How to remove PURGAT0RY Ransomware and decrypt .PURGAT0RY files

What is PURGAT0RY Ransomware

PURGAT0RY Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt the data on a victim’s computer and demand payment for decryption. Once it infiltrates the system, it targets and encrypts files, rendering them inaccessible. One of the notable characteristics is that it appends the .PURGAT0RY extension to each encrypted file. For instance, a file named image.jpg would be renamed to image.jpg.PURGAT0RY. The ransomware employs sophisticated encryption algorithms, often making decryption without the attacker’s key implausible. Following the encryption process, PURGAT0RY Ransomware typically modifies the desktop wallpaper and generates a ransom note, which is usually placed on the desktop or within the affected directories. This note informs the victim of the ransom amount, generally demanded in Bitcoin, and provides instructions on how to make the payment.

Despite the critical nature of PURGAT0RY’s encryption, there currently are no publicly available decryption tools that guarantee the recovery of .PURGAT0RY files. The complexity and strength of the encryption employed mean that the private decryption key remains with the attacker, and without it, decryption is not feasible through conventional means. It is strongly advised not to pay the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the criminals will provide the required decryption key upon receipt of the payment. Instead, victims are recommended to isolate the infected device, disconnect from the internet, and consult reputable cybersecurity experts. Additionally, employing reliable data recovery tools and maintaining regular backups can mitigate potential data loss.

How PURGAT0RY Ransomware infects computers

PURGAT0RY Ransomware primarily infects computers through phishing and social engineering techniques. The malware is often disguised as or bundled with legitimate-looking content, such as email attachments, malicious links, or downloads from dubious sources. Once a user unwittingly opens an infected file, the ransomware is executed and begins encrypting files on the system. It commonly spreads through trojans, drive-by downloads, and malvertising. Additionally, it can propagate via infected external storage devices and local network shares, making it crucial to isolate compromised systems immediately. To minimize the risk, users should be cautious with unsolicited emails, avoid downloading software from unverified sources, and maintain up-to-date antivirus protection.

1. Download PURGAT0RY Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .PURGAT0RY 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 PURGAT0RY Ransomware

PURGAT0RY Ransomware files:


message
{randomname}.exe


PURGAT0RY Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .PURGAT0RY files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .PURGAT0RY 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 .PURGAT0RY 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 PURGAT0RY 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 .PURGAT0RY 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 PURGAT0RY 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. PURGAT0RY 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