How to remove Sorcery Ransomware and decrypt .sorcery files

What is Sorcery Ransomware

Sorcery Ransomware is a pernicious type of malware specifically designed to encrypt the victim’s files and extort money in exchange for a decryption key. Once it infiltrates a system, it appends the .sorcery extension to all affected files, transforming, for example, document.txt into document.txt.sorcery. This ransomware employs robust cryptographic algorithms to lock your data, making decryption without the correct key virtually impossible. Furthermore, Sorcery Ransomware alters the victim’s desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note named README.hta, both of which inform the affected user about the encryption and demand a ransom for the decryption key. The note explicitly states that the victim’s files were not only encrypted but also stolen, with threats to publish the data on a Tor network webpage if the ransom demands are not met within a specified time frame.

Currently, there are no publicly available decryption tools that can unlock files encrypted by Sorcery Ransomware without the attackers’ involvement. Despite this, it is highly recommended that victims do not comply with ransom demands, as there is no guarantee that paying the ransom will result in the decryption of files; rather, it encourages further criminal activity. Hence, to recover .sorcery files, victims should focus on restoring data from backups stored in separate locations or utilizing data recovery tools like Recuva if the ransomware wasn’t thorough in its encryption process. Always ensure that external storage devices and cloud storage services are disconnected or logged out during an attack to prevent further data compromise. Combating ransomware also involves regularly updating security software and maintaining a vigilant approach towards suspicious emails and downloads that could be vectors for such infections.

How Sorcery Ransomware infects computers

Sorcery Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through phishing attacks and social engineering tactics, often disguised as or bundled with seemingly legitimate content. Common vectors include malicious email attachments, deceptive links in spam emails, or compromised downloads from unofficial websites and P2P networks. Once a user inadvertently executes the malicious file, the ransomware initiates its payload, encrypting files and adding the “.sorcery” extension. Drive-by downloads and malvertising also facilitate infection, as do backdoor trojans that provide remote access for attackers. Additionally, Sorcery can propagate through local networks and removable storage devices, exacerbating its spread and impact.

1. Download Sorcery Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .sorcery 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 Sorcery Ransomware

Sorcery Ransomware files:


README.hta
{randomname}.exe


Sorcery Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .sorcery files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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