How to remove Midnight Ransomware and decrypt .Midnight files

What is Midnight Ransomware

Midnight Ransomware is a dangerous file-encrypting malware strain identified as part of the Babuk ransomware family, discovered during active research on malicious file submissions to VirusTotal. It is designed to illegally extort victims by encrypting all accessible files on an infected system, rendering user data unusable and then demanding a hefty ransom for restoration. Once activated, Midnight Ransomware systematically renames every targeted file by appending the .Midnight extension, so, for example, a file named invoice.pdf would become invoice.pdf.Midnight. This aggressive malware utilizes robust cryptographic algorithms, typically leveraging a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption, which makes decryption nearly impossible without a private key stored on the attackers’ remote servers. When the encryption process concludes, the victim will find a ransom note named How To Restore Your Files.txt dropped into affected folders. This note informs users that their files are locked and threatens permanent data loss or public data leaks unless instructions are followed and payment is made within a few days, with late payment resulting in a higher ransom.

No legitimate decryption tools currently exist for .Midnight files, due to the strength and sophistication of its cryptographic routines. Cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies strongly advise against paying the ransom, since there is no guarantee files will be restored and ransom payments fuel further criminal activities. Victims often attempt to identify the ransomware using ID Ransomware or similar services by uploading the ransom note or an encrypted file, but unfortunately, there are still no free decryption programs available for .Midnight encryption due to the algorithm’s resilience and unique victim key generation. The only safe method to recover lost data is by restoring from clean, pre-infection backups isolated from the infected system; recovery via data recovery tools like Recuva may work in rare cases where files were deleted instead of encrypted, but offers limited chances of success. Actively searching for or using “universal” decryption tools can further corrupt data, especially if the malware is still present. Maintaining robust backups in multiple secure locations is essential for protection. For now, completely eliminating the threat with reputable anti-malware tools and reporting the attack to proper authorities are the highest priority after infection, as actual decryption remains impossible without the attackers’ unique decryption key.

How Midnight Ransomware infects computers

Midnight Ransomware primarily infiltrates computers through various deceptive methods, capitalizing on unsuspecting users. Cybercriminals often employ phishing tactics, sending emails with malicious attachments or links that, when opened, execute the ransomware payload. These emails are designed to appear legitimate, luring victims into a false sense of security. Additionally, ransomware can spread via drive-by downloads from compromised websites, where simply visiting a site can trigger the automatic download and execution of malicious software. Peer-to-peer sharing networks, unofficial software download sites, and pirated content are also common vectors, as they often bundle malware with seemingly benign files. Once inside a system, Midnight Ransomware encrypts files and demands a ransom for their decryption, threatening further data breaches or leaks if its demands are not met.

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

Midnight Ransomware files:


How To Restore Your Files.txt
{randomname}.exe


Midnight Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Midnight files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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