How to remove D7k Ransomware and decrypt .D7k files

What is D7k Ransomware

D7k is the name of a recently-discovered ransomware infection. Alike other infections within this category it is designed to encrypt system-stored data and extort money for its decryption from victims. During encryption, all targetted files will get .D7k extension and reset their icons to blank. As a result, users will no longer be able to access their files, even after manually removing the newly assigned extension. Once successful encryption gets to its finish, the virus creates a text file called note.txt, which contains decryption guidelines.

The note contains a short text demanding 500$ dollars for file decryption. This amount is to be sent to the bitcoin wallet attached by cybercriminals. The message does not include any communication channels, which makes the decryption process ambiguous. Paying the ransom is not recommended because many cybercriminals fool their victims and do not send promised decryption means in return. However, in this case, it appears to be even riskier due to the lack of any communication channels to contact the extortionists. Despite this, cybercriminals are usually the only figures able to unlock access to data completely and safely. The moment this article was written, no public third-party tools are known to bypass the ciphers assigned by D7k Ransomware. Decryption using third-party tools or windows shadow copies using is possible only in rare cases when the ransomware is flawed or accidentally faulted during its operation for whatever reason. Otherwise, the only ways to recover your data are either by collaborating with ransomware developers or retrieving data from existing backup copies. Backups are copies of data stored on external devices such as USB drives, external hard drives, or SSDs.

It is always safer to use backups copies instead of paying the attackers. As mentioned, cybercriminals may not provide any promised decryption tools/keys even after obtaining the payment. Thus, it is always advised to create regular backups so that it can be recovered in case of unexpected loss or ransomware infection. Before starting manual recovery without the involvement of cybercriminals, it is essential to delete the ransomware virus from your system so that it does not impact other files or spread to neighboring systems connected to the same network. Even if you choose to collaborate with them to decrypt files, it is still important to make sure the ransomware is uninstalled from the system afterwards. Use our guide to perform remove D7k Ransomware and protect your system against such threats in the future.

How D7k Ransomware infected your computer

An unprotected system can become a target for ransomware in a number of ways – e.g., via phishing e-mail letters, unprotected RDP configuration, infected software installers (pirated or cracked), exploit kits, trojans, fake updates/license cracking tools, unreliable ads, backdoors, keyloggers, and other dubious channels. Keep in mind that most such channels are designed specifically to trick users into downloading and opening some malicious file or link. One example is fraudulent e-mails that often disguise harmful attachments as legitimate and genuine files, such as .DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF, .EXE, .ZIP, .RAR, or .JS. Such messages tend to mimic templates of trustworthy organizations (e.g., delivery companies, tax authorities, banks, and so forth) to look legitimate.

You should always be careful wherever you are on the web: avoid interacting with shady download resources, torrent-sharing websites, dubious ads, potentially malicious attachments/links, and other types of content that may seem suspicious or compromised. Rely on downloading software only from official and trusted resources. You can also check out our guide below for more practical ways and advice on how to protect your system from ransomware and other types of malware in the future.

1. Download D7k Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .D7k 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 D7k Ransomware

D7k Ransomware files:


note.txt
{randomname}.exe


D7k Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .D7k files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .D7k 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 .D7k 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 D7k 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 .D7k 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.

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 is no items in the list choose 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 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 D7k 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. D7k 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.