How to remove Mr.Dec Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is Mr.Dec Ransomware

Determined by Michael Gillespie (ransomware researcher), Mr.Dec Ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that makes money on desperate users who have their data locked. This virus exploits randomly-generated extension according to this pattern: [ID]victim's_ID[ID]. Extensions are meant to highlight encrypted files from normal ones. All files stored on your system including photos, videos, text documents, and other regular information, will be changed to 1.jpg[ID]gh839ag14hiol4ag[ID], for example. This makes your data impossible to open because of the generated gateway. After this, the ransomware drops a ransom note in the form of an HTML file (Decoding help.hta).

In this message, you can see that extortionists prompt you to make a fast-pace decision on purchasing the decryption key. Otherwise, it will be destroyed and you will not be able to decrypt your data once the countdown is finished. To decode the compromised files, you should contact them via e-mail attached on top of the note. Most cybercriminals actively use cunning techniques to prompt users on buying the key by allowing them to send a couple of files for free decryption. Although it may seem like truth, you should never follow criminals’ instructions unless you want to empty your pocket. If you do not have any external backup of your data, there is no other way to restore all of your data. Luckily, you can remove Mr.Dec Ransomware from your computer and prevent further encryption. Use our guide presented below.

How Mr.Dec Ransomware infected your computer

The most deceptive and unsettling distribution method is e-mail messages that contain malicious attachments. Mr.Dec Ransomware deletes shadow copies of files, disables the recovery and repair functions of Windows at the boot stage, cleans the logs with the commands:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.exe /c vssadmin Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.exe /c bcdedit
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.exe /c wevtutil.exe

Never click on unknown files that were received from suspicious figures. Some of them may pretend themselves as companies or other legitimate venues that share news and products. Those who get tempted in opening such files, end up being infected with ransomware. Also, keep in mind that downloading cracked or pirated software can lead to the same ramifications. Visit only trustworthy websites that have existed for a long time and have had a good reputation amongst other users.

1. Download Mr.Dec Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for your 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.Dec Ransomware

Mr.Dec Ransomware files:


Decoding help.hta
DECODE KEY.KEY
{randomfilename}.exe


Mr.Dec Ransomware registry keys:

HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "Autorun.SQL" "%WINDIR%\svhost.exe"
HKLM\Software\Classes\EncriptIDfile\Shell\Open\Command "%WINDIR%\SysWOW64\mshta.exe" "%C:\Decoder.hta"

How to decrypt and restore your files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt your 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 your files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of 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.Dec Ransomware and removed it 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 your 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 is no items in the list choose 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 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.Dec 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 storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Mr.Dec 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 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 is 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 very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro