How to remove Mr.Dark101 Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is Mr.Dark101 Ransomware

Mr.Dark101 Ransomware, identified as a nasty cyber threat, encrypts victims’ files by using its sophisticated algorithm to restrict access until a ransom is paid. Once this malicious software infiltrates a system, it encrypts files and appends each with an extension consisting of four random characters, for instance, a file named document.docx becomes document.docx.abcd after encryption. The encryption algorithm employed by Mr.Dark101 is based on the Chaos ransomware variant, ensuring a high level of security that is difficult to bypass without a key. Particularly unnerving about this ransomware is the Mr.Dark101 ransomware ransom note named read_it.txt, which is placed prominently on the victim’s desktop. This note instructs victims to pay a ransom of 2 ETH (approximately $5000), using an Ethereum wallet address, yet conspicuously omits any form of direct contact information with the perpetrators, raising doubts about the intentions of the cybercriminals involved.

Deciphering the encrypted files without the attacker’s decryption key is nearly impossible, especially given the absence of readily available decryption tools for Mr.Dark101. The read_it.txt ransom note itself lacks detail about the decryption process, making it unclear whether paying would even secure file recovery. Experts consistently advise against paying the ransom; doing so not only emboldens criminals by funding their activities but often results in no decryption tool being provided. Instead, victims are encouraged to explore alternative recovery routes such as restoring data from backups or using data recovery tools like Recuva, which might help, albeit not guaranteed, in recovering some data. The best protection lies in prevention—maintaining regular backups, exercising caution with email attachments, and using robust security solutions to prevent ransomware infections from taking root in the first place.

How Mr.Dark101 Ransomware infects computers

Mr.Dark101 Ransomware infiltrates computers through a combination of phishing and social engineering tactics, which are common strategies for distributing malicious software. Typically, it masquerades as or is bundled with seemingly legitimate files, such as email attachments, downloadable content from untrusted sources, or links embedded in deceptive advertisements. Users often unknowingly activate the ransomware by opening infected files, which can come in various formats like executables, documents with malicious macros, or compressed archives. Additionally, Mr.Dark101 can spread via network vulnerabilities, exploiting connected devices or unsecured local networks to propagate further. Drive-by downloads, facilitated by compromised websites, also play a significant role in the silent installation of this malware without user consent or knowledge. To mitigate such infections, it is crucial to maintain updated antivirus software, exercise caution when handling unfamiliar emails, and avoid downloading content from dubious sources.

1. Download Mr.Dark101 Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted 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 Mr.Dark101 Ransomware

Mr.Dark101 Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


Mr.Dark101 Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted 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 encrypted 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 Mr.Dark101 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 encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 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 Mr.Dark101 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. Mr.Dark101 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