How to remove StormCry Ransomware and decrypt .stormous files

What is StormCry Ransomware

StormCry Ransomware, also known as Stormous, is a particularly vicious type of malware that encrypts valuable data on infected systems and demands a ransom for decryption. Discovered by cybersecurity researchers during routine investigations, this ransomware targets a wide array of files including databases, documents, photos, and videos. Once the encryption process is completed, it renames the affected files by appending a .stormous extension—turning files like example.jpg” into “example.jpg.stormous. The attackers use robust cryptographic algorithms to ensure that the victims cannot regain access to their files without a unique decryption key that they hold. This tactic not only makes the data unusable but also leaves victims with few options for recovery other than paying the ransom. After encryption, StormCry Ransomware generates ransom notes in both HTML (readme.html) and text format (pleas_readme@.txt), which are placed in visible locations on the infected machine, such as the desktop and within encrypted folders.

The ransom note typically demands $300 in Bitcoin and warns that the price will double if payment is not made within three days. Additionally, it threatens to make decryption impossible after seven days. Unfortunately, there are no known decryption tools available that can unlock files encrypted by StormCry Ransomware without paying the ransom. Victims are advised not to pay, as there’s no guarantee of getting the decryption key. Instead, the best course of action is to isolate the infected device, remove the malware using reliable antivirus software like SpyHunter, and restore data from backups if available.

How StormCry Ransomware infects computers

StormCry Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through phishing and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals often distribute this malware via malicious email attachments, deceptive download links, or compromised websites. Once the unsuspecting user opens the infected file or clicks on the link, the ransomware silently installs itself on the system. Some variants may also exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software or use malicious ads to trick users into downloading the virus. After gaining access, StormCry encrypts the victim’s files and demands a ransom for decryption, leaving the affected user with limited options for file recovery unless they have a reliable backup system in place.

1. Download StormCry Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .stormous 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 StormCry Ransomware

StormCry Ransomware files:


readme.html
{randomname}.exe


StormCry Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .stormous files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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