How to remove Purgatory Ransomware and decrypt .purgatory files

What is Purgatory Ransomware

Purgatory Ransomware is a notorious type of malware that encrypts files on an infected system, demanding a ransom payment for the decryption key needed to recover the locked data. This ransomware appends a distinctive .purgatory extension to the files it encrypts, causing significant turmoil for users who find their documents, photos, and other personal files suddenly inaccessible. Once it infiltrates a system, ransom note is promptly displayed through a pop-up window, informing the victim of the encryption and providing instructions on how to pay the ransom. This message typically indicates that all files have been encrypted using a complex cryptographic algorithm, while the unique decryption key is held solely by the attacker, making self-decryption a challenging task without paying the ransom, which supports criminal activities.

For victims searching for decryption options, the scenario remains grim. Currently, there are no public decryption tools available to reverse the encryption done by Purgatory Ransomware without engaging with the perpetrators. Efforts to decrypt .purgatory files require the original decryption key that is typically only released upon payment of the ransom, as per the attacker’s demands. However, complying with the attackers is strongly discouraged as it does not guarantee data recovery and perpetuates illicit activities. Instead, victims are advised to remove the ransomware with legitimate antivirus software and focus on data recovery from previous backups, if available. Using reputable antivirus programs and keeping software updated can prevent such infections, highlighting the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures.

How Purgatory Ransomware infects computers

Purgatory Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through phishing tactics and social engineering schemes, which often involve malicious email attachments or links disguised as legitimate content. Users may unknowingly trigger the installation of this ransomware by opening these attachments, which can be in the form of documents, executables, or compressed files. Additionally, Purgatory is distributed via compromised downloads from unofficial or peer-to-peer sharing websites and can exploit vulnerabilities within outdated software to gain access to systems. Once executed, the ransomware encrypts files and demands a ransom for decryption, leveraging sophisticated cryptographic techniques that make unaided recovery difficult. The threat is further propagated through network infiltration, where it can spread to connected devices and storage, wreaking havoc across multiple systems. To mitigate the risk of infection, maintaining up-to-date security software, exercising caution with email attachments, and only downloading from reputable sources are essential preventive measures.

1. Download Purgatory Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .purgatory 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 Purgatory Ransomware

Purgatory Ransomware files:


pop-up window
{randomname}.exe


Purgatory Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .purgatory files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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