How to remove AttackFiles Ransomware and decrypt .attackfiles files

What is AttackFiles Ransomware

Ransomware remains one of the most formidable threats in the cybersecurity landscape, with AttackFiles Ransomware emerging as a significant player. This article delves into the intricacies of AttackFiles ransomware, including its infection methods, the file extensions it employs, its encryption techniques, the ransom note it generates, the availability of decryption tools, and methods for decrypting affected files. Upon infection, AttackFiles ransomware encrypts files and appends the .attackfiles extension to their names. For instance, a file named document.pdf would be renamed to document.pdf.attackfiles following encryption. This ransomware can employ both symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic algorithms to lock data, making unauthorized decryption exceedingly challenging. The ransom note, typically named How_to_back_files.html, is created in each folder containing encrypted files. This note informs victims that their network has been compromised and demands a ransom for file decryption. The note aims to coerce victims into paying by threatening the permanent loss of their data.

As of the latest information, there are no publicly available decryption tools specifically designed for AttackFiles ransomware. The absence of such tools leaves victims with limited options for recovering their encrypted files. Paying the ransom is highly discouraged as it does not guarantee file recovery and further incentivizes cybercriminals. Given the lack of a dedicated decryption tool for AttackFiles ransomware, victims are advised to explore alternative recovery methods. These include:

Restoring from Backups: The most reliable way to recover encrypted files is by restoring them from backups stored on separate devices or cloud services not connected to the network during the attack.
Shadow Copies: If enabled, Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) may allow the recovery of previous versions of encrypted files.
Data Recovery Software: In some cases, specialized data recovery tools can partially recover data from encrypted files, although success rates vary. You can try Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
Ransomware Identification Services: Services like ID Ransomware can help identify the specific ransomware variant and inform victims about the availability of any known decryption tools or methods

AttackFiles ransomware exemplifies the continuous evolution of ransomware threats, employing sophisticated encryption methods and aggressive extortion tactics. Without specific decryption tools available, prevention and preparedness, including regular data backups and robust cybersecurity measures, remain the best defense against such attacks. Victims should refrain from paying ransoms and consult cybersecurity professionals for potential recovery options.

How AttackFiles Ransomware infects computers

AttackFiles ransomware, a variant within the MedusaLocker ransomware family, primarily spreads through phishing and social engineering techniques. These methods deceive users into executing the ransomware inadvertently. AttackFiles can masquerade as legitimate files, such as archives (RAR, ZIP), executables (.exe, .run), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote), JavaScript, and more. The malware exploits vulnerabilities through backdoor/loader-type trojans, drive-by downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., unofficial file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks), malicious attachments/links in spam, malvertising, online scams, pirated software/media, illegal activation tools (“cracks”), and fake updates. It can also self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices.

1. Download AttackFiles Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .attackfiles 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 AttackFiles Ransomware

AttackFiles Ransomware files:


How_to_back_files.html
{randomname}.exe


AttackFiles Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .attackfiles files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .attackfiles files. Download it here:

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 .attackfiles 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 AttackFiles 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 .attackfiles 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.

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 AttackFiles Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. AttackFiles 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.