How to remove Sauron Ransomware and decrypt .Sauron files

What is Sauron Ransomware

Sauron Ransomware is a malicious software program that falls within the ransomware category, specifically designed to encrypt the victim’s files and demand payment for their release. Upon execution, it encrypts files by appending a unique ID, the attackers’ email address, and the .Sauron extension to each file’s name, for example, 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.[ID-35AEE360].[adm.helproot@gmail.com].Sauron. The ransomware employs a sophisticated encryption algorithm, making it extremely challenging for victims to access their data without the decryption key held by the attackers. Following the completion of the encryption process, Sauron Ransomware changes the desktop wallpaper and creates a ransom note, titled #HowToRecover.txt, in every folder that contains encrypted files. This note informs victims that their data has been encrypted and exfiltrated, and emphasizes that third-party decryption tools may damage the files, thus coercing them to follow instructions for ransom payment, which is usually demanded in Bitcoin.

Currently, there are no publicly available decryption tools capable of unlocking files encrypted by Sauron Ransomware. Victims are often left with limited options, as the encryption methods used are robust and designed to prevent any unauthorized access without the attackers’ specific key. While decryption seems feasible only through compliance with the ransom demands, paying does not guarantee data recovery, as cybercriminals might not provide the decryption key even after receiving payment. Therefore, the most recommended course of action is to remove the ransomware using reputable antivirus software and restore data from backups, if available. For those unable to decrypt their .Sauron files, this reinforces the critical importance of maintaining regular data backups stored on separate, secure devices or cloud services. In the absence of backups, victims can try data recovery tools, though success is not assured given the strong encryption employed by the ransomware.

How Sauron Ransomware infects computers

Sauron Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through phishing and social engineering tactics, often disguised as or bundled with seemingly legitimate content. Cybercriminals commonly distribute this ransomware via malicious email attachments or links that, once clicked, initiate the download and execution of the malware. These emails may appear to come from trusted sources, tricking recipients into opening infected files such as executables, documents, or archives. Additionally, Sauron can also spread through compromised websites and drive-by downloads, where simply visiting a malicious site can trigger an automatic download of the ransomware. Untrustworthy download sources, such as freeware sites and peer-to-peer networks, are also common vectors, where the malware is embedded in cracked software or fake updates. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should exercise caution with email attachments, download software only from reputable sources, and maintain up-to-date security software.

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

Sauron Ransomware files:


#HowToRecover.txt
{randomname}.exe


Sauron Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Sauron files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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