How to remove Scrypt Ransomware and decrypt .scrypt files

What is Scrypt Ransomware

Ransomware continues to be a significant threat to individuals and organizations worldwide, with Scrypt Ransomware emerging as a notable example. This article delves into the intricacies of Scrypt Ransomware, including its infection methods, the file extensions it appends, the encryption techniques it employs, the ransom note it generates, the availability of decryption tools, and methods for decrypting .scrypt files. Upon infection, Scrypt Ransomware begins encrypting files on the victim’s computer, appending the .scrypt extension to each encrypted file. This signifies that the file has been locked by the ransomware and cannot be accessed without the decryption key. The ransomware employs AES 256-bit encryption, a robust encryption standard that makes unauthorized decryption virtually impossible without the unique key held by the attackers. Scrypt Ransomware creates a ransom note named readme.txt in each folder containing encrypted files. This note serves as the communication medium between the attackers and the victim, providing instructions on how to pay the ransom (typically demanded in Bitcoin) to receive the decryption key. The ransom amount can vary, with demands ranging from $500 to $5000 in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. It’s important to note that paying the ransom does not guarantee the recovery of encrypted files, as attackers may not fulfill their promise to decrypt the files.

Unfortunately, as of the latest information available, there are no free decryption tools capable of decrypting files encrypted by Scrypt Ransomware. This lack of decryption tools leaves victims with limited options for recovering their encrypted files. The primary method of recovery is to restore files from backups that were not affected by the ransomware. It underscores the importance of maintaining regular backups of critical data, stored in locations not accessible to ransomware (e.g., offline or in cloud storage with versioning enabled). Given the absence of a free decryptor for Scrypt Ransomware, victims are advised against paying the ransom, as this does not guarantee file recovery and only incentivizes further criminal activity. Instead, victims should focus on removing the ransomware from their systems using reputable malware removal tools and then restoring their files from backups. For those without backups, keeping the encrypted files in storage may be worthwhile, as future decryption tools could become available.

How Scrypt Ransomware infects computers

Scrypt Ransomware, like many of its counterparts, primarily infects computers through phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links, drive-by downloads from compromised websites, and exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Once a user inadvertently executes the ransomware, either by opening an attachment or clicking on a malicious link, the ransomware initiates its encryption routine. It’s also distributed via infected email attachments, torrent websites, and malicious ads, making it crucial for users to exercise caution when navigating the internet and managing email.

1. Download Scrypt Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .scrypt 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 Scrypt Ransomware

Scrypt Ransomware files:


readme.txt
{randomname}.exe


Scrypt Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .scrypt files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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