How to remove Infected (MedusaLocker) Ransomware and decrypt .infected files

What is Infected Ransomware

Infected Ransomware is a variant belonging to the notorious MedusaLocker family, specifically designed to encrypt files and demand a ransom for their restoration. Victims infected by this ransomware find that their important files become inaccessible, as Infected locks them away using sophisticated encryption algorithms. The malware appends the .infected file extension to affected files, making it evident that these files have been compromised. For instance, if a file named document.docx is encrypted, it will be renamed to document.docx.infected. The encryption process employs a combination of RSA and AES encryption techniques, which makes it exceptionally challenging for anyone without the decryption key to regain access to their data. When the encryption operation is complete, a ransom note is created and saved as HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html. This note typically appears on the desktop, instructing the victims on how to proceed for file recovery by contacting the attackers.

Victims seeking to decrypt their files face a significant hurdle, as no legitimate decryption tools currently exist to unlock files affected by Infected Ransomware. Cybersecurity experts warn against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee of data recovery and doing so may further fund criminal activities. The ransom note explicitly advises victims against using third-party recovery tools, stating that attempting to restore files without their decryption service could lead to permanent corruption. However, victims are encouraged to check resources like the No More Ransom project, which might provide insights into potently related variants or decryptors for other ransomware families. For those with backups or who find themselves unable to recover their files, using data recovery tools like Stellar Data Recovery might offer some relief, although success is not guaranteed. Maintaining regular backups and practicing good cybersecurity hygiene is essential to mitigate risks associated with ransomware infections. Ultimately, completely preventing Infected Ransomware infections relies on vigilance, such as avoiding unfamiliar email attachments and ensuring comprehensive cybersecurity measures are in place.

How Infected Ransomware infects computers

Infected ransomware, a variant belonging to the MedusaLocker family, typically infiltrates computers through various deceptive methods that exploit user vulnerabilities. One of the most common vectors is phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links, which, when clicked, initiate the malware’s installation. Additionally, downloading software from untrusted sources, particularly pirated content, significantly increases the risk of infection, as these files often harbor embedded ransomware. Attackers may also employ drive-by downloads, where simply visiting a compromised or malicious website can trigger the automatic installation of the ransomware without user interaction. Furthermore, the use of social engineering tactics, such as misleading advertisements or fake tech support calls, can manipulate unsuspecting users into inadvertently executing the malicious payload. Regularly updating software and employing robust security practices are critical defenses against these evolving ransomware threats.

1. Download Infected Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .infected 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 Infected Ransomware

Infected Ransomware files:


HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html
{randomname}.exe


Infected Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .infected files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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