How to remove Saturn Ransomware and decrypt .saturn files

What is Saturn Ransomware

Saturn Ransomware is a sophisticated type of malware designed to encrypt files on infected systems and demand a ransom for their decryption. It was first identified by MalwareHunterTeam and operates as a Ransomware as a Service (RaaS), allowing cybercriminals to freely distribute the malware in exchange for a cut of the profits. Upon infecting a system, Saturn Ransomware appends the .saturn extension to the filenames of encrypted files, rendering them unusable (e.g., sample.jpg becomes sample.jpg.saturn). While it is currently unclear whether it uses symmetric or asymmetric cryptography, the encryption is robust, creating unique keys for each victim that are stored on a remote server controlled by the attackers. After successfully encrypting files, Saturn Ransomware creates several ransom notes, including #DECRYPT_MY_FILES#.txt, which are placed on the desktop of the infected machine.

These notes inform victims of the encryption and instruct them to download the Tor browser to visit a specific website for payment instructions. Victims are typically asked to pay $300 in Bitcoin within seven days, doubling to $600 if the payment is delayed, and leading to permanent file loss after one month. Unfortunately, no free decryption tools are currently available for Saturn Ransomware. The only reliable method to decrypt .saturn files without paying the ransom is to restore them from a backup, reiterating the critical importance of maintaining regular data backups, stored remotely or on an unplugged external device.

How Saturn Ransomware infects computers

Saturn Ransomware primarily infects computers through several common vectors, exploiting vulnerabilities in user behavior and system security. One of the most prevalent methods is via malicious email attachments, often disguised as legitimate documents, which, when opened, execute the ransomware payload. Additionally, Saturn can infiltrate systems through compromised software downloads from unofficial sources, such as peer-to-peer networks and free file-hosting websites, where malware masquerades as legitimate applications. Cybercriminals also use fake software update tools that exploit outdated software bugs to install the ransomware. Trojans, another significant vector, create backdoors in the system, allowing Saturn to bypass security measures and encrypt user data. To mitigate these risks, users must adopt cautious browsing habits, avoid downloading from unverified sources, and maintain up-to-date security software.

1. Download Saturn Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .saturn 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 Saturn Ransomware

Saturn Ransomware files:


#DECRYPT_MY_FILES#.txt
{randomname}.exe


Saturn Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .saturn files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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