How to remove Orion Hackers Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is Orion Hackers Ransomware

Orion Hackers Ransomware is a notorious malware strain based on the LockBit 3.0 (LockBit Black) ransomware. Designed to encrypt valuable data on infected devices, this ransomware demands a ransom for the decryption keys it claims will unlock affected files. Upon infecting a system, Orion Hackers appends a unique file extension consisting of a random character string to all encrypted files, making them inaccessible without proper decryption. For instance, a file named 1.jpg would be altered to appear as 1.jpg.3OYkmrLQx, rendering it useless until decryption occurs. The encryption methodology employed by Orion Hackers is highly sophisticated, typically using robust algorithms such as AES-256 in conjunction with RSA-2048, making it infeasible to crack without the attacker’s private key. A hallmark of this ransomware is that, upon encryption, it delivers a ransom note titled [random_string].README.txt on the compromised system’s desktop, often coupled with a change in the desktop wallpaper to further emphasize the gravity of the situation.

Victims are instructed in the ransom note to contact the cybercriminals via a specific communication platform, and they are typically offered the opportunity to decrypt one file for free as proof of decryption capabilities. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee file recovery, as there have been instances where criminals failed to deliver the promised decryption tools post-payment. Currently, there are no known decryption tools available from security researchers that can unlock files encrypted by Orion Hackers without the original key from the attackers. Thus, the recommended course of action for victims is to rely on any previously made backups rather than attempting to meet ransom demands. If no backups are available, seeking assistance from cybersecurity professionals who may offer alternative recovery solutions, though limited, could be beneficial. Nevertheless, the importance of maintaining regular backups and employing robust cybersecurity practices cannot be overstated to mitigate the impact of threats such as Orion Hackers Ransomware.

How Orion Hackers Ransomware infects computers

Orion Hackers Ransomware infiltrates computers through a variety of deceptive techniques often employed by cybercriminals to spread malicious software. The infection usually begins with phishing campaigns where users are tricked into downloading and opening malicious attachments or clicking on dangerous links contained in emails that appear legitimate. These attachments might be disguised as invoices, job offers, or other seemingly important documents, often leveraging social engineering to bypass users’ suspicions. Once executed, the ransomware payload is delivered, initiating the encryption of files and appending random character string extensions to them. Additionally, Orion Hackers can propagate through compromised websites, drive-by downloads, and malicious advertisements that exploit vulnerabilities in web browsers or plugins. Cybercriminals may also use trojans as loaders for the ransomware, which allows the malware to be installed silently without the user’s knowledge.

1. Download Orion Hackers 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 Orion Hackers Ransomware

Orion Hackers Ransomware files:


[random_string].README.txt
{randomname}.exe


Orion Hackers 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 Orion Hackers 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 Orion Hackers 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. Orion Hackers 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