How to remove PLANETARY Ransomware and decrypt .PLANETARY files

What is PLANETARY Ransomware

PLANETARY Ransomware is a hazardous malware variant that primarily targets computer networks by encrypting files, rendering them inoperable. This ransomware is notorious for appending the file extension .PLANETARY to affected files, thus signifying their encrypted status. PLANETARY operates by employing sophisticated encryption techniques, though it is unclear whether it utilizes symmetric or asymmetric cryptography. The complexity of these encryption methods ensures that only the malware developers hold the decryption key, which they offer in exchange for a ransom. Typically, this ransom demand is outlined in a text file named RECOVER.txt, strategically placed on the victim’s desktop. The ransom note conveys the encryption’s success and demands a payment, often accepting Bitcoin, Monero, and Ethereum. Victims are advised to contact the perpetrators via email before making any payment, though it’s important to note that fulfilling these demands does not guarantee file restoration.

Despite the severe encryption, hope for decryption without paying the ransom does exist. Emsisoft has developed a decryption tool specifically capable of restoring data encrypted by PLANETARY Ransomware. This tool, made available for free, represents one of the few legitimate solutions for victims wishing to recover their files independently. To decrypt .PLANETARY files, users can utilize this specific decryption tool, a process that involves downloading the software, identifying the encrypted files, and following the structured decryption process outlined by the tool’s instructions. It must be emphasized, however, that while decryption might be possible, prevention remains the most effective strategy against such ransomware. Regular backups, cautious downloading practices, and updated security measures can significantly mitigate the risk of infection by PLANETARY or similar ransomware threats.

How PLANETARY Ransomware infects computers

PLANETARY Ransomware typically infiltrates computer systems through manual installation by cybercriminals who gain unauthorized access to networks. This often occurs when attackers exploit remote desktop protocol (RDP) vulnerabilities, allowing them to penetrate systems and deploy the ransomware directly. Unlike many other ransomware types that rely on automated methods, PLANETARY’s manual distribution method suggests a more targeted approach, focusing on compromising entire networks rather than individual machines. Once inside, the ransomware encrypts stored files, appending the “.PLANETARY” extension, and demands a ransom for decryption keys. Additionally, PLANETARY can spread laterally within a network, affecting multiple devices, which underscores the importance of securing all network endpoints and using robust access controls. To mitigate such risks, organizations should employ strong password policies, regularly update software, and limit RDP access to trusted users only.

1. Download PLANETARY Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .PLANETARY 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 PLANETARY Ransomware

PLANETARY Ransomware files:


RECOVER.txt
{randomname}.exe


PLANETARY Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .PLANETARY files

Use automated decryptors

Download EmsiSoft Decrypter for Planetary

Use the following tool from EmsiSoft called Decrypter for Planetary, that can decrypt .PLANETARY files. Download it here:

Download EmsiSoft Decrypter

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 .PLANETARY 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 PLANETARY 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 .PLANETARY 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 PLANETARY 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. PLANETARY 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