How to remove Spectra Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is Spectra Ransomware

Spectra Ransomware is a malicious software variant that encrypts files on an infected system to extort money from victims. Emerging from the shadowy world of cyber threats, Spectra operates by encrypting target files and appending them with four random characters, effectively locking the original content out of reach. For instance, a file named 1.jpg might be transformed to 1.jpg.hecm or similar during an attack. This malware leverages encryption derived from the infamously tough Chaos Ransomware family, making it particularly challenging for unauthorized decryption efforts. Upon encrypting files, Spectra leaves a ransom note, humorously styled as SPECTRARANSOMWARE.txt, which is strategically scattered across various directories, often in the same locations as the encrypted files. Within this note, victims find dreaded demands for payment in Bitcoin, typically amounting to $5000, in exchange for a decryption key. The cybercriminals underline a 72-hour window for payment, threatening irreparable data damage and the disclosure of sensitive company information as deterrents against non-payment.

For victims, the landscape of potential recovery is daunting but not entirely bleak. As of now, no free decryption tools specifically designed for Spectra Ransomware have been confirmed by the cybersecurity community. This situation leaves affected users with limited avenues for file recovery without the cyber attackers’ cooperation. Victims are advised against paying the ransom, as this does not guarantee file recovery and only encourages criminal activities. Instead, efforts should focus on removing the malware to prevent further damage. Anti-malware tools like Combo Cleaner may aid in purging the ransomware from infected systems, but it’s important to note these tools cannot decrypt files themselves. For decryption, victims are encouraged to frequently check resources like the No More Ransom Project for updates on potential decryptors. In parallel, employing data recovery software may sometimes restore partial access to certain affected files. Prioritizing robust backup strategies and regularly updating security measures are crucial for both short-term response and long-term protection against such ransomware threats.

How Spectra Ransomware infects computers

Spectra Ransomware infects computers through a variety of deceptive and malicious techniques aimed at exploiting user vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals often disguise this ransomware within pirated software, key generators, or cracking tools, enticing users to download and execute them. Phishing emails are another common method, where attackers send messages with malicious attachments or links, tricking recipients into activating the malware. Additionally, Spectra can infiltrate systems through compromised websites, malicious advertisements, and exploit kits that take advantage of software vulnerabilities. Once executed, the ransomware swiftly encrypts the victim’s files, appending random characters to their extensions, and demands a ransom for decryption. To avoid infection, users should exercise caution by avoiding suspicious emails, downloading software only from reputable sources, and ensuring their systems are regularly updated with the latest security patches.

1. Download Spectra Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted 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 Spectra Ransomware

Spectra Ransomware files:


SPECTRARANSOMWARE.txt
{randomname}.exe


Spectra Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted 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 encrypted 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 Spectra 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 encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 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 Spectra 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. Spectra 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