets databases, documents, photos, and other critical files, locking them with robust encryption methods that render them inaccessible to victims without the decryption key held by the attackers. This ransomware appends each encrypted file’s name with a distinctive .{random_string}.ELDER extension, signaling victims of their compromised data. After encrypting the files, it generates a ransom note titled README.txt, strategically placed in every folder containing infected files. This note serves as the perpetrators’ ultimatum, instructing victims on how they can supposedly retrieve their data by procuring a unique decryption key from the attackers.

Despite relentless efforts by cybersecurity researchers, there are currently no public decryption tools available to unlock these .{random_string}.ELDER files without the attackers’ assistance. This particular ransomware typically employs strong encryption algorithms that are difficult, if not impossible, to crack externally. Victims are therefore in a challenging position, often having to choose between losing their data or risking payment to cybercriminals, which does not guarantee file restoration. As a preventative measure and due to the lack of decryption tools, it’s advised that users maintain regular backups of their important data on unaffected devices or cloud storage. While the decryption of files encrypted by ELDER (Beast) Ransomware remains elusive, awareness, cautious online behavior, and routine security practices can thwart potential infections and mitigate loss.

How ELDER (Beast) Ransomware infects computers

ELDER (Beast) Ransomware primarily infects computers through phishing and social engineering tactics, where malicious software is disguised as or bundled with ordinary files. These files can take various forms, including archives like ZIP or RAR, executables, documents such as Microsoft Office or PDF files, and even JavaScript files. The ransomware is often distributed via trojans, drive-by downloads, malvertising, and malicious attachments or links within spam emails or messages. Additionally, attackers might exploit suspect download channels, such as freeware websites, peer-to-peer sharing networks, and illegal software activation tools, commonly known as “cracks.” Once the ransomware infiltrates a system, it may also self-propagate across local networks and removable storage devices, further spreading the infection. To mitigate the risk of such infections, it’s crucial to maintain robust cybersecurity practices, including the use of legitimate software updates, cautious handling of email attachments, and regular system scans with updated antivirus programs.

1. Download ELDER (Beast) Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .{random_string}.ELDER 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 ELDER (Beast) Ransomware

ELDER (Beast) Ransomware files:


README.txt
{randomname}.exe


ELDER (Beast) Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .{random_string}.ELDER files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .{random_string}.ELDER 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 .{random_string}.ELDER 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 ELDER (Beast) 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 .{random_string}.ELDER 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 ELDER (Beast) 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. ELDER (Beast) 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