How to remove WhiteHorse Ransomware and decrypt .WhiteHorse files

What is WhiteHorse Ransomware

WhiteHorse Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt files on an infected system and extort money from victims in exchange for decryption. Once this ransomware infiltrates a computer, it modifies the filenames by appending the .WhiteHorse extension. For instance, if you have a file named document.jpg, it will be renamed to document.jpg.WhiteHorse, rendering it inaccessible without the decryption key. The ransomware utilizes strong encryption algorithms, making it nearly impossible to decrypt the files without a unique decryption key, which is held by the cybercriminals behind the ransomware. After encrypting the files, WhiteHorse Ransomware creates a ransom note named #Decrypt#.txt within each folder containing the encrypted files.

This note provides victims with instructions on how to contact the attackers via Skype or ICQ to negotiate the decryption of their files, often demanding payment in cryptocurrency. Unfortunately, there are no known decryption tools publicly available for this ransomware due to the sophisticated encryption it employs. Thus, decrypting files with the .WhiteHorse extension without paying the ransom or having a backup is currently impossible. It is generally advised against paying the ransom as there is no guarantee the attackers will provide the decryption key, and this act only encourages further criminal activity.

How WhiteHorse Ransomware infects computers

WhiteHorse Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through a variety of deceptive methods. One common vector is phishing emails, where unsuspecting users are tricked into downloading malicious attachments or clicking on harmful links that initiate the ransomware download. Additionally, WhiteHorse can spread via software cracking tools, which are often downloaded from unreliable sources and contain hidden malware. Cybercriminals also exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, using fake software updates to distribute the ransomware. Once installed, WhiteHorse encrypts files on the victim’s machine, appending a “.WhiteHorse” extension, and demands a ransom for decryption. It is crucial for users to maintain updated software, exercise caution with email attachments, and avoid downloading from unverified sources to mitigate the risk of such infections.

1. Download WhiteHorse Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .WhiteHorse 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 WhiteHorse Ransomware

WhiteHorse Ransomware files:


#Decrypt#.txt
{randomname}.exe


WhiteHorse Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .WhiteHorse files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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