How to remove Vulcan Ransomware and decrypt .vulcan files

What is Vulcan Ransomware

Vulcan Ransomware is a malicious software known for encrypting files on a victim’s computer and demanding a ransom to restore access. It specifically targets a wide range of files, appending a unique .vulcan extension, effectively making them inaccessible without a decryption key. For example, a file named document.pdf would be transformed into {randomstring}.vulcan, rendering it unreadable without the proper unlock tool. The ransomware utilizes complex encryption algorithms, making it extremely difficult for victims to retrieve their files without complying with the attackers’ demands. After encryption, the malware displays a ransom demand in a pop-up window or text file that often appears on the desktop and within affected folders, typically instructing victims to pay a specified amount in Bitcoin to a particular wallet address. The ransom note usually threatens that failure to pay within a certain timeframe will result in permanent loss of data.

Decryption of files affected by Vulcan Ransomware is challenging as there are no publicly available decryption tools due to the sophistication of the encryption methods used. Victims are often left with the difficult decision to either risk paying the ransom with no guarantee of file recovery or attempt restoration through backups—if such precautions were taken prior to the attack. Experts in cybersecurity generally advise against paying the ransom, as this does not ensure file recovery and encourages cybercriminal activity. Instead, victims are recommended to disconnect their devices from the internet immediately upon noticing an infection, consult professional malware removal services, and explore legitimate data recovery tools. These tools, while not always successful in the case of strong encryption, are a safer option than engaging with attackers. Continuous efforts by cybersecurity firms focus on identifying flaws in such ransomware to eventually provide decryption solutions, but until then, prevention and regular backups remain the most effective strategies against data loss.

How Vulcan Ransomware infects computers

Vulcan Ransomware is a malicious software that infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive methods such as phishing emails, which often contain harmful attachments or links. These emails can masquerade as legitimate communications, tricking users into downloading malware-laden files. Another common infection vector is through compromised websites or malicious ads that exploit vulnerabilities in web browsers or outdated software, redirecting unsuspecting users to sites that automatically download the ransomware. Additionally, cybercriminals may bundle Vulcan with pirated software, keygens, or crack tools, preying on users who download software from unreliable sources. Once on a system, Vulcan swiftly encrypts files, appending the “.vulcan” extension, and then demands a ransom in Bitcoin, exploiting the victim’s need to restore their inaccessible data. Prevention relies heavily on maintaining up-to-date software, exercising caution with email attachments and downloads, and using robust security tools to detect and block suspicious activities.

1. Download Vulcan Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .vulcan 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 Vulcan Ransomware

Vulcan Ransomware files:


pop-up window
{randomname}.exe


Vulcan Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .vulcan files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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