How to remove Pandora Ransomware and decrypt .pandora files

What is Pandora Ransomware

Pandora is a ransomware infection previously known under the name of Rook Ransomware. The virus uses RSA-2048 algorithms to encrypt system-stored data and demand money for its decryption. In order to show that access to files has been restricted, cybercriminals assign the .pandora extension to each affected sample. For instance, a file named 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.pandora and reset its original icon. Following this, the ransomware creates a text file (Restore_My_Files.txt) with instructions on how to recover the data.

It says victims should contact developers (via contact@pandoraxyz.xyz) and pay for special decryption software. The price depends on how fast you write, as cybercriminals say. In case of refusal to buy the decryption, frauds behind Pandora Ransomware warn they will publish collected data on dark web markets. Victims can view what data has been collected in TOR Browser via a link provided in the note. While contacting cybercriminals, victims are also allowed to attach 3 encrypted files before paying the ransom. Pandora developers promise they will decrypt them for free to prove capabilities of their decoder. The ransom note is concluded with warnings against trying third-party means of decryption as it may cause permanent damage to data. In general, decrypting files without initial developers is almost impossible indeed. They are the only figures owning special keys to match with encrypted data and unlock access to it. If you want to avoid paying the ransom and recover your data for free, the only best way to do it is via backup copies stored on cloud accounts or unplugged devices. You can also try some third-party utilities we listed below, but there is no guarantee they will work out with Pandora data eventually. Bear in mind that prior to trying any recovery methods, it is important to delete the virus in order to prevent it from encrypting again. You will find all the necessary information related to thorough removal and file recovery in the tutorial below.

How Pandora Ransomware infected your computer

Ransomware attacks are prone to happen in quite a number of ways – among them are trojans, e-mail spam letters, fake software updates/installers, unprotected RDP configuration, hacking of NAS (Network Attached Storage), backdoors, keyloggers, web-injects, and other channels as well. The most popular vector we would emphasize here is spreading malware through e-mail spam. Cybercriminals use this method quite often to disguise malicious software under ostensibly legitimate letters. It is common to see DHL or FedEx templates being used in such messages. The offer to follow a link or open a file to view your shipment or receipt. Such messages may also be sent under the pretense of claiming reward or other suspicious action. Whatever it is, trusting this kind of letters creates a risk of getting infected with various malware. In order to prevent such channels from becoming a buffer to brute-force your system, it is important to be more aware and careful while using the web. We also encourage you to read our guide below as there is plenty of useful information on how to secure yourself in the future.

1. Download Pandora Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .pandora 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 Pandora Ransomware

Pandora Ransomware files:


Restore_My_Files.txt
{randomname}.exe


Pandora Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .pandora files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .pandora 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 .pandora 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 Pandora 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 .pandora 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 Pandora 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. Pandora 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